Violent anti-police rioters overwhelmed law enforcement officials in Philadelphia last night, forcing them to retreat.
The rioters, identified by some journalists as Black Lives Matter supporters, attacked the police in response to two police officers who shot a man who approached them while he was allegedly armed with a knife.
WATCH:
Police run away and retreat from a mob of BLM rioters in Philadelphia. pic.twitter.com/mcRONzebDl
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) October 27, 2020
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.”
Other videos from the riot showed at least one police vehicle that had been torched and a police officer who appeared to be run over by a truck.
Philadelphia is a Democratic-controlled city that has a liberal district attorney, Larry Krasner, who is backed by megadonor George Soros.
A separate report yesterday from NBC Philadelphia noted that the incident that touched off the riots occurred when police responded to a call in a neighborhood about a man who was armed 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.