Thursday, March 28, 2024
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Philly: 2,000 People Storm Toward City Hall, Fires Set, Reporter Arrested & Cops Hit with Chemicals

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PHILADELPHIA Police are under attack at the MSB Building, an officer is reported down and they have engaged with protesters, Your Content has learned. What’s more, rioters are using chemical weapons against officers as they set cop cars on fire and destroy landmarks.

“We are pushing the crowd! 15th and Arch,” said the police radio. “We need all the backup we can get!”

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm Buildings: Police Being Hit with Chemical Weapons
📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT

A citywide alert went out to all Philadelphia officers: “Assist the officer MSB Building. We need all available units to assist the officer at the MSB Building.”

“We have to engage,” said an officer, pushing the crowd back.

“We have about 500 people walking into the square heading towards the MSB Building,” said an officer. “Sir it’s chaos, I’m sending you a busload now. I’m sending you 75 now, supervisors and all.”

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LIVE UPDATES


UPDATE – 2:34A: Philadelphia Police arrest a reporter and field assistant for violating Mayor Jim Kenney’s 8:00 p.m. curfew.

Your Content Deputy Editor Eric Norton, along with a student intern, were arrested for violating the 8 p.m. curfew enacted to restore order in the city.

Despite providing media credentials, the officers claimed that there were no exceptions to the curfew ordinance and placed them in custody.

As we previously reported, Philadelphia Police called for backup from surrounding counties and state authorities to assist them as crowds attempted to overtake the city.

Tonight’s incident gave our newsroom and those who witnessed it go down a better understanding on the situation surrounding our city.

The officer tackled Mr. Norton to the ground after presenting him with press identification. From there, the outraged officers stole the their press identification and office key-cards and transported them to the 22nd District in a jam-packed wagon of others they picked up along the way.

Meanwhile, we were unable to reach them and started reaching out to others who were covering the event. Unbeknownst to us, they were in custody for violating the curfew in which we told our readers about.

At a time when we must come together, this officer was a glaring example of what not to do. And the timing couldn’t have been worse.

Police at the 22nd District did not know that they were working as a reporters because the arresting officer stole their press and company identification.

Original Media Group Corporation, publishers of Your Content, released the following statement:

“The First Amendment is now a crime in the city of Philadelphia and we take full responsibility for committing that crime,” said Anthony Loro, Executive Deputy Editor of Original Media Group. “We will pay the fine for the two journalists.”

“That was unwarranted and the behavior of a troubled man who should not be on the streets at a time when tensions are tough. We are outraged.” Loro continued.

“But it doesn’t paint a picture of the other hardworking men and women who serve the city of Philadelphia. Police Commissioner Outlaw, Mayor Kenney, and the Krasner administrations should meet their obligation to use every resource possible to investigate this situation thoroughly, and, if warranted, take action.”


UPDATE – 12:35A: The riots have quieted down. We will continue coverage if any major updates break. All updates were provided by the Philadelphia Police Department’s radio system via Broadcastify. All descriptions were made verbatim as described by police or dispatchers.

Continued coverage will resume in the event of a breaking news update.


UPDATE – 12:35A: 20th & Locus, a 7-Eleven and coffee shop, has been breached by rioters.

Cops coming.


UPDATE – 12:35A: 10-15 dirt bikes are coming towards 8th and Market.

Police responding.


UPDATE – 12:34A: Police report rioters are breaking into 17th and Samson again now.

They came back when the cops left.


UPDATE – 12:30A: 10 young rioters are coming from 20th and Market, police say. 3 males broke into a coffee shop on 17th and Samson.

It’s well, well beyond their curfew.


UPDATE – 12:28A: A small market is being looted on Pine Street, police are deploying units and assets to capture them.

Terminology got much more sophisticated now.


UPDATE – 12:26A: Police are asking for wagons at 17 and Chestnut, and there are a lot of wagons that transported prisoners but they have not come back, they were supposed to come back. Police are calling the wagons to find out where they are. They find out they’re backlogged.

It’s too many rioters in cuffs but not enough wagons.


UPDATE – 12:23A: Rioters are breaking into super markets and nearby stores. Pennsylvania State Troopers SWAT are responding.

They’ve resurfaced again.


UPDATE – 12:18A: Two rioters just came out of 1500 Walnut, the T-Mobile store after making off with goods. All bike units need to go to Central Detectives to give statements about each arrest to prepare for the district attorney.

‘They stole some shit.’


UPDATE – 12:13A: About 5 rioters are breaking into stores at 13th and Locust, another two people are breaking into the FOP. A suicidal rioter now wants to turn herself in at 17th and the Parkway.

She wants to turn herself in.


UPDATE – 12:12A: Two males are now running on Broad and Spring Garden after stealing from AT&T.

Rioters make off.


UPDATE – 12:11A: Cop needs assistance nearby 27th and Arch, a civilian called 911.

Officer appears to need help.


UPDATE – 12:09A: A group of 15 rioters wearing face masks surfaced on 9th and Samson loitering…. They’re walking slow. ‘They’re just loitering at 9th and Samson.’ They’re now fighting.

Cops are coming.


UPDATE – 12:08A: 15th and Spruce for reports of a business on fire after receiving a call from a news crew.


UPDATE – 12:05A: Car are coming off of Rittenhouse Square in the area of 18th Street. Cops are responding.

Cops said they don’t have time to do the paperwork now because they’re trying to secure properties. So now other staff are tasked with it.


UPDATE – 12:04A: An arrest has been made at Target.

Cops are coming.


