Violent anti-police rioters attacked law enforcement officials in Philadelphia on Monday night, injuring 30 officers in response to police killing a man who approached them with a knife earlier in the day.
The rioters were “throwing rocks and bricks at police” while others were engaged in “looting or vandalizing businesses,” NBC Philadelphia reported. “At least 30 police officers were hurt, police said. One was hospitalized, a 56-year-old sergeant who was struck by a pickup truck at 52nd and Walnut streets early Tuesday. Her leg was broken, among other injuries, police said.”
Journalist Andy Ngo, an expert in tracking far-left extremist groups, tweeted out a video from the violent riots, claiming that it was a Black Lives Matter riot.
“At the Philadelphia BLM riot, a cop got hit or run over by a speeding vehicle,” Ngo wrote.
At the Philadelphia BLM riot, a cop got hit or run over by a speeding vehicle. pic.twitter.com/S12XuEoNAi
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) October 27, 2020
Ngo noted that the violent rioters also torched at least one police vehicle.
Video of the police vehicle that was set on fire in Philadelphia by BLM rioters. pic.twitter.com/vgpIe1mw3q
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) October 27, 2020
NBC Philadelphia reported yesterday afternoon on the incident that led to the riots. Police were called to neighborhood over reports of a man with a weapon. The man, 27-year-old Walter Wallace, was holding a knife when police arrived.
The report stated:
One video posted on Instagram shows Wallace walking toward the officers while a woman, who a witness identified as Wallace’s mother, tries to stop him. Two armed police officers back away from Wallace and tell him at least twice to “put the knife down” though it’s unclear from the video whether or not Wallace is holding a knife.
As Wallace continues to approach the officers, the camera briefly points downward and the sounds of several gunshots are heard as the police open fire. The camera then rises again, showing Wallace motionless on the ground as his mother runs toward him, screaming hysterically.
Maurice Holloway, a witness, told NBC10 he helped officers place Wallace in the police car that rushed him to the hospital.
“My prayers are with the family and friends of Walter Wallace,” Mayor Jim Kenney said in a statement. “I have watched the video of this tragic incident and it presents difficult questions that must be answered. I spoke tonight with Mr. Wallace’s family, and will continue to reach out to hear their concerns first-hand, and to answer their questions to the extent that I am able. The Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Unit of PPD will conduct a full investigation. I look forward to a speedy and transparent resolution for the sake of Mr. Wallace, his family, the officers, and for Philadelphia.”
Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw added, “I have directed the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Unit to begin its investigation. I recognize that the video of the incident raises many questions. Residents have my assurance that those questions will be fully addressed by the investigation. While at the scene this evening, I heard and felt the anger of the community. Everyone involved will forever be impacted. I will be leaning on what the investigation gleans to answer the many unanswered questions that exist. I also plan to join the Mayor in meeting with members of the community and members of Mr. Wallace’s family to hear their concerns as soon as it can be scheduled.”
This report has been updated to include additional information.