Fan riots in Lexington captured via Twitter by fire department
With Kentucky’s 69-61 victory against state rival Louisville on Saturday, Wildcats fans across the country burst with elation. But University of Kentucky student body president Micah Fielden took to Twitter with words of caution:
“We won the game but don’t be destructive. Let’s be smart and act like we’ve been here before (more than 7 times),” Fielden tweeted.
Nevertheless, fans began setting fires and destroying cars. Student riots are not novel after big wins (or losses). The difference Saturday was the near-live broadcast by Twitter.
The official Twitter account of the Lexington Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 526 sent out pictures and stats from the riots in real time with an assist from the Lexington Herald-leader and Steve Collier of NBC-TV’S Lexington affiliate. Both followed the firefighters, tweeting photos that appeared on IAAF’S Twitter feed.
“Lex Fire department says 39 total fires, most of them of couches or trash, one was car fire, and 12 First Aid runs,” tweeted the Herald-leader.
“Lexington E 11 responds to another fully involved couch on State St as the celebration continues....” Collier added.
While there were instances of fans breaking the law, Lexington Fire Department Battalion Chief Ed Davis maintains these instances were sporadic and contained quickly. “Last night was not a riot. At no point did things escalate, and we didn’t feel threatened,” Davis said.
The NCAA championship game today will present a new challenge for law enforcement and the Lexington Fire Department. Whether Kentucky wins or loses against Kansas, Davis expects civilians to be out after the game and cautions anyone thinking about documenting the revelry through social media.
“I have a 27-, 23-, and 21-year-old who were all out Saturday,” Davis said. “When things get out of hand, they know it’s time to leave, and that’s what I advise. Don’t stick around.”