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 Washington State, rioting is addressed under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 9A.84.010, which defines 'riot' as a public disturbance involving an assembly of three or more persons which by tumultuous and violent conduct or the threat thereof creates a grave risk of causing public alarm, or where any participants use or intend to use violence against any person or property. A person is guilty of rioting when he or she knowingly participates in a riot. Rioting is classified as a gross misdemeanor, which can result in penalties including jail time and fines. Related offenses, such as failure to disperse (RCW 9A.84.020) and disorderly conduct (RCW 9A.84.030), are also codified in Washington's penal code. These statutes outline the legal framework for addressing behaviors that disrupt public order, and penalties can vary based on the severity of the offense and the specific circumstances involved.