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 Rhode Island, rioting and related offenses are addressed under Title 11 (Criminal Offenses) of the Rhode Island General Laws. Specifically, Chapter 11-45 outlines various offenses including Riot, Failure to Disperse, and Disorderly Conduct. Under Rhode Island law, a person commits the crime of riot if they knowingly participate in an assembly of three or more persons, which results in conduct that creates an immediate danger of damage to property or injury to persons, substantially obstructs law enforcement or other governmental functions, or is tumultuous or violent and likely to cause public alarm. Related offenses such as inciting a riot, unlawful assembly, and failure to disperse are also criminalized. These laws are designed to maintain public order and safety by penalizing behavior that threatens to disrupt social and governmental operations. Penalties for these offenses can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the actions and the specific charges brought against an individual.