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 Oregon, rioting is defined under ORS 166.015 and is considered a Class C felony. The law states that a person commits the crime of riot if, while participating with five or more other persons, the individual engages in tumultuous and violent conduct and thereby intentionally or recklessly creates a grave risk of causing public alarm. This definition aligns with the general description of rioting, which includes creating immediate danger to persons or property, substantially obstructing law enforcement, being tumultuous or violent, or depriving someone of a legal right through force or threat of force. Related offenses, such as inciting a riot, unlawful assembly, and failing to disperse, are also covered under Oregon's criminal statutes. These laws are designed to maintain public order and safety by penalizing those who engage in or promote such disruptive and violent activities.