The night started with calls for better policing tactics by the NYPD but ended in looting.
Soho was torn apart as police and firefighters struggled to keep up with crowds breaking into high-end stores and setting fires in the streets.
Police presence was virtually nonexistent, officers greatly outnumbered unable to leave their vehicles to apprehend individuals leaving stores with bags full of designer clothes, shoes and handbags.
Cars were smashed, garbage-strewn across streets and windows bashed in indiscriminately throughout the night, only dying down after seemingly every store in Soho was either empty or at least damaged.
Protesters and police face off, May 31, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge
Protesters gather on the Lower East Side, May 31, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge
A protester holds their hands up toward police, May 31, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge
People stand in front of destroyed businesses, May 31, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge
Police douse a fire with water in Soho, May 31, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge
A person takes a photo of a smashed window in Soho, May 31, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge
FDNY respond to a fire in Soho, May 31, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge
People enter Dolce & Gabbana in Soho, May 31, 2020. Photo by Thomas Hengge
