NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Protests in Brooklyn over a deadly police-involved shooting of Walter Wallace, Jr. in Philadelphia turned violent, leading to more than two dozen arrests.
As CBS2’s John Dias reports, an ATM vestibule remains decimated as a nearby clothing store on Atlantic Avenue was boarded up Wednesday morning, sending sounds of power drills around Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.
It’s the aftermath of a different, more frantic scene Tuesday night in the neighborhood, when police in riot gear tried to get ahold of protestors.
DEVELOPING: Police say more than 30 people were arrested overnight in Brooklyn, during protests for #WalterWallaceJr. They allegedly caused significant damage at numerous locations. pic.twitter.com/DAP9q6jhOb
— John Dias (@JohnBDias) October 28, 2020
Cops smashed the window of a car, but failed to stop the driver from plowing through an NYPD officer line. No one was seriously injured.
Police cars were spray painted, businesses vandalized, people also set fires. The NYPD ended up arresting more than 30 people.
The protestors say they’re calling for justice for Walter Wallace, Jr., a Black man who was killed by police officers Monday in Philadalphia.
“I think the protests are very important, I’m sorry about the violence,” said Brooklyn resident Laura Kramer.
CBS PHILLY: Looting Continues For 2nd Night In Philadelphia Following Fatal Police Shooting Of Walter Wallace Jr.
“I can understand why people are mad. Another Black man shot, it doesn’t stop. And I don’t see right now anything that’s stopping from preventing it,” a man named James said.
Wallace’s family says he had a dinner knife on him as he walked towards two officers, with guns drawn, who repeatedly asked him to drop the weapon.
Police say the officers fired at least seven shots each, killing Wallace.
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“I saw a man get gun downed with at least a car length and a half, who was not charging or lunging at police, who was in a mental health crisis,” said Wallace family attorney Shaka Johnson.
Wallace’s father urged protests stay peceful.
“I really feel justice has to be done for my son and to help my family,” Wallace, Sr. said.
Tuesday night in Philadelphia, people were seen looting, and demonstrations continued for a second consecutive night. Police there said Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood has “rapidly gone downhill” and is a “total loss.”
Back in New York City Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio said we should learn from what we saw this summer, and those arrested in New York should be prosecuted.
“No violence in acceptable,” the mayor said. “You can raise problems peacefully”
Police say if your property was damaged in these protests, or if you have any tips about who is responsible for some of the damage, they’d like you to give them a call.
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There are those who protest with good intentions, and those who take advantage of these protests for the purpose of promoting an agenda which has little to nothing to do with police reform or creating a more peaceful society.