The editor of the progressive outlet “Indy Week” in North Carolina learned the hard way, last weekend, that nefarious individuals were using national anti-racism protests as cover for violence after rioters broke into her office, forcing her to take shelter in the basement as they ransacked the newsroom.
The Post Millennial reports Leigh Tauss, “an editor for the progressive news outlet Indy Week in North Carolina, was stunned to find that the protesters-turned-rioters did not look favorably upon her business when they swept the area.”
She reported on some protests in Raleigh, North Carolina, early on Saturday, noting that they were “extremely peaceful” and that “many are wearing masks and trying to keep a distance,” observing anti-coronavirus measures.
The crowd is extremely peaceful and groups and many are wearing masks and trying to keep distance. #Raleigh #GeorgeFloydprotest pic.twitter.com/1XgZc3nuvp
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) May 30, 2020
Later on, though, Tauss’s attitude changed. In Raleigh, as in many other cities, the protests quickly gave way to rioting as a separate element of rabble-rouser took over, using the massive gatherings as cover to riot and loot. The “Indy Week,” which certainly supports the protests, was, much to Tauss’s shock, one of many small businesses targeted in the destruction.
“I went into the hallway. I heard someone l enter the office and what sounded like smashing inside. We are a small newspaper with a handful of desktops. I’m now hiding in the basement,” Tauss tweeted.
I went into the hallway. I heard someone l enter the office and what sounded like smashing inside. We are a small newspaper with a handful of desktops. I’m now hiding in the basement.
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) May 31, 2020
Fortunately, Tauss emerged from the ordeal unscathed, which is more than can be said for “Indy Week.” And the next morning, Tauss was very confused as to why the alternative newspaper was targeted, attacked, and defaced, given how committed the publication is to social justice.
I’m devastated. We are a progressive newspaper. Last night I was inside when the first brick was thrown #Raleigh pic.twitter.com/MJvPdscyqf
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) May 31, 2020
She then began reporting on the extensive damage.
Several business with windows smashed in Wilmington street. All the wreckage from last night was cleaned up this morning. #Raleigh pic.twitter.com/MQvYEqo0lx
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) June 1, 2020
Later on, though, she seemed confused as to why Raleigh police officers were taking an aggressive stance toward “protesters” after darkness fell in North Carolina.
Not sure why, but dozens of officers just charged at the few remaining protesters. Smoke bombs and fireworks go off in the street #Raleigh pic.twitter.com/ur2sp8UaHP
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) June 1, 2020
Tauss’s experience is not unique. A number of progressives wondered aloud on social media about why the protests had turned destructive.
Some, like ESPN reporter Chris Palmer, had epiphanies in real-time as the looting and rioting moved ever closer to their neighborhoods. After tweeting “Burn it down,” in response to Minneapolis protesters torching the city’s 3rd district police headquarters, Palmer did a 180-degree turn, excoriating rioters for attacking his “sister neighborhood” in Minneapolis and destroying a Starbucks, eventually calling the rioters, “animals.”
“They just attacked our sister community down the street,” Palmer tweeted. “It’s a gated community and they tried to climb the gates. They had to beat them back. Then destroyed a Starbucks and are now in front of my building. Get these animals TF out of my neighborhood. Go back to where you live.”
Rioting and looting were largely out of control earlier this week, but far fewer incidents occurred Wednesday night, leaving some major cities to believe some of the more nefarious elements are under tenuous control. More protests are planned for Thursday and throughout the weekend.
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