UPDATE – 12:03A: Group of rioters broke into 14th and Spring Garden, about 30 kids inside stealing. They’re all juveniles, traveling westbound on Spring Garden. The closest bike team is starting to the location, along with Pennsylvania State Police SWAT Units. The kids are age 12 thru 16. Police have two prisoners to go on 13th and Chestnut for burglary. They’re also going to 12th and Filbert. All available units including PSP vehicles with a cage are asked to respond.

PSP SWAT is coming for you.


UPDATE – 12A: Looters and rioters join forces on 15th and Spring Garden. They’re getting a lot of calls. There are State SWAT vehicles on location.

Gov. Wolf made the call.


UPDATE – 11:58P: Caffeine Nation and a bar and grill are found open on 2100 and 2101 Chestnut.

That’s where rioters got their energy boost.


UPDATE – 11:57P: Wagon needed at 20th and Samson for a prisoner to go.

Police said.


UPDATE – 11:56P: Police ask how many officers are at the Macy’s and they’re told there are zero. They are all responding now. PECO called the police and is asking for an escort to the firefighters because of the rioters.

Though they said no rioters were out in large groups.


UPDATE – 11:55P: Police ask how many officers are at the Macy’s and they’re told there are zero. They are all responding now. PECO called the police and is asking for an escort to the firefighters because of the rioters.

Though they said no rioters were out in large groups.


UPDATE – 11:53P: The rioters busted windows to get out of Macy’s fled. Cops are waiting to see them pass by with the stolen goods. They have 17 prisoners right now and a sheriff is sending his bus.

Now cops are coming.


UPDATE – 11:53P: Cops find a group of 6 rioters on 26th and Chestnut.

They’re bringing a wagon.


UPDATE – 11:52P: Officers are now zeroing in on lone-rogue rioters walking around. Macy’s is still looking for the men hiding men’s department, 10 of them. Macy’s called from Florida as they were watching the surveillance from their home.

He always watches his product.


UPDATE – 11:50P: They need 10 officers at 20th and Chestnut.

They’re on a mission.


UPDATE – 11:48P: A known rioter maced a woman and fled.

That is an outraged protester.


UPDATE – 11:47P: 17th and Walnut there were officers left behind by accident, not prisoners, and a bus is coming back now.

Our bad.


UPDATE – 11:47P: 3 wagons are needed at Broad and Walnut for several juvenile rioters out past curfew.

Wagons are coming.


UPDATE – 11:46P: Cops are inside Macy’s and there’s a wagon with no prisoners found. The prisoners are asking if they can find their officer because they need to be transported. So they will scoop them up.

Not sure what’s going on.


UPDATE – 11:44P: Looters are in the menswear department, approximately ten of them, according to Macy’s protection department. They see them on camera. They say the police are outside, but there are multiple men inside the men’s department but the cops don’t know.

They’re on the first floor men’s department.The cops were outside but thought SWAT had cleared the scene.


UPDATE – 11:44P: There’s something going on at 17th and JFK, and his supervisor said don’t wonder off too far, as they’re not done yet.

Justice served for non-protesters out past curfew.


UPDATE – 11:43P: 12th and Filbert, 11th and Samson prisoners are waiting to be picked up and hauled to their destination.

Justice served for non-protesters out past curfew.


UPDATE – 11:42P: The rioters dispersed from Rite Aid, but the officer said he noticed more lurking inside the business.

This is now a burglary in progress.


UPDATE – 11:42P: The rioters dispersed from Rite Aid, but the officer said he noticed more lurking inside the business.

This is now a burglary in progress.


UPDATE – 11:39P: 3M is arriving to begin boarding up buildings that were vandalized.

Time to start cleaning up.


UPDATE – 11:38P: They’ve got some guys at the northeast corner, six to 8 males breaking into a store at 27th Samson. A large crowd is also at 17th and Arch. They also need a wagon on Broad and Walnut; Juniper and Chestnut; Broad and Locus.

They’re deploying backup.


UPDATE – 11:35P: ‘We have some kind of fire in the Rite Aid. People are evacuating their apartments.’

Fireboard has been notified.


UPDATE – 11:34P: 2014 Chevy Malibu has been stolen by a rioter.

Protester takes car, unknown what he is demonstrating.


UPDATE – 11:33P: All northbound traffic on Spruce Street completely.

They found him hiding.


UPDATE – 11:32P: Rite Aid is on fire at 19th and Arch, ‘inside the building. We need fire.’

A large fire erupted again.


UPDATE – 11:32P: Police are coming to 5th and Arch and sending a wagon to Juniper and Chestnut, ‘we have a looter.’ Macy’s lone-rioter runs out with items.

They found him hiding.


UPDATE – 11:28P: The 7-Eleven has been looted and vandalized. The manager is not happy and ‘headed over there now.’

Not a good day for him.


UPDATE – 11:27P: They’ve caught someone out past curfew at 17th and Chestnut. They’re being arrested.

A wagon’s coming for you.


UPDATE – 11:25P: Cops are told to slow down, ‘you are losing us the package.’

They found their package.


UPDATE – 11:24P: 4 rioters have been captured at Broad and Walnut.

They’re waiting for wagons. There is an ongoing fire.


UPDATE – 11:23P: 19th and Arch for reports of rioters fleeing a Rite Aid with boxes of goods. Protesters don’t hide in stores.

They were hiding the entire time, about 50 of them.


UPDATE – 11:22P: 19th and Arch for reports of rioters fleeing a Rite Aid with boxes of goods. Protesters don’t hide in stores.

They were hiding the entire time, about 50 of them.


UPDATE – 11:21P: Food is coming for the cops a car is coming to supply them with food.

It’s about time.


UPDATE – 11:20P: Towing companies are coming to scoop up the over turned vehicle on 1100 block of a location. It is apparently dangling over I-95 and the towing company was due to come at 7:30 p.m.

