Madison protests turn violent, 75 State Street businesses damaged, looted

[milestogo]

MADISON, Wis. — Madison became the latest city to see violence spread through its downtown, as people met Saturday to protest the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed in police custody in Minneapolis last week.

Around 75 buildings on State Street were damaged or looted Saturday night, as well as other businesses on both sides of the city, according to the Madison Police Department.

The violence started as an earlier downtown protest ended. Thousands gathered at the Wisconsin State Capitol around noon to advocate for justice for Floyd. These protesters remained peaceful and marched to the Dane County Jail and the former home of Tony Robinson, an unarmed black teen shot and killed by an officer with the Madison Police Department five years ago.

Police said as this crowd began dispersing, a group of 150 people remained in the State Street area and began damaging property.

Members of this group smashed windows of many businesses, including Goodman’s Jewelers and Urban Outfitters. Businesses on both the east and west sides of Madison were also looted, including both East and West Towne Malls.

One MPD squad car was broken into, driven a short distance, then set on fire, police said. Two rifles were also stolen from the vehicle before it was destroyed. Several other squad cars were also damaged during the protests. One Madison police officer was injured during the violent protests and other responding officers had rocks, chairs and other objects thrown at them. Police said many were struck by these objects but avoid serious injury due to protective equipment.

More story, videos and pictures at link: https://www.channel3000.com/watch-live-downtown-madison-protests-turn-violent/

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway has declared a state of emergency and curfew for the city which went into effect early Sunday morning. The curfew began at 12:01 a.m. and lasts until 5 a.m. Sunday. Another curfew will begin again at 9:30 p.m. Sunday and last until 5 a.m. Monday.


Wow, just wow.

[mr_lebowski]

1. "One MPD squad car was broken into, driven a short distance, then set on fire, police said"

So they're leaving cop cars unattended with the keys and unlocked rifles in them?

That seems unwise given the circumstances.

I mean I understand empty police cars with rifles in them, but the keys should not be there, and any rifles securely locked to the car.

[milestogo]

3. It was heartening to read that hundreds of volunteers showed up on State Street this morning

to clean the place up.

[riversedge]

4. I lived in Madison for years. Miss it so much.