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UPDATE: Madison protests turn violent, 75 State Street businesses damaged, looted (WI)
Channel 3000 News ^ | May 31, 2020 | Stephanie Fryer

Posted on 05/31/2020 8:09:42 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin

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.

Madison police formed a line to push the group back and used tear gas to try and disburse crowds. Our crews on scene said crowds continued to grow Saturday night despite police efforts.

Madison police arrested three people Saturday night, but will use video taken Saturday identify future suspects.

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.

Video of Floyd’s time in custody has angered people across the country. Violent protests also took place in Minneapolis, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Philadelphia this weekend.

The video shows a former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, pressing his knee into Floyd’s neck. Floyd can be heard saying “I can’t breathe.”

Chauvin has been arrested on third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter charges. Three other officers with the Minneapolis Police Department were fired. They have not been charged as of Sunday morning.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Crime/Corruption; Government; US: Wisconsin
KEYWORDS: civilunrest; crime; looting; riot; wisconsin
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To: alloysteel

“This is a well-financed, highly mobile and dedicated flash mob intentionally turned upon those places where they are completely certain the local mayors and governors will surrender to their demands, and tell the police forces, sheriffs, and state militia to stand down.”

Well said!

My thoughts, exactly.


21 posted on 05/31/2020 11:17:05 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: Ellendra

I don’t doubt that at all, even though we watched the live newscast from 4pm until after 10pm, and there wasn’t a MAGA hat in the crowd. :)


22 posted on 05/31/2020 11:18:38 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: trebb

They ransacked a clothing store on State Street, and they were dragging mannequins down the street. It was pretty hilarious.


23 posted on 05/31/2020 11:20:11 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin
"Madison protests turn violent, 75 State Street businesses damaged, looted (WI)

Madison riots are becoming a habit


24 posted on 05/31/2020 12:31:41 PM PDT by clearcarbon
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

Couldn’t happen to a nicer den of Commie snakes...


25 posted on 05/31/2020 5:34:55 PM PDT by kiryandil (Chris Wallace: Because someone has to drive the Clown Car)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

If those Yankees weren’t so ignorant and racist this wouldn’t be happening. Stupid bumpkins.


26 posted on 05/31/2020 5:38:27 PM PDT by The Toll
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To: The Toll
OK, I KNOW you've GOT to be kidding!

Wisconsin was forefront in ending slavery and we were a landing spot for The Underground Railroad and then we helped them on to FREEDOM in Canada, Eh! ;)

As a matter of FACT, it should be unlawful for any 'Black Lives Matter' pukes to riot and protest in ANY state that assisted in The Underground Railroad!

IRONICALLY, blacks have been rioting and burning down the house in Milwaukee, WI This weekend. Talk about IGNORANT of any facts!

27 posted on 05/31/2020 9:04:37 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

Can’t help myself - did any of them have cheesy grins?


28 posted on 06/01/2020 2:57:23 AM PDT by trebb (Don't howl about illegal leeches, or Trump in general, while not donating to FR - it's hypocritical.)
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To: trebb

29 posted on 06/01/2020 4:38:23 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

We need pics of that....dummies dragging dummies.

Oh, the memes there will be!


30 posted on 06/01/2020 4:43:41 AM PDT by Jane Long (Praise God, from whom ALL blessings flow.)
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To: Diana in Wisconsin

Dang but that looks good enough to eat!


31 posted on 06/01/2020 7:37:06 AM PDT by trebb (Don't howl about illegal leeches, or Trump in general, while not donating to FR - it's hypocritical.)
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