Not good.


UPDATE – 11:18P: Sergeant says the rioters may be headed to their secret police parking lot with wagons under the tunnels, unsure on location.

They do not want those wagons touched by rioters.


UPDATE – 11:17P: Wagons are coming. First to 12th and Filbert and then proceed from there. Northbound on 11th Street and Arch a large crowd is reported to have surfaced again.

This is getting tiring.


UPDATE – 11:16P: An officer needs to refuel somewhere and he found a gas station. And a medic dislocated his shoulder.

He’s asking for a medic.


UPDATE – 11:15P: Sergeant says they are to be arrested for curfew regardless the size of the group.

They’re not playing now.


UPDATE – 11:14P: Police say groups appear to be smaller than 6.

Even small crowds we will grab for curfew.


UPDATE – 11:13P: Units are hitting the docks behind the convention center.

SWAT is coming for you.


UPDATE – 11:12P: Six arrested for burglary at Target, not 12.

3 or four wagons are coming still coming.


UPDATE – 11:11P: Over 12 rioters arrested in Target on 1100 Samson Street.

3 or four wagons are coming. All highway units are being called to Spruce Street.


UPDATE – 11:10P: There is surveillance video of the driver that struck down the cop. Police are obtaining it from the rehab he came from.

It appears they know where he’s at.


UPDATE – 11:09P: Police requesting wagons at Macy’s for multiple prisoners.

Six more are waiting at 11th and Samson.


UPDATE – 11:08P: Police requesting wagons at Macy’s for multiple prisoners.

They need wagons.


UPDATE – 11:07P: Police say their package has arrived with their supply truck.

Not sure what that is.


UPDATE – 11:06P: A supervisor found a wagon vandalized minutes after the driver left it. He is furious.

He said to get the keys.


UPDATE – 11:06P: An officer said he has over 20 prisoners at 15th and Chestnut, so he can take the other prisoner, too.

Police are re-deploying after they walk them there.


UPDATE – 11:04P: Police are stuck with a female at 16th and Chestnut for over an hour because they don’t have a wagon available.

Police are furious.


UPDATE – 11:04P: SWAT says they are on the move again.

Back at it.


UPDATE – 11:03P: Police request wagons at Market, Walnut, Chestnut, Locust, and Broad Streets.

So many prisoners.


UPDATE – 11:00P: SWAT clears out first hot spot with sweeping arrests, zeroing in on all rioters.

They have cleared out their first search of Macy’s with some arrests.


UPDATE – 10:59P: Police requesting backup at 12th and Filbert.

They also have 6 wagons coming to pick prisoners up. SWAT has cleared the first hotspot.


UPDATE – 10:58P: SEPTA bus drops off SWAT team but leaves them behind.

They’re being called to come back as they need transportation.


UPDATE – 10:57P: Several police precincts are at full capacity.

They will make room for rioters.


UPDATE – 10:56P: 6 additional wagons are being requested at 12th and Filbert Street as SWAT heads to Macy’s to make sweeping arrests.

They are held up with many prisoners.


UPDATE – 10:55P: SWAT team is responding to arrest crowds. They’re starting with the largest crowd first. ‘Alrighty’

They better run, as cops are zeroing in on Macy’s. They’re calling for 6 more wagons.


UPDATE – 10:53P: From 12th and Market to 8th and Market there are large crowds.

MERT is coming to get you.


UPDATE – 10:52P: They’re coming eastbound on Market from 12th Street.

Rioters continue to run the streets.


UPDATE – 10:50P: 12th and Filbert is also needed for a wagon to transport prisoners.

They are in line with 8 other locations.


UPDATE – 10:49P: He is now chasing her on a motorcycle.

Police are responding quicker.


UPDATE – 10:49P: A man is assaulting a female on the highway.

Police are responding.


UPDATE – 10:48P: A supervisor is told the protesters are headed straight towards him.

He asked for an update on hotspots.


UPDATE – 10:46P: The officer has a broken arm and is now in stable condition.

It is believed he is the one who was run over.


UPDATE – 10:45P: Multiple wagons were found under the tunnels, police ask for keys as officers at 15th and Walnut say they’ve been waiting for over an hour to transport prisoners.

They found more wagons but don’t have the keys.


UPDATE – 10:42P: The officer who was screaming is alright, according to his colleagues.

They say he came on the wrong channel during an apprehension.


UPDATE – 10:42P: 3 rioters have been arrested at Target.

The cops caught them.


UPDATE – 10:41P: Police are calling for 3 more wagons to transport prisoners.

There aren’t enough wagons or handcuffs.


UPDATE – 10:40P: CNN has arrived to Walnut Street.

They’re here.


UPDATE – 10:39P: An officer is screaming for assistance northbound on Broad nearby Oxford.

He’s running.


UPDATE – 10:38P: 1500 Walnut is under siege by rioters.

They took over.


UPDATE – 10:36P: Police are requesting a wagon at 12th and Filbert. They do not have radios and an officer found them.

They asked to use his radio.


UPDATE – 10:35P: Officer requesting backup at 21st and Market.

It’s a female officer.


UPDATE – 10:34P: Police lost control of 12th and Walnut. A new command post is being built.

They’re asking for backup.


UPDATE – 10:33P: Police say the vehicle is a white Jeep Liberty with a black top. It has Michigan tag ECJ-1426.

They’ve got eyes on the rental car.


UPDATE – 10:31P: Supervisor requests update on condition of officer that was run over, no update available.

Officers are asking for an update on the condition of the officer that was run down on 7th and Chestnut.


UPDATE – 10:30P: Amtrak reporting a large crowd is coming from the suburban area.

