One of the largest riots in Wichita history, prompting investigations at local, state, and national levels into law enforcement conduct.
Key Facts
- Date
- Easter Sunday, April 15, 1979
- Law-enforcement personnel
- 500 officers
- Concert attendees
- 3,500 people
- Injuries
- Over 50 persons
- Arrests
- Over 80 persons
- Venue
- Herman Hill Park, Wichita, Kansas
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A rock concert at Herman Hill Park on Easter Sunday 1979 drew approximately 3,500 attendees. The large crowd prompted a significant law-enforcement response, with 500 officers from Wichita and surrounding jurisdictions deployed, creating conditions for a volatile confrontation.
A confrontation erupted between law-enforcement personnel and concert attendees at Herman Hill Park. Officers deployed tear gas and discharged firearms. The clash resulted in over 50 injuries among police and civilians alike, and more than 80 arrests, making it one of the largest riots in Wichita's history.
The riot drew national attention and generated political and legal controversy. Local, state, and federal authorities launched investigations, and the event raised serious questions about the conduct of law enforcement in the Wichita area, prompting ongoing public and official scrutiny.
Political Outcome
Over 80 arrests made; investigations launched at local, state, and national levels into law enforcement conduct; major political and legal controversy ensued.