Looters Ransack REI as Santa Monica Storefronts Are Destroyed During Protests

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Sunday brought destruction to Santa Monica, Calif. storefronts. Blocks from where protesters peacefully demonstrated, some individuals took advantage of a limited police presence — covering buildings with graffiti, smashing storefronts and stealing merchandise.

REI was among the stores hit Sunday afternoon. Video showed protesters attempting to thwart violence by putting themselves in front of the store — but later video showed persons hauling clothing and other items out of the shop.

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Down the block, video footage showed dozens of looters entering a Vans outpost and exiting with stolen sneakers and other goods. Nike, Gap Kids and Patagonia were also among the stores looted, and individuals were taped tossing boxes out the back of an Amazon Prime vehicle.

Santa Monica officials said they believed the majority of looters were not associated with the protests. The city arrested over 200 individuals on Sunday. In attempt to prevent further destruction today, a curfew will go into effect in Santa Monica’s business district beginning at 1 p.m., with a citywide curfew to take hold at 4 p.m.

Across the country, unrest has mounted in the wake of the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died on May 25 in Minneapolis. Floyd was killed after white police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd’s death during an arrest. Chauvin has been fired from the police force and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Although protests across the country have mostly been peaceful, there have been reports of looting in major cities from coast to coast — including New York, Chicago and Washington, D.C. as well as Los Angeles — with most violence coming in the late night hours. In recent days, major brands and retailers have spoken up against the injustices faced by African Americans and called for change — including companies that typically take a stance on social issues as well as those that have historically shied away from doing so.

Launch Gallery: Los Angeles Stores Looted Amid Unrest Across the U.S.

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