Cars were flipped, some set on fire. Police vehicles were smashed and vandalized. Businesses were looted. The incidents followed protests held Saturday afternoon in Rochester following the arrest and death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

It forced local officials to declare a state of emergency and enact a curfew in Monroe County.

"Today's actions on our streets show that the anger is real and it must be recognized," said Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren.

Mayor Warren says she shares the pain of ralliers, adding she has devoted herself to eliminating injustices.

"I know that Dr. King smiled down on this city, proud of the words that were spoken by Ashley, Sabrina and so many others that spoke today. Proud of the people that marched the court street bridge," said Mayor Warren of the first protest.

Chief La'Ron Singletary believes outsiders caused the peaceful rally to take a turn.

At one point, police officers fired pepper balls to disperse the crowds outside Rochester's Public Safety Building where some protestors started busting windows out of police cars. 

"This was chaos, pure chaos, not a protest. What happened today was sparked by anarchist," said Chief Singletary.

The chief also applauded the response of his officers.

"Officers showed great restraint, they showed great restraint and right now they are out here fighting for this community. They are putting their lives on the line for this community and that's what we do," said Chief Singletary.

Officials state they will be enforcing the curfew that went into effect at 9 p.m. on Saturday.

"We will not allow those who come into this community and wish to do it harm to take over the county and city streets and endanger our residents and our property," said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello.

"I call upon all of you to return home, committed to justice and await tomorrow committed to building our community rather than tearing it down," added Mayor Warren.