Bleary-Eyed Boston Takes Stock After Night Of Violent Chaos

BOSTON — This bleary-eyed city is waking up to a major cleanup after a day of peaceful protesting took a violent turn as rioters and looters set fires, smashed buildings and clashed with police even as Sunday turned into Monday.

At 3 a.m., Boston police said seven officers had been injured, 21 cruisers damaged and some 40 people arrested. At least one cruiser was set ablaze on Tremont Street, and several businesses were broken into. Live television broadcasts showed looters carrying stolen items out of stores.

Police in riot gear, joined eventually by the National Guard, used tear gas and other measures to quell the surging crowds.

Boston joined the other major cities across the country that saw peaceful demonstrations, rooted in anger and frustration at police mistreatment of African Americans, devolve into anarchy. Last week's death of George Floyd after his arrest by Minneapolis police triggered dozens of protests, but the anger and resentment had been building for years.

Photos: Thousands Of Protesters March In Boston

Mayor Marty Walsh late Sunday night thanked the protesters who had remained peaceful, while denouncing "the people who came into our city and chose to engage in acts of destruction and violence."

"I want to thank the protesters who exercised their right to free speech effectively and peacefully, making sure everyone hears their message," Walsh said. "Tonight’s protests were motivated by a righteous desire for equality, justice and accountability in our country. I see you. I hear you. I will use my voice for you."

Gov. Charlie Baker called Floyd's death "a horrible tragedy." He commended the peaceful protests while condemning the riots.

"The murder of George Floyd at the hands of police was a horrible tragedy — one of countless tragedies to befall people of color across the United States," Baker said. "The vast majority of protesters today did so peacefully, toward a common goal of promoting justice and equality."

Related: Boston Rocked As Peaceful Protests Turn Violent