Vandalism and looting in Providence Monday night
By
Providence endured a night of vandalism,
attempted arson and clashes with the police early Tuesday morning which
resulted in 65 arrests and an unknown amount of property damage. The rioting was in response to the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
“Under a dozen” police officers were
injured, said Providence Police Commissioner Steven Paré,
adding the the injuries were mostly minor. The Providence Police were assisted
by Rhode Island State
Police and police from surrounding communities.
“Last night’s incidents were devastating
for our community who has already experienced so much unrest and pain,” said
Mayor Elorza in a statement. “Violence is never the answer and we need
collective action— one that is productive, not destruction of our small
businesses, who have been impacted so much already and by putting others safety
at risk.
“Now is the time to focus on finding safe ways to be allies with our Black neighbors and to come together to support our business community as they rebuild and we all recover.”
At
about 1am between 200-300 people “all of a sudden” wanted to get into the Providence Place Mall said Commissioner Paré.
But “we were given notice and we were prepared.” 75-100 people got into the
Mall and began vandalizing and looting. Between 12 and 18 businesses were hit,
including some on the second floor.
“Last night wasn’t just an attack on
brick and mortar establishments, it was an attack on the spirit and good name
of our City, said Providence City Council President Sabina Matos. “It was an attack on our neighbors.
It was an attack on the progress so many of us are working to achieve.”
Mayor Elorza said he has been in contact
with Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo about next steps, and will be in
further contact throughout the day.
“We are at a critical moment in American
history, and our actions today can set the course for a more just and equal
society tomorrow,” said Governor Raimondo in a statement. “But if we let
violence give rise to more violence, then that opportunity will be lost. What
happened in Providence last night was unacceptable. It was criminal. It put
lives at risk. And those responsible will be held accountable.
“To those in Rhode Island and around the country who are expressing your outrage and pain through peaceful protest: I hear you. Let’s rise above the hate, rise above the fear, and work to root out racism on an individual and institutional level.”
Steve Ahlquist is a frontline reporter in Rhode Island. He has covered
human rights, social justice, progressive politics and environmental news for
half a decade. Uprise RI is his new project, and he's doing all he can to make
it essential reading. atomicsteve@gmail.com
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