Rioting or participating in a riot generally means the assembly of multiple persons resulting in conduct that (1) creates an immediate danger of damage to property or injury to persons; (2) substantially obstructs law enforcement or other governmental functions or services; (3) is tumultuous or violent and likely to cause public alarm; or (4) deprives any person of a legal right or disturbs any person in the enjoyment of a legal right by using force or the threat of force.

Rioting laws vary from state to state and some states have related offenses such as inciting a riot, unlawful assembly, failing to disperse, and disturbing the peace. These laws are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Missouri, rioting and related offenses are covered under Missouri Revised Statutes, specifically in Chapter 574 which deals with offenses against public order. Rioting is defined under Section 574.050, where it is considered a class A misdemeanor when a person knowingly assembles with six or more other persons and agrees with them to violate any of Missouri's criminal laws with force or violence. The statute also covers the offense of 'Refusal to Disperse' under Section 574.060, which occurs when a person knowingly fails to comply with a lawful order to disperse from a law enforcement officer during a riot or unlawful assembly, and this is considered a class B misdemeanor. Additionally, 'Promoting Civil Disorder' is addressed under Section 574.115, which can be a felony or misdemeanor depending on the circumstances. These laws are designed to maintain public order and safety by penalizing those who participate in or incite violent or disruptive gatherings.