GREENSBORO, N.C. — Protests continued into the early morning hours on Sunday as outrage continues to pour out over the death of George Floyd. He is the man killed while in police custody in Minneapolis on Memorial Day.
In Greensboro, protests started out peaceful, but as it got dark outside, WFMY News 2 crews on the scene witnessed tensions escalate.
WFMY News 2 teams counted a total of 19 businesses within the 500 and 600 blocks of S. Elm Street in downtown Greensboro had been damaged or vandalized. Trash, alcohol bottles, a baby stroller, burned clothes, and debris could be seen on the street and sidewalks.
Sunday morning, S. Elm St. was closed off for cleanup as city workers and volunteers worked to sweep up the mess. Business owners boarded up windows and assessed the damage done.
The owner of Gate City Candy Company said he watched from an upstairs window as people used a bench outside to smash his front door Saturday night. Mellow Mushroom said they have $25-50,000 in damage with some windows smashed, and alcohol and an iPad stolen.
Social Status's store manager told us they had $40-5000 in luxury merchandise stolen.
The Mattress Firm on Lawndale Avenue was also completely destroyed by fire overnight.
Greensboro police officials confirmed one person has been arrested stemming from what happened overnight.