‘Looters’ are being paid to wreak havoc during protests, Washington police chief says
Clean-up efforts are underway in Bellevue, Washington after a trail of damage and destruction left behind by what Police Chief Steve Mylett has called “organized” looters.
The scenes of violence that unfolded in the city on Sunday were the work of a select group “hellbent on causing destruction” amid peaceful protests demanding justice in the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd, who was killed while in police custody, Mylett told KOMO News.
“We didn’t know how much ... and how violent and well organized they were,” the police chief said.
Heavy damage was reported at Bellevue Square where vandals ransacked the shopping mall and surrounding businesses, according to the station. Security footage shared online showed dozens of people carrying armfuls of clothing and other items.
Video of looters inside of Bellevue Square was deleted, so we are reposting here... pic.twitter.com/LSQf9UoGKv
— Downtown Bellevue (@DTBellevue) June 1, 2020
Mylett said he believes some of the looters are part of an organized crime ring looking to capitalize on peaceful protests sparked by the death of Floyd, KIRO 7 reported.
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“There are groups paying these looters money to come in, and they’re getting paid by the broken window,” Mylett told local station KIRO 7. “This is something totally different we are dealing with that we have never seen as a profession before.”
The police chief added that the group is mainly after high-end goods that can be resold for quick cash.
They attempting to loot the Hermès store in my building at the Bravern in Bellevue. Lighting fireworks. Tried flipping a car. #BellevueRiots #BellevueProtests #Bellevue pic.twitter.com/Zib47bUu5n
— LT Murray IV (@YogaBae143) May 31, 2020
What began as a peaceful protest outside the mall turned violent when two larger groups joined and began breaking windows and robbing stores, according to KING 5 . Police said thieves hit a Macy’s, ransacked a New Balance shoe store and ripped displays from the wall at an Xfinity store, the news station reported.
“They’re not here to protest what happened,” Mylett said, KING 5 reported. “ I didn’t even hear George Floyd’s name.”
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In all, Bellevue police arrested 14 people on Sunday, KIRO 7 reported, including a 13 year old.
On Sunday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee activated an additional 200 National Guard soldiers in response to the unrest.
