Elorza Opposes Use of National Guard, Raimondo Refuses to Answer
Tuesday, June 02, 2020
While state and local law enforcement prepared on Monday night for the potential of riots and looting in Providence, Rhode Island, one key state agency was excluded — the Rhode Island National Guard, force of 1,000 with some members presently deployed oversees.
As GoLocal first reported, Rhode Island State Police set up a staging area across from the Rhode Island State House in the Department of Transporation’s parking lot before 10 PM Monday night, taking up positions along with Providence Police in front of the Capitol building and around Providence Place Mall.
Rioting and violence ensued in Providence throughout the night.
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In Minnesota, Democratic Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat. called out the National Guard and deployed them in Minneapolis and St. Paul after protests turned from violent. He had the support of the Democratic Mayors of both Minneapolis and St. Paul.
In a statement on Tuesday Raimondi said in a statement, "We are at a critical moment in American history, and our actions today can set the course for a more just and equal society tomorrow. But if we let violence give rise to more violence, then that opportunity will be lost. What happened in Providence last night was unacceptable. It was criminal. It put lives at risk. And those responsible will be held accountable. To those in Rhode Island and around the country who are expressing your outrage and pain through peaceful protest: I hear you. Let’s rise above the hate, rise above the fear, and work to root out racism on an individual and institutional level.”
Elorza Opposed to Use of National Guard
In a statement to GoLocal on Tuesday morning, Elorza’s office confirmed that the Mayor opposed the use of the National Guard on Monday. “He has opposed deployment of military,” said Elorza’s office in an email.
Raimondo’s office has refused to respond to requests for comments of deploying the National Guard. Raimondo and Elorza are expected to address the media shortly after 11 a.m.
Counting the stores in Providence Place more than 100 stores were damaged and looted.
According to Rhode Island State Police Colonel James Manni, the combined police presence responding to the rioting overnight, including Massachusetts State Police, totaled 150.
The rioters were estimated to be 500, according to police estimates.
Approximately 10 officers were injured on duty and 65 were arrested.