Suburban rioters are emerging.


UPDATE – 10:28P: Police call backup as they attempt to make more arrests at 17th and Walnut.

Rioters continue to storm the streets.


UPDATE – 10:28P: All police cars vandalized.

Police calling backup.


UPDATE – 10:26P: All highway patrol units are responding to the city.

All highway units are responding to center city.


UPDATE – 10:25P: Rioters are walking east on Walnut from 13th Street.

They’re moving.


UPDATE – 10:23P: Looters continue to enter commercial buildings on 7th and Chestnut.

Rioters are entering several stores.


UPDATE – 10:19P: Police are pursuing the vehicle on 9th Street.

Police are behind the vehicle. The partial tag is Pa. tag ECJ. The rest is unknown. The vehicle has no headlights and police are behind it.


UPDATE – 10:14P: White SUV runs police officer down in Philadelphia.

Range Rover runs down cop.


UPDATE – 10:13P: OFFICER DOWN. White car rams through crowd runs down police.

OFFICER DOWN


UPDATE – 10:13P: Police requesting backup and wagons at CVS on Market Street nearby 9th and Arch.

The police were called by news crews after seeing a militia with rifles.


UPDATE – 10:12P: Individuals are armed with assault rifles, according to NBC 10 who called the police.

The police were called by news crews after seeing a militia with rifles.


UPDATE – 10:11P: The fashion district is still under attack; active looters.

Multiple stores are breached.


UPDATE – 10:10P: Philadelphia Police issue Amber Alert urging everybody to go home now.

It’s way past curfew.


UPDATE – 10:09P: 7-Eleven has been breached at 17th and Market.

Stores are beached.


UPDATE – 10:08P: Police are requesting several wagons to transport prisoners.

They are low on handcuffs after receiving about 30 from an officer.


UPDATE – 10:07P: Reading Terminal Market is cleared by police.

Police cleared the building from rioters.


UPDATE – 10:06P: Macy’s has been over run by rioters.

Rioters are going wild.


UPDATE – 10:05P: Reading Terminal Market tells police they have security.

They have their own security but the city is still sending units.


UPDATE – 10:02P: Reading Terminal Market has been breached by rioters.

Philadelphia’s most iconic terminal.


UPDATE – 10:01P: Car set on fire at Rittenhouse Square. Philadelphia’s Most Exclusive Section.

The fires are starting hours after curfew.


UPDATE – 9:59P: PGW is responding to the gas line situation at 1720 Walnut Street.

The gas line was slashed.


UPDATE – 9:57: Police request units to go to Wine & Spirits after breach.

The store at 20th and Market was breached by rioters.


UPDATE – 9:55P: Police are out of handcuffs.

They are requesting more handcuffs.


UPDATE – 9:51P: Wawa is on fire.

Police say the Wawa on Market Street is on fire, and the liquor store.


UPDATE – 9:50P: Police are requesting backup at 12th and Market.

Wawa has been breached.


UPDATE – 9:48P: CVS on Market Street has been breached.

All out madness resurfaced.


UPDATE – 9:46P: The Fashion District has been breached.

All out madness resurfaced.


UPDATE – 9:45P: Several hundred rioters are on 13th Street behind Macy’s.

Police are requesting back up.


UPDATE – 9:43P: 1708 Walnut has struck a second alarm fire.

Police warn of a large gas line cut.


UPDATE – 9:41P: Gas line breaks at 1720 Walnut; riots breakout again with store burglaries.

All out madness resurfaced.


UPDATE – 9:40P: Rioters are two blocks out; Park Rangers and 50 Philly cops standing by.

Approximately 100 rioters are coming.


UPDATE – 9:38P: Large crowd coming eastbound Market towards the Liberty Bell.

Police are waiting .


UPDATE – 9:34P: Police have spotted the New Jersey Mercedes that made off with goods from Macy’s.

Spotted.


UPDATE – 9:33P: Police report a residential three-story fire with people home.

Firefighters are responding to the 1710 Walnut.


UPDATE – 9:31P: Police are reporting a commercial store’s gas line has been cut on 15th and Chestnut.

Police are waiting with several detainees.


UPDATE – 9:28P: Rioters are returning to JFK Blvd. towards City Hall.

There’s said to be several hundred going back to City Hall.


UPDATE – 9:26P: Police request more wagons to transport rioters to jail.

Additional units are nearby to transport rioters to jail.


UPDATE – 9:25P: Police have cleared way for police vehicles to respond and transport prisoners.

Police are waiting with several detainees.


UPDATE – 9:23P: Four more rioters are detained at 1500 Walnut.

Wagons are stuck in traffic as police continue arresting rioters.


UPDATE – 9:22P: Police asking for at least 2 wagons to transport prisoners; vehicles are stuck in traffic.

Police are under attack as wagons are stuck in traffic. Bike units are being asked to rush to the scene.


UPDATE – 9:20P: Police recover a gun from a rioter.

The rioter is on 17th and Chestnut in custody.


UPDATE – 9:19P: Police have many rioters in custody at 17th and Chestnut, asking for expedited police wagons.

Dozens of arrests.


UPDATE – 9:18P: Edible Arrangements has been breached on Samson Street.

Police say rioters are fleeing with food.


UPDATE – 9:17P: State Police are on horses; not using vehicles. They are starting to sweep Chestnut and Walnut Streets.

Police are moving rioters away the area and making arrests.


UPDATE – 9:15P: Police are beginning to push rioters from Walnut street.

Police are moving rioters away at 17th and Walnut.


UPDATE – 9:13P: Police are requesting backup as rioters break into private residences.

900 block of Cater has been breached; rioters are burglarizing homes.


