Many of the anarchists and radical activists engaging in rioting and looting across the country are, ostensibly, doing so to protest police brutality and racism. But the long-term economic consequences of this destruction will only further the racial inequity rioters detest.

The rioting and looting have drowned out the underlying tragedy that prompted it — the tragic death of an innocent black man, George Floyd, at the hands of reckless police officers. There is no excuse for the cop who killed Floyd. But also consequential is the economic damage and the property destruction from the violent unrest that has almost certainly disproportionately hurt minorities and minority-owned businesses.