Looting, Protests Continue For Second Night In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — More looting and violence in Philadelphia undercut the demonstrations hoping to bring change in the city Tuesday night. Protesters took to the streets in at Malcolm X Park in West Philadelphia Tuesday night following the police killing of Walter Wallace Jr., 27.

About 500 demonstrators marched after Wallace was shot and killed Monday afternoon while armed with a knife. Video from the scene shows Wallace ignored police officers' calls to drop the knife and to back up.

It was the second day of protests. Earlier Tuesday, Gov. Tom Wolf called in the National Guard after officials anticipated more unrest following the Monday protests. During the protest, more than a dozen police officers were hurt after being struck by objects such as rocks and bricks. All injured officers were treated and released.

While a large group demonstrated in West Philadelphia, even more looters took advantage of the situation in a different part of the city. Hundreds of people were looting in the city's Port Richmond section Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, officials said.

Philadelphia Police said at about 8:45 p.m. that roughly 1,000 people were looting businesses at Aramingo and Castor avenues in the neighborhood and urged people to avoid the area.

A member of the Wallace family denounced the looters, calling them "thieves" and "opportunists," NBC10 reported.

Looters hit businesses such as Walmart, Foot Locker, Burlington, Target, and Dollar General.

Additionally, officials reported explosions at nine ATMs overnight Tuesday into Wednesday at various locations across the city.

Videos and photos from the scene show the destruction:

The White House issued a statement Wednesday, saying the Trump administration was ready to send in federal troops to quell the unrest.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw Tuesday afternoon said she expected more unrest Tuesday and said police were increasing presences in various areas of the city, including commercial corridors, in preparation.

See more coverage of the Walter Wallace Jr. story below:

• Philly Under Curfew Wednesday Night
  
• Philadelphia Police Who Shot Man Monday Did Not Have Tasers
• Philly Protests: 91 Arrested, More Unrest Expected Tuesday
• Black Man Killed By Philly Police Prompts Protests, Violence