UPDATE – 9:11P: Police say additional buses are 2 minutes away, homes are being broken into.

900 block of Cater has been breached; rioters are burglarizing homes.


UPDATE – 9:10P: 500 block of Bainbridge Street has been breached by rioters, destroying residential neighborhoods.

Several hundred troopers are storming the city to restore order.


UPDATE – 9:08P: State Police requests highway on and off ramps be cleared for them to make entry.

Several hundred troopers are storming the city to restore order.


UPDATE – 9:02P: Police reporting people trapped on the second floor of 8th and Chestnut.

No further information at this time.


UPDATE – 9:01P: The AT&T Store has been breached on 18th and Walnut.

Rioters made entry.


UPDATE – 9P: Police are waiting for units from surrounding counties before they storm the streets.

Additional units are nearby.


UPDATE – 8:58P: Police are responding to 17th and Chestnut for reports of a female stuck in a building.

Firefighters and police are responding.


UPDATE – 8:57P: Police make arrests at Target and Macy’s.

They’re being transported for processing.


UPDATE – 8:56P: Rioters are setting multiple fires at 200 S. 17th Street.

Several fires are being set.


UPDATE – 8:55P: The trashcan is on fire, no additional explosions. Fire crews are responding.

Police report a fire.


UPDATE – 8:54P: Reports of an explosion in a trashcan at 15th and Chestnut.

Police reporting a small explosion came from a trashcan, causing a fire.


UPDATE – 8:53P: Police called to 1600 Samson with several rioters in custody.

Police citywide are responding.


UPDATE – 8:52P: Police issue priority to assist firefighters who are being attacked as they put out a large fire.

Police citywide are responding.


UPDATE – 8:51P: Large crowds are throwing items at police on 1700 Walnut; people are over running firefighters.

Police is responding.


UPDATE – 8:48P: Arrests reported on Chestnut; at least 7 rioters in custody.

Help is coming from Montgomery, Delaware, Chester and Bucks Counties.


UPDATE – 8:46P: Target and CVS have been breached on Chestnut Street.

Police are requesting units to make entry.


UPDATE – 8:45P: Police arrived in buses to assist close the entire section from 13th and Chestnut to 18th and Chestnut.

There are hundreds of officers on location.


UPDATE – 8:44P: Police are reporting several courtyard fires at high-rise residences at 15th and Chestnut; 17th and 18th and Chestnut.

Fires are quickly breaking out.


UPDATE – 8:43P: Police are announcing arrests at several locations in the city. Massive police response heading towards central Philadelphia; nearly 1,000 officers.

Rioters are caught.


UPDATE – 8:42P: Police have arrested ten rioters at Macy’s.

We need backup.


UPDATE – 8:41P: Police are getting hit from 15th and Chestnut and up, they said.

‘Do we have resources to shut all of these blocks down?


UPDATE – 8:40P: A rioter is hanging out of the window of the second floor at Macy’s.

Police are responding.


UPDATE – 8:39P: Rioters are heading towards Jewelers Row. There is an arrest at 1600 Chestnut.

State Police ordered police remain at the Diamond District. They are requesting backup.


UPDATE – 8:38P: Police have a prisoner coming out of Macy’s. Banana Republic has been breached. Target has also been breached.

Police are making arrests.


UPDATE – 8:37P: Police say Macy’s has enough officers at the store at this time, they are now chasing New Jersey residents that allegedly stole items.

New Jersey residents have come to steal from stores.


UPDATE – 8:36P: Police say rioters breached Macy’s at 13th and Chestnut.

The store has been breached.


UPDATE – 8:35P: Police reporting there is no Dunkin’ Donuts on Broad and Chestnut.

They are searching for people trapped on the second floor.


UPDATE – 8:34P: Drag racers have joined the riot. Approximately 100 vehicles reported by Citizens Bank Park.

Police are responding.


UPDATE – 8:32P: Locals are trapped on the second floor of Dunkin’ Donuts. Reported fire at Broad and Chestnut.

Police are responding.


UPDATE – 8:31P: A group of rioters are running behind the bicycle officers on 15th and Chestnut.

Police are under attack.


UPDATE – 8:30P: Reports of rioters entering the sports complex.

Police are responding.


UPDATE – 8:29P: Rioters are breaching stores on the 1600 block of Chestnut. Several hundred officers are two minutes out.

Several hundred officers are minutes away.


UPDATE – 8:28P: 3 SEPTA buses have been requested to the 15th District to pick up additional officers.

Police need transport.


UPDATE – 8:25P: Police are reporting a fire at 15th and Chestnut.

A fire has been reported there. Stores are being broken into and set on fire, according to police. T-Mobile has been breached again.


UPDATE – 8:24P: Police say anybody outside will be arrested for violating curfew. Over 500 officers are zeroing in on the city.

Police are now bringing in the Calvary.


UPDATE – 8:23P: Multiple business are being looted on 8th and Chestnut. They are attempting to enter the Diamond Exchange.

More units are swarming the area.


UPDATE – 8:23P: Buses of police will set up command at 17th and Walnut; at least 7 additional rioters arrested.

More units are swarming the area.


UPDATE – 8:22P: Rioters have breached stores on Samson and Chestnut. Police are sending busloads of police. They’re reportedly 5 minutes out.

Buses full of police are responding.


UPDATE – 8:21P: A man is standing on the off ramp of I-95.

Police are responding.


UPDATE – 8:20P: Police say a large trash fire erupted on 16th and Chestnut.

They’re requesting fire officials.


UPDATE – 8:19P: Police request backup to 13th and Walnut.

Police are making entry into Burlington Coat Factory; the Wawa has been breached. Employees have evacuated in the area of the Art Museum.


