How else does letting the rioters loot a liquor store, streaming online for the whole world to see, make any sense? That could've been stopped from the helicopter overhead.
Another aspect is that Baltimore has actually done a wonderful job refurbishing and redefining itself for tourists. I'm wondering if someone wants to buy up all those improved properties at reduced prices. It doesn't look like the chaos affected them.
Other cities will be thinking: How can we get one of those profitable riots in our city.