Philadelphia Looting and Eddie Irizarry’s Verdict: As a result of the dismissal of charges against officer Mark Dial in the Eddie Irizarry shooting case, widespread theft occurred in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Looting and Eddie Irizarry’s Verdict
In response to the controversial decision to drop all charges against former Philadelphia police officer Mark Dial in the shooting of Eddie Irizarry, a night of widespread theft shook the city. The verdict, which left many in disbelief, appears to have sparked a surge of criminal opportunism unrelated to the earlier peaceful protests over the court’s decision, according to the authorities.
NEW: Mass looting breaks out in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as criminals were seen stealing IPhone 15s from the Apple Store.
Luckily, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez explained in 2020 why people loot: To feed their families!
I’m sure those IPhone 15s will taste great.
“They go out and… pic.twitter.com/y5RKMo2zwG
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 27, 2023
Tuesday’s judgment by Philadelphia Municipal Judge Wendy Pew that there was insufficient evidence to proceed to trial in the tragic death of Irizarry had already sparked outrage. Eddie Irizarry, a 27-year-old, was shot and killed by Philadelphia police officer Dial in August after he had been stopped for aberrant driving.
As soon as the City Hall protests concluded, reports of vandalism and looting began flooding in. Hooded individuals were documented on video robbing Apple and Foot Locker stores, among others, while wearing hoods.
John Stanford, the interim police commissioner, condemned the plundering and emphasized that it was the work of “criminal opportunists” who took advantage of the situation. He stated categorically that this illicit conduct would not be tolerated.
By late Tuesday, around 15 to 20 arrests had been made, and two firearms were recovered in connection with the larceny incidents. Businesses outside of Center City were also targeted, indicating that the perpetrators were organized.
While the exact number of affected stores remained unknown, Stanford assured that investigators were actively gathering evidence to make additional arrests and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Mark Dial & Judge Wendy Pew are the enemies not someone’s business! #Philly gotta do better……… Eddie Irizarry, R.I.P. young man God will handle them basters is due time 🤲🏽! pic.twitter.com/tsPYKzcopv
— Sir Dobine (@SirDobine) September 27, 2023
The looting incidents were widely condemned, with Philadelphia Managing Director Tumar Alexander calling them “disrespectful to the Irizarry family and what they’re going through right now.” He implored the public to work with law enforcement and to report any information regarding the looters.
As the city deals with the aftermath of this troubling incident, concerns remain regarding the relationship between the looting and the contentious verdict. Many are left pondering if the dismissal of Mark Dial’s charges played a role in the mayhem that erupted on the streets of Philadelphia, and if more protests and demonstrations are on the horizon.
