Brockton mayor calls ‘mayhem’ unacceptable
Rioters torch Dunkin’, throw rocks at cops, who respond with tear gas
The violence and “mayhem” in Brockton Tuesday night after a George Floyd peaceful protest was unacceptable, the city’s mayor said a day after police officers were injured and buildings were damaged, including a Dunkin’ Donuts that was set on fire.
“Last night the people that came here to create mayhem was in no manner what Brockton is about,” Mayor Robert Sullivan said at a Wednesday press conference with U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch and other officials.
“I’m challenging everyone to come together as one so that much needed change happens in real time,” he said, later adding, “We’re going to collaborate and make sure that peace is the mission, peace, not violence, not violence.”
A peaceful protest in the wake of the police killing of a black man in Minneapolis — and other unjust killings of black people in the U.S. — happened about 5 p.m. Tuesday. Sullivan praised that event, and took a knee during the protest.
But then a separate march to the police station became tense and violent, resulting in the National Guard and extra state police being called to the city.
People threw bottles and rocks at officers, as well as setting off fireworks. Police used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowds.
A state trooper was struck by an object and suffered minor injuries, and several Brockton officers also suffered minor injuries.
A Dunkin’ Donuts was set on fire, and its windows were smashed. Other businesses were damaged, as well as the courthouse.
Plymouth District Attorney Timothy Cruz also announced Wednesday one of the protesters has been charged for allegedly throwing rocks at police.
Schmidreck Georges, 23, of Brockton, faces one count each of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (rocks), assault and battery on a Brockton police officer, failure to disperse from a riot, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.
He was released on $40 bail and is due back in court June 11 for an arraignment.
Cruz said he condemns “the actions of Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin” in the killing of George Floyd. But, he added, “if we are to honor (Floyd’s) memory, it must be done with an open dialogue, listening and learning from one another, not by creating mayhem, setting fires and hurling rocks and bricks.”
Sullivan said the chaos does not “help the cause. It truly hampers the cause.”
“Last night was unacceptable,” he added. Three people were arrested, he said.
Police Chief Manny Gomes called Tuesday night’s violence a “sad moment.”
“It was very troubling last night to see my officers and see my brother officers in the State Police be struck with rocks and fireworks and frozen water bottles and other debris,” he said.
Lynch and the mayor stressed the importance of conversation with the community.