In Denver, anti-police protests turned into a full fledged riot, as they often do.
Somewhere between 75 and 100 rioters set fire to trees, burned the American flag, broke windows, and shot industrial-grade fireworks at police.
Police were forced to use non-lethal chemical munitions to keep the rioters at bay.
At one point, a rioter even threw a bicycle at a police officer.
At least 12 arrests were reported and one officer was injured with a concussion and third-degree burns.
9News covered the story:
DENVER — Police say several people were arrested amid clashes with officers on Saturday night in downtown Denver.
The Denver Police Department said on Saturday night that they had made nine arrests, then said on Sunday that 12 people were arrested and one cited.
A group of about 75 to 100 people gathered outside Denver Police Department (DPD) headquarters Saturday night to call for the abolition of DPD.
A 9NEWS reporter witnessed people setting fire to trees and an American flag, breaking windows and throwing fireworks at officers.
One officer was injured but it's not clear how serious those injuries were, according to DPD.
A downtown Denver Quiznos sandwich shop near the Denver City and County Building had its windows shattered.
In a post circulating online for the "Give em Hell" demonstration, organizers called on participants to "bring your gear."
It calls out a list of government officials including Gov. Jared Polis, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Denver Department of Public Safety Executive Director Murphy Robinson and several Denver City Council members for refusing to address their demands to abolish DPD.
Denver City Councilwoman Candi CdeBaca recently submitted a proposal to replace DPD with an unarmed "peace force," but she was the only person to vote for it at a recent City Council meeting.
“This department is charged with responsibility to actively implement strategies to prevent conflict, reduce violence, and strengthen security and is to do so prioritizing a holistic, anti-racist, public health oriented approach,” a document posted to the Denver City Council website reads.
The protest initially started out small, but escalated quickly.
Rioters burned trees and the American flag.
Police officers were attacked with industrial-grade fireworks.
CBS Denver has more details, including reaction from city leaders:
DENVER (CBS4) – Denver city leaders hosted a news conference on Sunday to discuss arrests and destruction from riots on Saturday night. A group of about 50-75 people rioted outside the Denver Police Department headquarters.
“They brought weapons to the table. They had guns. They brought explosives, axes, machetes, and had one intent purpose and that was to harm our officers,” said Murphy Robinson, Denver’s Public Safety Director. “I want these anarchists to hear me clearly and loudly that this will not be tolerated in our city. You are not welcome here.”
Robinson went on to say the city plans to do everything in its power to stop these violent acts.
“Effective immediately, I’m suspending the Command PR Bond Jail Inmate cap I put in place due to COVID-19 in March,” he said. The cap aimed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the jail.
The group was calling for the department to be abolished.
Multiple buildings suffered damage, such as broken windows. One of those buildings was the Quizno’s at 14th and Cherokee. It was boarded up Sunday morning.
“Last night was a riot in our city,” said Denver Mayor Michael Hancock. “We will not be using the words protest or march. This was a riot.”Some individuals also set fires in front of police headquarters.
“I want to speak to you as a Black man and as a Denver native,” Robinson said. “The narrative that these anarchists are marching for justice for Black lives is frankly false. The public needs to know that you do not represent us. Stop using the color of my skin to tear up my city.”
As usual, Democrats are ignoring the violence.
How many more cities will burn until they finally admit that it's happening?
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