After A High-Tension Night In Rhode Island, 'A Better Morning'

CRANSTON, RI — Following a tense night in communities across Rhode Island, Wednesday dawned as a "much better day," Cranston Mayor Allan Fung said. Local police department and members of the National Guard were stationed at shopping centers in Warwick and Cranston following a night of violence in Providence on Monday.

Several communities including Cranston, Providence, Warwick and Coventry implemented curfews, asking residents to remain in their homes overnight. Nearly all curfews were in place Tuesday night only, except for Providence, which remains in effect for seven days.

Warwick City Council Member Timothy Howe said increased the police presence will remain at the Warwick Mall for several days.

"For the safety and security of our citizens and businesses, you will continue to see a coordinated presence of Warwick Police Department, state and military police at the Warwick Mall and throughout our great city," Howe said in a statement. "This is a proactive posture that will remain in place for the coming days."

Approximately 70 people were arrested Tuesday following the overnight violence. The crowd gathered at the Providence Place Mall later Monday night, and approximately 75 to 100 made it inside, Providence Commissioner Steven Pare said. More than a dozen stores were looted before police drove the crowd out of the mall. Windows were smashed, stores looted and vehicles burned throughout downtown Providence.

Gov. Gina Raimondo denounced the violence, saying "it's not who we are as Rhode Islanders."

"They came here to blow up the Providence Place Mall," Raimondo said. "They came here to torch the State House. They came here to destroy much of the city of Providence. And it didn't happen. Because we were prepared."

Read more:

• Raimondo: Providence Violence Not 'Who We Are As Rhode Islanders'
• 'A Sad Day For Downtown': Providence Cleans Up Following Violence
• RI Leaders Say Protest-Related Coronavirus Spike Possible
• Overnight Curfews In Place In Cranston, Providence, Warwick
• Raimondo: 'We All Need To Be More Honest About Privilege'
• Coventry Rescinds Overnight Curfews