Providence and Rhode Island State Police on High Alert for Rioting

Providence and Rhode Island State Police on High Alert for Rioting

Rhode Island public safety officials are on high alert on Monday in Providence, following days of violence across the country.

Close to 60 police vehicles and officers — both Providence Police and Rhode Island State Police — are currently stationed around the State House, Providence Place Mall, and Providence Amtrak train station. 

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“We’re hearing what people are seeing on social media and just prepping up,” Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements told GoLocalProv shortly after 10 PM.

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Clements said he could not elaborate on the nature of the threats. 

There were rumors Monday that a “Providence looting” was planned for late Monday evening in Providence. 

On Sunday night, the Downtown Crossing area in Boston was hit with rioting and looting beginning about 9:45 PM. Seven Boston Police officers were injured and 40 people were arrested.

More developing. 

This story was first published Monday at 10:26 PM