VIDEOS: Providence Explodes Into Violence

VIDEOS: Providence Explodes Into Violence

Providence turned violent after midnight as crowds gathered first outside Providence Place Mall and then spread throughout downtown. 

As GoLocal first reported on Monday night, approximately 60 Providence and Rhode Island State Police vehicles were deployed by the State House, Waterplace, and Providence Place Mall area. 

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Rhode Island State Police Colonel James Manni told GoLocal at 4:30 AM, "This was an organized attack on Providence by armed and dangerous individuals. They were not protesters."

"We were prepared, and because of that the damage was mitigated," said Manni.

Individuals involved had flares, gasoline, crowbars, according to Manni. At least two were armed.

In total, Rhode Island State Police, Providence Police, and Massachusetts State Police totaled more than 150.

Police Readied for Riots

At about 10 PM on Monday night, Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements told GoLocal, “We’re hearing what people are seeing on social media and just prepping up."

The crowd, which was predominately white, voiced little about the death of George Floyd. 

Providence Place Mall was broken into. Manni said that rioters wanted to burn the Mall, but Providence and State Police Swat teams removed them from the building.

Stores along Washington and Westminster Streets were vandalized and looted.

Throughout the night Providence and State Police were racing across the city to respond to destruction and looting. Helicopters were brought in to assist law enforcement. 

A Providence Police vehicle located in front of Providence Place Mall was burned.

Police from communities across the state and Massachusetts State Police provided mutual aid.