Here’s a new twist. Did anyone stop to think that perhaps the gang members are protecting those places so they can return later and get the stuff for themselves? (I know that is reaching a bit).
I don’t doubt that they extracted payment in one form or another.
It’s old-school gang tactics. “Hey, look how we helped you this time. It would be a shame if we weren’t here to help next time.” $$$
Occurred to me it was a day late, same thing. The black business’ may all be emptied out.
So many leftist headaches in this whole thing. My favorite is the drumbeat of "we need strong men in this community" and "these kids don't have fathers."
So... in the gay marriage debate, a father isn't that important... in business and social life, men (especially strong men) are seen as anti-feminist. But, suddenly, when everything goes to hell, the absence of men is causing the problems.
That is not at all an unreasonable theory.