Expand / Collapse search
☰

National Guard arrives as citywide looting, riots continue in Philadelphia

By
Updated  June 2, 2020 1:41am EDT
Death of George Floyd
FOX 29 Philadelphia

National Guard presence at Philadelphia protests adds to pressure in Center City

FOX 29's Jeff Cole reports.

PHILADELPHIA - The National Guard has begun to arrive in Philadelphia to help quell the unrest as citywide looting and riot continued into Monday. 

“The Pennsylvania National Guard is ready to provide safety and protection to our communities,” said Maj. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania. “Our troops are trained to protect life, preserve property and ensure people’s right to peacefully demonstrate.” 

What began as peaceful protests for Justice for George Floyd turned into a dangerous spread of violence and rioting. 

Two days of unprecedented violence emerged and ultimately resulted in the city being shut down -- with access restricted and a curfew imposed for 6 p.m. 

FULL COVERAGE: DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD

In the city, rioting and looting continued to run rampant. Looters ransacked businesses in Kensington and Port Richmond, and sometimes even fought with each other over the stolen merchandise.

In West Philadelphia, several police cruisers were vandalized and set on fire. Looters broke into a corner drug store and a discount items shop on 52nd Street. During a press briefing Sunday night Managing Director Brian Abernathy reported five officers were hurt during the rioting.

Despite a mandatory citywide curfew, which was moved up from 8 p.m. to 6 p.m., looters and demonstrators remained in the streets. Peaceful protesters lead a march down Broad Street near Oxford Avenue.

National Guard arrives in Philadelphia

FOX 29's Steve Keeley reports on the presence of the National Guard at City Hall.

RELATED COVERAGE: 

For the latest local news, sports and weather, download the FOX 29 News app.

DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP