Tuesday evening, Philadelphia police officers increased their presence across the city in reaction to social media posts that encouraged looting and potential unrest. In an abundance of caution, officers were placed in strategic locations around Center City and up and down the 52nd Street corridor in West Philadelphia to continue to keep citizens as well as their businesses safe.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel compared the cautiousness of the department, saying, “We’re being very, very cautious. Our goal is to protect our communities across the entire city, not just in Center City.” Some disruption was anticipated after Election Day, and Bethel said the department planned for it.
Some officers patrolling Market Street disbursed a gang of juveniles dressed in all black at around 8:30 p.m., and two offenders were arrested in connection with that incident. The police also station units close to some stores targeted for looting to deter repeated offenses. Commissioner Bethel called upon parents to take some time and interact with their children and be able to dissuade them from any negative activities since law enforcers will react with ruthlessness if need be.
There was a reported attempted break-in by juveniles at DTLR on Germantown Avenue in Hunting Park. But they could not get in. “Some opportunists are looking to exploit the situation to cause harm or damage property,” Bethel said.
Many businesses in Center City took precautions, such as stores on Walnut and Chestnut Streets boarding up their windows and closing early. New Balance, LuLuLemon, and J.Crew prepared storefronts for mischief but Foot Locker and other shops had guards outside.
Another largely peaceful protest was outside City Hall, staged by Socialist Alternative and Revolutionary Communists of America, protesting against, in their words, right-wing policies. Commissioner Bethel hopes demonstrations will be peaceful when “We’re ready, but we hope this continues to be a calm process.”
Because of heightened security, there was no reported incident of looting at sundown. The response of the Philadelphia Police Department reflected its commitment to keeping the city in order and quite safe for its residents and businesses.
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