Kim Gardner releases all 36 arrested by STL Police

Posted on: June 3, 2020 at 12:10:55 CT

ST. LOUIS — All 36 of the people arrested by St. Louis police during a night of protests, arson and looting have been released from jail, a police spokeswoman said Wednesday.

Two were released after being issued a summons. The remainder were released while police apply for charges or after prosecutors refused charges, the spokeswoman, Michelle Woodling, said in an email.

Police sought charges from Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner in two cases, Gardner spokeswoman Allison Hawk said. Prosecutors refused charges in both cases, asking police to do more follow-up investigation.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt lashed out at Gardner on Twitter Wednesday morning, blaming her for the release. "In a stunning development, our office has learned that every single one of the St. Louis looters and rioters arrested were released back onto the streets by local prosecutor Kim Gardner," he tweeted, along with a video showing a street scene with a burning vehicle and audible gunshots.