UPDATE – 8:18P: Police request backup to 13th and Walnut.

Police are responding for an officer in need of assistance.


UPDATE – 8:17P: Over 100 rioters have entered the DTLR store on 1414 Chestnut Street.

They have been carrying packages out for the last 23 minutes.


UPDATE – 8:16P: 60 officers are responding; Pennsylvania State Police is sending over 100 additional troopers in a bus.

Police ordered one car from each district to immediately respond.


UPDATE – 8:15P: 1 patrol wagon from each district has been called to 6th and Arch Street

Police ordered one car from each district to immediately respond.


UPDATE – 8:13P: Approximately 25 people looting 1414 Chestnut at the DTLR store.

They have been carrying packages out for the last 20 minutes.


UPDATE – 8:11P: Police say more busloads of police have arrived; they’re requesting additional police radios for communications.

Not all officers have police radios yet. They arrived to the command center at Dillsworth Plaza.


UPDATE – 8:09P: Police need two cruisers at 1300 Ludlow for additional rioters in custody.

More rioters have been placed in custody. ‘We have multiple arrests here.’


UPDATE – 8:07P: Police have a rioter in custody at 1500 Chestnut Street.

One rioter has been placed in custody.


UPDATE – 8:06P: Police ask all units to lock down the concourse that leads to City Hall.

The location is to be completely locked down.


UPDATE – 8:04P: The Wawa on Broad and Walnut; Models have been breached by rioters.

Looters have entered.


UPDATE – 8:02P: Police have sent a strong presence to Jewelers Row. A group of rioters are running from the location; chased by police.

State and City authorities are guarding the jewelers row.


UPDATE – 8:01P: Police requesting assistance at the area of 11th and Chestnut.

Rioters are heading to this location.


UPDATE – 7:59P: Police requesting backup on 8th and Chestnut.

Police are requesting assistance at this location.


UPDATE – 7:57P: Police requesting backup on 16th and Chestnut.

Police say a very large flash mob has resurfaced.


UPDATE – 7:55P: Police reporting a large fire on 15th and Walnut, per Philadelphia Police Tactical Air.

The fire is ‘large,’ according to the helicopter pilot.


UPDATE – 7:53P: Police locate looters with items, roughly 25 people with stolen goods.

They mainly have shoes and boxes of ‘merchandise.’

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm City Hall to Set Fire: Police Hit with Chemical Weapons


UPDATE – 7:49P: SEPTA is being suspended. ‘No routes are to run from river-to-river.’

Philadelphia Police said SEPTA is to shut down routes river-to-river.


UPDATE – 7:47P: Police report a mandatory curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

ONLY mandatory personnel are to be out. ‘Everybody out after then will be arrested and charged; streets are to be cleared.’


UPDATE – 7:45P: Police report businesses being broken into on 17th and 18th of Walnut Street.

Several businesses are being busted into by rioters; police are sending assistance.


UPDATE – 7:42P: SEPTA Police requesting assistance at 11th and Market.

SEPTA Police is requesting backup.


UPDATE – 7:40P: Hispanic female is attempting to stab a protester with her keys in the area of Chestnut and Market Street.

Police are reporting a Hispanic female is attempting to stab rioters with her keys; the vehicle fire on 16th and Locus is nearby many buildings, per police.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm City Hall to Set Fire: Police Hit with Chemical Weapons


UPDATE – 7:39P: Police reporting a vehicle fire on 16th and Locust. The vehicle is fully engulfed.

Rioters set a vehicle on fire. Police are asking the fire be second-alarmed.


UPDATE – 7:38P: T-Mobile store on 18th and Chestnut has been breached.

Rioters broke into the T-Mobile store.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm City Hall to Set Fire: Police Hit with Chemical Weapons


UPDATE – 7:37P: Police reporting a fire on 16th and Chestnut.

Police reporting a fire west of 16th Street on Chestnut.


UPDATE – 7:32P: The majority of rioters are on Samson and Chestnut.

Rioters have journeyed to 15th – 17th Chestnut and Samson. ‘They are congregating in those few blocks. They are preparing to move.’ Reported a couple hundred, with another 100 outside of the MSB Building.


UPDATE – 7:31P: Police have confiscated one ATV at Broad and Vine.

One rioter has lost his ATV.


UPDATE – 7:30P: Police are setting up several command centers, including one at City Hall.

Philadelphia Police are calling in officers from home.


UPDATE – 7:29P: State Police are chasing the dirt bikes and quads.

State Police have intervened. They are traveling northbound on Broad from Spring Garden.


UPDATE – 7:26P: 500 rioters are throwing bottles at officers at 16th and Chestnut, dirt bikes are on Spring Garden.

SEPTA Police requesting backup as 500 rioters throw items at them; additional rioters responding on quads and dirt bikes.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm City Hall to Set Fire: Police Hit with Chemical Weapons


UPDATE – 7:23P: Police report over 20 ATVs are coming from the area of Broad and Montgomery.

Police say rioters are using ATVs to travel towards City Hall.


UPDATE – 7:16P: Philadelphia Police’s Strike Force is responding to South Street.

Philadelphia Police joined by State Police are heading to South Street as rioters tip them off that they’ll be going there at sundown.


UPDATE – 7:11P: Police are notified that rioters will head towards South Street as the sun goes down.

Police are sending units to South Street.


UPDATE – 7:05P: Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney announces an 8 p.m. mandatory curfew.

A citywide mandatory curfew of 8 p.m. has been enacted per the Philadelphia Mayor.


UPDATE – 7:02P: Rioters start fires in the area of 14th and Chestnut.

Police say rioters are setting fires nearby City Hall; Walnut Street; Chestnut Street; and Broad Street.


