Boston Rocked As Peaceful Protests Turn Violent

BOSTON — The Massachusetts National Guard filed into the streets of Boston to help police after a day of peaceful protest gave way to rioting, looting and flaming destruction.

Clashes between authorities and people who lingered hours after protests wound down marred what started as an optimistic day, as Boston joined other major cities across the country in hosting rallies that devolved into violence.

Boston police said seven officers were hospitalized and "many more treated on scene." A total of 21 police cruisers were damaged and about 40 people were arrested, police said.

"I am angered by the people who came into our city and chose to engage in acts of destruction and violence, undermining their message," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh tweeted. "If we are to achieve change and if we are to lead the change, our efforts must be rooted in peace and regard for our community."

The violent flare-ups across Boston were the latest in the country in response to the death of George Floyd, a black man who died Memorial Day in the custody of the Minneapolis police after an officer put his knee into Floyd's neck for nearly 9 minutes.

Several Boston businesses and buildings were broken Sunday night. Looters were caught on live television making off with boxes from retailers from Tremont to Newbury streets.

Before the National Guard arrived, at least one Boston police cruiser was engulfed in flames on Tremont Street for several minutes.

"Those now protesting in the streets of Boston have surrendered the moral high ground as efforts to hurt and harm police officers continue to intensify in our city," Boston Police tweeted Sunday night. "Men and women of BPD doing their best to restore order and keep the peace."

Police asked that peaceful protesters disperse from Tremont Street, the epicenter of the flare-up. By 10:30 p.m., the crowd had moved more toward Boston Common, as police used tear gas to drive them back. A driver accelerated into a group of people as TV cameras were rolling.

"Every law abiding citizen in Boston should be praying for the safety and well-being of our officers," police said. "To be clear, our officers are fighting to protect our city from those who came to Boston looking to disrupt a peaceful protest and hurt and harm police officers."

Police said protesters in the area of Winter and Washington streets were throwing glass bottles and frozen water bottles at officers. Later, they started throwing rocks and bricks at officers along Tremont Street.

In one area, protesters were kneeling in a line in front of police. And officers, themselves, took a knee to talk with them.

Boston is under a curfew because of the coronavirus. Residents are supposed to stay home after 9 p.m. People were setting fire to trash cans throughout the Boston Common late into the night.

Photos: Thousands Of Protesters In Boston March To State House

More: Truck Speeds Through Minneapolis Protesters; Unrest Elsewhere

This article originally appeared on the Boston Patch