Violent protests continue in Philadelphia
NewYork, 29th October: Violent protests continued on the second night in Philadelphia after the latest incident when an African-American was killed by the police.
A black man was shot dead by police in Philadelphia just days before the US presidential election, after which hundreds of angry protesters took to the streets. They staged violent protests and looted several shops. Dozens of people, including police officers, have been injured in the protests, while several others have been detained.
The police department warned people on Twitter that a ‘large crowd’ of about 1,000 people was looting shops in the Caster and Aramingo areas. Citizens are therefore advised to refrain from entering the area.
According to an AFP reporter, about 1,000 people had gathered in West Philadelphia and police were using batons to disperse them.
Fresh protests against decades of alleged police brutality against blacks began on Monday, May 25, following the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African-American. A police officer dropped Floyd on his face and put a handcuff on his neck, but kept his neck down with his knees. This caused Floyd to suffocate and die.
The latest incident of tension and violence follows the death of 27-year-old Walter Wallace. Walter’s family says he suffered from mental illness. Police say he told Walter to throw the knife, but when he did not, he was shot.
Hundreds took to the streets Monday night after Walter’s death to protest against police killings. Police used batons to try to disperse the protesters and clubs and dozens of people were injured as a result. The injured include 30 policemen, while police have arrested more than 90 people.
Police spokeswoman Tanya Little said police received a report Monday that a man was holding a weapon. Police officers then arrived in the Crabs Creek area, where they encountered Walter Wallace. He had a knife in his hand. Police told him to throw the knife.
According to a police spokesman, Walter approached the police officers, after which the two officers fired “several times.” Wallace was shot in the shoulder and chest. An officer rushed Wallace to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Protesters against Walter Wallace’s death have accused police of racism and brutality.
Democratic candidate Joe Biden, President Trump’s rival, has called on protesters to remain calm and expressed sympathy for Peter Wallace’s family.
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