It could be done in a way that wouldn't endanger the crowd. They could also fire them over their heads for a similar effect. I want to scare them away as painlessly as possible. They do need to be afraid though, otherwise it will never stop.
Only if they are shooting in the opposite direction.
Firing over their heads won't prevent someone 'back there' from getting hit--up to a mile+ away.
Fright involves the threat of pain, but it is going to be difficult to get that across without hurting someone.
Those optics will be front page worldwide, especially if they are already doing the fake news thing with the pictures.
Maybe make examples of the rogue media....