By: Staff Reporter
Riots ramped up last night after several cities saw an increase in violence and destruction, this despite the additional National Guard and law enforcement presence. Several police stations across the country reported injuries to police officers at the hands of the rioters. Curfews were set and broken early on with continued defiance against law and order.
In Buffalo, New York, a car plowed through a police line sending two police officers to the hospital. According to the official statement made by Major James M. Hall, Troop Commander:
“On June 1, 2020, at approximately 10:00 PM, the NYSP Mobile Field Unit, Special Operations Response Team and Buffalo Police Department Emergency Response Team were located on Bailey Avenue and Decker Street in the city of Buffalo. While clearing E-District on Bailey Avenue, a 2002 Ford Explorer traveling northbound in the southbound lane, failed to stop for the blockade of law enforcement. The Ford Explorer drove through the blockade, striking a Trooper and a Buffalo Police Officer, and running over another Trooper on the ground. Troopers on scene fired shots at the vehicle. The vehicle was apprehended, and the operator and occupants were taken into custody. While taking the operator into custody, Law enforcement observed a gunshot wound. One of the passengers had a gunshot wound, the other had no injuries. The operator and passenger with injuries were taken to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) for non-life threatening injures.”
The Trooper who was run over was treated at ECMC for a shattered pelvis and a broken leg. The other Trooper and Buffalo Police Officer were treated for minor hand/wrist injuries and treated and released.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, an officer was shot in the head and the suspect killed on the Las Vegas strip. According to the Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Joe Lombardo, officers were trying to disperse the crowd in front of Circus Circus Hotel and Casino. Another shooting took place at the Federal Court where a heavily armed man with body armor fired shots at police officers. The officers returned fire and the man was pronounced dead at the hospital.
In St. Louis, Missouri, Chief John Hayden gave an emotional statement regarding 4 officers being shot last night “A group of folks, about 200 or so, obviously had no intention of protesting or doing anything constructive, all they came down to do was to hype up and jumping up and down like crazy people, and started throwing things and started looting all over downtown.” He continued, “They started throwing fireworks on officers, we had officers with gas thrown on them and we are trying to figure out what is going on. How could this be? Mr. Floyd was killed somewhere else and they are tearing up cities all across this country.” He added “I don’t understand what that has to do with Mr. Floyd’s death”, “I have 4 officers in the hospital and thank God they are alive.” Here is Chief Hayden’s full statement.
With the increase in violence from rioters across the country one sheriff in Florida pushed back against the growing mob presence and rumors that the rioters would be entering his jurisdiction.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd stated in a press conference, “I would tell them, if you value your life, they probably shouldn’t do that in Polk County. Because the people of Polk County like guns, they have guns, I encourage them to own guns, and they’re going to be in their homes tonight with their guns loaded.” He continued “And if you try to break into their homes to steal, to set fires, I’m highly recommending they blow you back out of the house with their guns. So, leave the community alone”. He quickly became a viral internet meme.
You can view Sheriff Grady’s and the Lakeland Police Department’s full statement here.