UPDATE – 6:57P: Rioters have gotten on top of firetrucks at Starbucks.

Police say rioters are getting on top of firetrucks and now threatening residential addressees nearby. State Police are sending several bus-loads of troopers.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm Buildings: Police Being Hit with Chemical Weapons
📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT


UPDATE – 6:55P: An army of State Police have arrived on Broad Street; large mob sets fire on 17th and Walnut.

50 Pennsylvania State Troopers are now heading into the riot.


UPDATE – 6:54P: Police say any rioter who touches police is to be arrested.

State Police are now in the city to assist and arrest violent rioters.


UPDATE – 6:52P: Police request backup at City Hall; seek permission to open 676 eastbound.

Rioters at City Hall ‘are starting to surround all of the officers.’


UPDATE – 6:51P: MSB Building is secure.

SWAT secured the MSB Building.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm Buildings: Police Being Hit with Chemical Weapons
📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT


UPDATE – 6:47P: Rioters have blocked the road with furniture.

Police reporting rioters have blocked fire trucks from responding to the fire. Placed furniture on road to block entry.


UPDATE – 6:46P: Police report a large fire in the area of 16th and Samson Street.

Officers reporting a large fire in the area that is being fed by rioters. Police reporting a cruiser had its tires slashed while he was in the car.


UPDATE – 6:43P: Police requesting additional assistance at City Hall to the south side entrance, north side entrance.

K9 Units have arrived with SWAT and tactical teams teams. Officers outside of City Hall are requesting more assistance as SWAT clears the inside.


UPDATE – 6:36P: The female trapped by the crowd has been removed. She has special needs.

Police are attempting to get a wheelchair to transport a female with special needs after she was locked in her car as rioters attempted to set her on fire.

📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT


UPDATE – 6:34P: SWAT reports the first and second floors of City Hall are clear.

They report that they will be journeying up all six floors.


UPDATE – 6:33P: Rioters are attempting to light a car on fire with an individual locked inside.

Police report that a person called 911 after being locked in a car that rioters are attempting to ignite.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm Buildings: Police Being Hit with Chemical Weapons
📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT


UPDATE – 6:30P: There is a gas-line that goes underneath the Starbucks.

Philadelphia Fire Dept. is reporting that there is a gas line that travels under Starbucks, which is fully engulfed in flames.


UPDATE – 6:30P: Officers are questing ‘backup to come in very hard’ to assist a lieutenant guarding the west entrance of City Hall.

Police request backup to come in ‘hard’ as they are under fire.


UPDATE – 6:28P: Police are pushing rioters, State Police is asking what their lowest altitude to fly can be.

Pennsylvania State Police are sending in helicopters at low altitudes.


UPDATE – 6:26P: Police get ready to push rioters: ‘Are you ready to do this Commissioner?’

Police are pushing rioters away from City Hall now.


UPDATE – 6:24P: Starbucks is on fire nearby City Hall. ‘Let’s start this push at the plaza now.’

‘Starbucks is up in flames.’


UPDATE – 6:22P: SWAT is making entry into City Hall; rioters have set fire to Starbucks.

‘They’re trying to break into the cafeteria to get into City Hall,’ said police, as SWAT makes entry.


UPDATE – 6:20P: Police will begin to push rioters away from City Hall again.

‘We’re going to be pushing people from the plaza, using [inaudible] teams, and taking prisoners to City Hall.’

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm Buildings: Police Being Hit with Chemical Weapons
📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT


UPDATE – 6:19P: Rioters are heading to Wawa armed with crowbars.

Police are requesting assistance as they are under fire with rioters heading towards them with crowbars.


UPDATE – 6:16P: Police report an injured officer at City Hall.

An additional officer has been injured outside of City Hall.


UPDATE – 6:14P: Police request backup at 15th and Walnut for several stores being broken into

Stores have been broken into by rioters, including the Apple store, as SWAT works to take control of City Hall.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm City Hall to Set Fire: Police Hit with Chemical Weapons
📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT


UPDATE – 6:11P: Police request backup in several locations, including City Hall.

Police are requesting backup in several different sections of the city as rioters overtake stores, City Hall.


UPDATE – 6:10P: Rioters have gained entry into the Apple Store.

The Apple Store on 15th and Walnut has been overtaken by rioters.


UPDATE – 6:09P: Rioters are throwing barricades at police outside of City Hall.

Rioters have engaged with police, throwing barricades at them outside of City Hall.


UPDATE – 6:08P: ‘Let’s go!’ SWAT commanders take charge, push rioters away from City Hall.

SWAT has engaged with the rioters to safeguard City Hall.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm Buildings: Police Being Hit with Chemical Weapons
📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT


UPDATE – 6:07P: Police say they are making a barricade around City Hall.

Police say they cannot ‘sit back and be taken over.’ Commander instructs: ‘Let’s go! Push them out now – let’s go!’


UPDATE – 6:05P: SWAT warns authorities they’re ‘coming in very hard and very strong’

City Hall has been taken over by rioters.


UPDATE – 6:04P: Police request assistance from tactical units at City Hall.

Police are requesting the ERT units to respond to City Hall after what sounded like three explosions. SWAT is ‘coming in hard.’


UPDATE – 6:02P: Police report several more explosions at City Hall.

‘We don’t know if they’re explosions or very large fireworks. We need backup.’


UPDATE – 6:00P: Police report explosion at City Hall.

Police are rushing to City Hall for a reported explosion.


UPDATE – 5:59P: Police say a black female with blonde hair has set fire to police cars and City Hall.

A black female with blonde hair has set several fires.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm Buildings: Police Being Hit with Chemical Weapons
📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT


UPDATE – 5:57P: Rioters are gaining entry into City Hall.

