A violent mob attacked Memphis police officers in downtown near Beale Street and Main Street late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. KWAM will have breaking news coverage of the violence on Wake Up Memphis with Robyn Walensky starting at 6 a.m. Monday. Click here to listen live.
The rioters threw rocks at businesses and launched fireworks at police officers. They also began jumping on top of squad cars.Additionally, individuals in the crowd began to throw bottles at officers. Officers also witnessed several individuals arm themselves with rocks and glass, and individuals started throwing bottles into the crowd from a rooftop in the area of BB King and Beale Street, the department said in a statement to KWAM.
“Throughout the next several hours, officers had fireworks thrown at them, rocks were thrown at businesses and squad cars, drivers were driving erratically, and shots-fired calls were reported, an MPD spokesperson said.
Around midnight, the crowd ignored commands to disperse and began to push through bike racks – knocking down several officers.
Around 2:24 a.m. and 3:20 a.m. someone fired gunshots at two officers. Neither officer was struck.“Some have asked why our officers were wearing riot gear protection. I feel that this question is asked because some do not know all of the details. Clearly, you can see that our officers were wearing riot gear protection to protect themselves and so that they can protect our citizens. I have said that we support peaceful protest, but we will not stand by and let the few that want to wreak havoc tear down our city,” said Police Director Michael Rallings. “The peaceful protest that took place earlier in the day was powerful and had meaning. The riot that occurred later in the downtown area only brought chaos and civil unrest. My hat goes off to those who seek justice through peaceful protest; they have meaning, heart, and purpose.”
Among those who were infuriated that police would enforce the law is Commissioner Tami Sawyer, a leftist agitator.“It’s a real shame that our first elected black sheriff felt the need for this show of force. We are here waiting for our people to be released. We are sitting in a parking lot and this is the response,” she wrote on social media.
Sawyer, you might recall, is also a hypocrite.
She wanted to fine businesses $50 for letting unmasked shoppers into their businesses. But Ms. Sawyer was filmed taking part in a protest march — without a mask.
MPD still has dozens of officers at BB King Blvd and Beale St.
All are still wearing protective gear.
People have since dispersed from this area. @LocalMemphis pic.twitter.com/r82vxPCfDK
— Caitlin McCarthy (@Local24CaitlinM) May 31, 2020
Below are the names and charges of those who were arrested during last night’s event.
39-year-old Martinease Jamison: Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon, Intentionally Evading Arrest in an Automobile, and Driving While License Suspended/Revoked/Canceled.
28-year-old Darin Abston: Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction of Highway or Passageway, and Resisting Official Detention.
33-year-old Likisha Clark: Disorderly Conduct
19-year-old Kameron Miller: Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction of Highway or Passageway
38-year-old Rodney White: Disorderly Conduct
29-year-old Victoria Jones: Disorderly Conduct, Riot, Resisting Official Detention
28-year-old Damion Smith: Disorderly Conduct, Obstruction of Highway or Passageway
27-year-old Geno McGary: Disorderly Conduct
