Protest Smart

The Night the Air Turned to Fire

It starts the same way every time.

Chants bounce off brick walls. Sirens howl somewhere down the block. The crowd swells, hearts loud, voices louder. Then the wind shifts—and suddenly your eyes feel like they’ve been dunked into a vat of molten peppers.

This is not panic time.

This is survival time.

This is your guide.

Not legal advice. Not a call to action. Just street-level truth: how to protect your body, your rights, and your dignity when things get spicy.

PART I: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS (BEFORE THE FIRST SIREN)

Because the scariest thing isn’t the spray.

It’s not knowing what happens next.

Your Core Rights (U.S.)

You generally have the right to:

• Assemble peacefully
• Hold signs
• Chant
• Record police in public
• Remain silent

These apply on public streets, sidewalks, and parks.

They do not always apply on private property or restricted areas.

When in doubt: assume the rules are tighter than you think. As we have all learned in this new climate of brute force anti-protest measures, a simple mistake can be costly.

The Two Questions That Matter

If an officer approaches:

“Am I being detained, or am I free to go?”

If you’re free — walk away calmly. I might be tempting to hurl angry words but resist the temptation.

If you’re detained:

“I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”

Then stop talking. No matter what. Do not say a single word more until you are in front of a lawyer.

No stories. No jokes. No clarifying. It doesn't matter what they think. Don't give them words to twist about.

Silence is protection.

Do You Have to Show ID?

It depends on your state.

In many places:

You don’t have to show ID unless lawfully detained or arrested.

You always have the right to ask why you’re being detained.

Recording Police

In most states:

You may record police in public as long as you don’t interfere with their duties.

Say calmly:

“I am recording for my own safety.”

PART II: IF THE AIR CATCHES FIRE (PEPPER SPRAY FIRST AID)

It hits like betrayal.

Your eyes slam shut. Your throat tightens. Your face is burning like it’s been branded.

Here’s what to do.

1. Move to Fresh Air

Go upwind and away from the spray cloud.

2. Flush With Water

Lots of it.

Blink while water runs over your eyes. Rinse your face and exposed skin.

No soap in eyes.

No rubbing.

3. What Helps

• Cool water
• Saline
• Baby shampoo on skin (not eyes)

What Doesn’t

• Milk
• Vinegar
• Alcohol
• Citrus
• Oils of any kind

These just make the burn last longer.

4. Breathing Through It

Breathe slowly through your mouth. In and out. Just focus on your breathing.

Step into the open air wherever you can find an opening.

Use a lightly damp cloth over your nose to

If you can’t breathe → seek medical help immediately.

The pain fades. The story stays. Sometimes, that story carries far more weight than anticipated in the heat of the moment.

PART III: WHAT TO BRING

• ID (if you choose to or are required to carry it.)
• Emergency contact written on your arm
• Cash
• Fully charged phone + battery pack
• Mask or goggles
• Water
• Gloves
• Legal hotline number

Do not bring:

Weapons, illegal substances, or anything you wouldn’t want logged into a police report or evidence locker.

Final Word

Protest is pressure.

Pressure changes things.

But you don’t have to sacrifice your safety—or your rights—to be heard.

Know your power.

Protect your body.

Keep your eyes open.

Even when they’re on fire.