Rioters make entry into City Hall. ‘They’re trying to push the air-conditions in all along Market Street to gain entry. I have a group of 29 officers, 2 lieutenants and a sergeant. We need strike force.’


UPDATE – 5:45P: Police say rioters damaged vehicles at their headquarters.

‘It’s bad, there’s a lot of damage on vehicles at police headquarters. It’s bad. It’s bad. Send help we need to move the cars out,’ said an officer.


UPDATE – 5:43P: Police report the statue of Frank Rizzo is being attacked by rioters.

Former Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo is under attack. Rioters are attempting to set his statue on fire.


UPDATE – 5:41P: Additional SEPTA buses with officers are enroute.

Several additional SEPTA buses are heading nearby City Hall to assist. They are full of police officers of all ranks. An additional police vehicle is set on fire outside of the MSB Building.


UPDATE – 5:39P: Additional SEPTA buses with officers are enroute.

Several additional SEPTA buses are heading nearby City Hall to assist. They are full of police officers of all ranks. An additional police vehicle is set on fire outside of the MSB Building.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm Buildings: Police Being Hit with Chemical Weapons
📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT


UPDATE – 5:38P: Police say white rioters are lighting multiple fires.

Police report three white rioters have set fire on police vehicles nearby City Hall.


UPDATE – 5:33P: Police say over 2,000 people are starting to run towards the MSB Building.

Police are reporting over 2,000 individuals are starting to run towards the MSB Building as they continue lighting cars on fire.


UPDATE – 5:31P: Police report fourth police car on fire outside of City Hall.

Police are reporting more police car fires outside of City Hall. The vehicle is fully engulfed.


UPDATE – 5:30P: Philadelphia Fire Department calls for assistance.

The fire department said they need additional trucks to handle the fires that are erupting.


UPDATE – 5:29P: 3 police cars have been set on fire.

Three cars have ‘been vandalized, taken over and set on fire’ at Broad and JFK.


UPDATE – 5:28P: Second police car is set on fire by rioters at Broad and JFK.

Police report a second police vehicle has been lit on fire.


UPDATE – 5:26P: Nearly 700 rioters are approaching Love Park.

Police are requesting strike force as 700 rioters approach Love Park.


UPDATE – 5:25P: Rioters set fire to first police vehicle.

Rioters have set the first police car fire in Philly as they continue towards the police department and other points of interest. It is an unmarked car.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm Buildings: Police Being Hit with Chemical Weapons
📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT


UPDATE – 5:24P: Police confirm rioters are using chemical weapons.

After nearly 10 officers suffered chemical burns to the eyes, police declare rioters are using chemical weapons.


UPDATE – 5:23P: Injured officer at Broad & Arch

Police report chemical burns in the eyes on an officer who suffered a burn after someone threw chemicals.


UPDATE – 5:21P: Citywide alert for assist police at 15th and JFK

Police equipment and vehicles are being vandalized between JFK and Arch Street, destroying unmarked cars. ‘Tell them we’re surrounded! We need help out here!’


UPDATE – 5:20P: SWAT secured TD Bank.

SWAT has secured TD Bank with some people detained. Rioters are heading towards Broad and JFK.


UPDATE – 5:15P: Rioters gain entry to TD Bank.

TD Bank has been overrun by rioters.


UPDATE – 5:13P: Rioters are breaking into TD Bank.

Rioters are gaining entry into TD Bank at 15th and JFK, across the street from the MSB Building nearby City Hall.


UPDATE – 5:11P: SWAT and Phila. Police Emergency Response Team is responding.

SWAT is responding as people begin breaking into the TD Bank nearby City Hall.


UPDATE – 5:10P: Officers are calling for backup as rioters close in on them for arresting them.

Crowds are gathering as police have detained individuals. They are calling for backup with cars to transport the prisoners.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm Buildings: Police Being Hit with Chemical Weapons
📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT


UPDATE – 5:08P: Officers do not need additional medical units at this time.

Police are calling for special teams as protesters are closing in on the building. There are no additional officers injured, but seven are enroute to the hospital.


UPDATE – 5:06P: Officers are still being reported injured with several enroute to the hospital.

At least 7 officers have been injured, four are being transferred to nearby hospitals as they wait for additional cars and medics.


UPDATE – 5:05P: Rioters are trying to set the Rizzo Statue on fire.

Police report the Rizzo statue is about to be on fire.


UPDATE – 5:05P: Police are requesting ‘help now’

Police are heard screaming ‘please send help now we’re under attack they’re throwing stuff at us’ as they cough.


UPDATE – 5:03P: Police begin using pellets to get rioters off of the armored vehicle.

Protesters are being hit with rubber pellets as they ambush an armored vehicle.


UPDATE – 5:02P: Rioters have gotten on top of an armored vehicle.

Pennsylvania State Police are requesting backup to get individuals off of the armored vehicle outside of the MSB Building.


UPDATE – 5:00P: Police call for assistance by Broad and JFK, calling for SWAT vehicles.

Police are sending nearly 30 SEPTA buses of police officers.

Philly Under Attack by Rioters, 2,000 People Storm Buildings: Police Being Hit with Chemical Weapons
📸: ERIC NORTON FOR YOUR CONTENT


UPDATE – 4:56: Officer is being rushed to the hospital.

Police are rushing 1 officer to the hospital with chemical burns to the eyes. Three others are down.


UPDATE – 4:56: Chemical burns to the eyes. Four officers are injured.

Officers are reported down after females with blonde hair and a black male threw chemicals at police. One officer is heading to the hospital now with chemical burns to the eyes.


This is a developing news story. It will be updated momentarily.

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