Woonsocket Police: Violent Social Media Threats Made Against City

WOONSOCKET, RI — Woonsocket Public Safety Director Eugene Jalette advised residents to stay in their homes Tuesday night after a night of violence in Providence and social media threats toward the Woonsocket businesses and police.

Jalette said Tuesday night that while the department condemns Minneapolis police action in the killing of George Floyd, and believes in fair an impartial treatment for all citizens, it is prepared to act if threats made against the department and city businesses come to fruition.

Jalette said the department is aware of "vast social media posts threatening violence, vandalism and harm to police and local businesses."

"Although the police support peaceful protest," Jalette said, "the Woonsocket Police Department is actively preparing, and will take appropriate action, if violent and destructive behavior erupts."

Unlike Cranston, Warwick and Providence — which was the scene of devastating damage Monday night that Gov. Gina Raimondo called "an attack" on the city — Woonsocket decided not to declare a curfew for Tuesday night, but officials are recommending residents stay in their homes.

"The Woonsocket Police will not tolerate violent, destructive and lawless behavior threatening our public safety officials, residents and businesses," Jalette said.

Jalette said residents should stay home "for their safety and allow public safety to manage potential lawless groups."

Read more:

• Raimondo: Providence Violence Not 'Who We Are As Rhode Islanders'
• Overnight Curfews In Place In Cranston, Providence
• RI Leaders Say Protest-Related Coronavirus Spike Possible