The tourists being abused inside the convention center are being HELD HOSTAGE. They cannot leave of their own free will (if they are still alive). Hopefully they will still be alive if the police go in.
Buried in the NY Times:
The police superintendent, Eddie Compass, estimated that perhaps 100 armed people were inside the convention center and that he was considering a plan to restore order there with a force of perhaps 500 police officers and national guardsmen.
Mr. Compass said that some stranded tourists who had sought shelter at the convention center instead found trouble. "The tourists are walking around there and as soon as these individuals see them, they're being preyed upon," he said.
This is so disgusting...it sounds quite organized .I hope that serious force is being arrayed and that after sundown these thugs are put down like dogs.