What constitutes a riot according to state penal law?

The correct option is grounded in the definition of a riot under state penal law, which emphasizes the disruption of public peace caused by an assembly of individuals. A riot is characterized not merely by the number of people present but by their conduct and the resulting impact on public order. When a group of individuals assembles in a way that leads to public disruption—whether through threatening behavior, violence, or other forms of disorder—they are effectively committing a riot under the law.

This definition helps to ensure that the focus is on the actions of the individuals involved and the consequences of those actions on the community. Therefore, the key element is the manner in which the group disrupts peace, rather than simply the size of the gathering or the nature of the protest. This highlights the law's intent to maintain public order and safety, making option B the correct answer in this context.