A night of protests left behind vandalism and severe to damage to several businesses in Syracuse, but no serious injuries to protesters or police, according to Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner.
Despite incidents that left smashed out windows at the Public Safety Building, shattered windows at stores, scenes that captured dozens of people running out of stores with merchandise, and a curfew that went into effect at 1 a.m., fewer than 10 people were arrested, Buckner said.
"The vast majority of the day and the vast majority of the individuals that showed up here today were lawful and peaceful,” Buckner said in an impromtu press briefing around 2 a.m. “It was only when they returned that the dynamics of the protest changed. When night fell it was almost immediate that criminals and opportunists began to hijack the moment."
Buckner said no officers were seriously hurt and he wasn't aware of any EMS calls for protesters.
One concerned neighbor decided to take a stand against the looting. Trina Tardone, who lives next door to Lemp Jewlers, which was broken into overnight, saw the damage and stood in the store with her dog -- talking to people and trying to stop them from stealing.
"We are in this together. And we just need to be kind. And I think asking people their name, asking how they are, created a dialogue and so I'm so thankful because there wasn't any more stealing after that moment," Tardone said.
Syracuse's religious community is urging people to fight against injustice in a peaceful way.
Local pastors issued a statement saying, "The issues we face should not be lost in unproductive riots and looting. Although we are empathetic to the frustration we all have because of the apparent unjust treatment of people of color in our country."