Philadelphia looting: Philadelphia police are more visible because of rumors on social media that people are stealing. Wednesday night, social media posts called for people to rob stores around Philadelphia, which put the city’s police on high alert. The extra police were meant to keep the peace and protect everyone in Philadelphia, especially in places like Center City where problems had happened before.
Commissioner of Police for Philadelphia Kevin Bethel stressed that the department is dedicated to keeping all communities safe. “We’re very, very careful,” he said, adding that extra steps were taken across the whole city to keep people and businesses safe.
The online posts told people to rob, which made people worry about possible unrest. In response, police patrolled important areas, such as the 52nd Street corridor in West Philadelphia, and stayed near stores that had been robbed before. On patrols, there were officers on bikes and in police cars, ready to respond to any crime.
On Market Street, there was a group of teens dressed in black who were quickly split up by police. Officers arrested two people and asked parents to help keep their children safe. “If anyone engages in negative activity, we’re going to take the appropriate action,” said the man.
Some shops in Center City, like New Balance, Foot Locker, and LuLuLemon, closed early and boarded up their front doors to avoid damage. Customers were told ahead of time by signs, especially in places like Port Richmond’s Aramingo Avenue.
Police said that a group of teens tried to break into a store on Germantown Avenue in Hunting Park but failed. Bethel thought that people like this were just looking for chances to make money.
A group of people from the Socialist Alternative and the Revolutionary Communists of America held a peaceful protest outside of City Hall. There were also police all around the building. People who were protesting spoke out against the policies of former President Trump and said they hoped for a peaceful outcome.
Philadelphia police are still very alert, and the department is keeping a close eye on any possible problems. In these tense times, Bethel said, “We’re here ready to go.” He also said that the goal was to keep the city safe.