A protest in California descended into chaos and vandalism, with some “agitators” setting fire to a courthouse.
Approximately 700 demonstrators assembled in Oakland, California, on Saturday night to protest against racism, but parts of the crowd separated from the main group to engage in criminal activity, vandalizing a police station, setting several fires to buildings, and launching fireworks at police officers.
“Fireworks and dangerous projectiles are some of the items agitators used to assault officers. We ask the organizers of tonight’s demonstration to work with us, calling for peace and help us provide safe spaces and safe places for demonstrators,” the Oakland Police Department said in a statement on Twitter.
“We ask organizers of tonight’s protest to help maintain peace. Currently, some demonstrators in the area of 17th & Lakeside are breaking windows and chanting racial slurs at residents,” another message said.
The Alameda County Superior Courthouse set ablaze was reportedly contained shortly after the fire was lit. Photos later released by the Oakland Police Department showed shattered glass from doors and paint on the walls of its station.
We ask organizers of tonight’s protest to help maintain peace. Currently, some demonstrators in the area of 17th & Lakeside are breaking windows and chanting racial slurs at residents. pic.twitter.com/4NZ2rhcMam
— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) July 26, 2020
Fireworks and dangerous projectiles are some of the items agitators used to assault officers. We ask the organizers of tonight’s demonstration to work with us, calling for peace and help us provide safe spaces and safe places for demonstrators. pic.twitter.com/ImpQdquirU
— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) July 26, 2020
This video shows a person knocking down the barricades in front of Police Headquarters after officers called for an unlawful assembly and asked the crowd to disperse. pic.twitter.com/08S5b7IDLo
— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) July 26, 2020
A video released by the department also showed someone knocking down a barricade established by law enforcement. Protests did not immediately discontinue after police declared it an unlawful assembly, prompting officers to warn that they would use chemicals should the crowd not disperse.
Police have made several arrests but did not provide details.
