VIDEO: Rioters Set Police Cruiser on Fire in Providence

VIDEO: Rioters Set Police Cruiser on Fire in Providence

Violent riots broke out in Providence early Tuesday morning, with a Providence police cruiser set on fire shortly after midnight. 

A video recorded by Nathan Jeffrey showed a large crowd gathered around Providence Place Mall confronting a line of police officers.

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At the beginning of the footage, rioters can be seen inciting bystanders to take part in the violence. 

Just after the 40-minute mark, a Providence police cruiser is vandalized — then set on fire. 

Police Readied Hours Before Violence

As GoLocal reported, Rhode Island public safety officials were 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 — were stationed around the State House, Providence Place Mall, and Providence Amtrak train station.