Shooting Another Riot Four-peat’s Sake. My skin smells of tear gas and smoke, it hurts to breath, the soles of my running shoes have the glossy sheen of slightly melted rubber and I’m exhausted. In short, I couldn’t have felt better after shooting my fourth riot in four years.

I’ve never lived in a state where riots seem to be an annual rite. In 1996, the Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup win triggered riots in Denver. 1997 saw University of Colorado-Boulder students riot for two days to protest what they deemed was an unfair crackdown on underage drinking. And 1999 saw Bronco fans reenact the riots that followed their team’s Superbowl victory last year.

Hundreds of revelers crammed into downtown Denver even though police had sealed off traffic. Revelers were slam-dancing around make-shift bonfires from Superbowl editions of The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News.

I kept a remarkable cool as people knuckled and kneed me. I was so busy shooting that I’d ignore the searing pain in my feet from standing in a puddle of flames I realized I was in my right element in situations where all hell is breaking loose. “This is why I love photojournalism,” I screamed at my friend as we were slammed around. I knew the relative calm wouldn’t last too long. Ten minutes later, the cops issued their final warning

Denver Bronco fans celebrate in Larimer Square shortly after their team beat the Atlanta Falcons in Superbowl 33 on Sunday, January 31, 1999.

I ran into an alcove as the tear gas was dispersed but the store owners wouldn’t open their doors. I turned to see a cloud of smoke envelop the small enclosure and took a deep breath before slashing through the haze. God, I thought I would be immune to the gas but it took everything out of me and my contact lenses. I ran out to a field, ripped off my jacket and collapsed. Three minutes into the riot and I was ready to call it a night.

I love everything about shooting the riots. I love the adrenaline, the smoke, the way cops have no qualms about dousing members of the media with pepper stray, I love the way people scatter and run after the gas is dispersed, I love the exercise. I spent two hours following the action and then ran to get the film to The Denver Post.

Looters make off with alcohol after breaking into a liqour store.

Tear gas envelops the Capitol Building as police officers on horseback flush out rioters from the downtown area.

Guardian Angels help one of their members to an ambulance after tear gas triggered an asthma attack. The Guardian Angels were protecting a liqour store on Denver's Colfax Ave. from looters.

A Denver Police Officers lunges at a suspect who allegedly threw a brick at a police officer. The suspect was apprehended by Guardian Angel members who were protecting a liquor store on Denver's Colfax Ave.

I’m lucky. A bottle-rocket slammed into my friend’s shoulder and we narrowly dodged flying rocks and mason jars. But four years, four riots and not a single scratch.

People immediately speculated on Elway’s return next year for a three-peat. I secretly hope he sticks to his original plan to retire. It’ll give him, and me, a much needed break next year.

Behind the Viewfinder - A Year in the Life of Photojournalism
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