More than a dozen arrested after protests turned violent, Columbia police chief says
More than a dozen people were arrested Saturday and 15 law enforcement officers were injured in the protests that turned chaotic and violent.
Chief Skip Holbrook spoke with The State at about 9 a.m. Sunday, while standing in front of the Columbia Police Department, where one of the most heated confrontations between protesters and law enforcement occurred.
“My heart breaks for what I saw yesterday,” Holbrook said. “We are better than this — we are better than what we saw yesterday.”
Holbrook said 12 of his officers were injured in the protests. One of the officers remains in an area hospital from heat exhaustion, but is expected to recover, according to Holbrook.
Three officers were assaulted, and two suffered cuts on their faces from broken glass thrown at them, according to the tweet.
Police said the other injuries were all related to heat exhaustion.
Further information on the condition of the officers was not available.
Three deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department were hurt during the protests. All were treated on the scene, according to the sheriff’s department.
The chief also provided some general information on the number of people taken into custody on Saturday.
“There were well more than a dozen arrests,” Holbrook said.
When asked if any of the people arrested were armed the chief responded, “Let me just say we’re investigating two shooting incidents.”
One of them included an incident when sheriff’s deputies were shot at while at the corner of Gervais and Assembly streets. No injuries were reported in that shooting, but a search is underway for at least three people possibly involved, according to the sheriff’s department.
Information on the charges the people who’ve been arrested are facing was not available.
The protests that started as peaceful devolved into riots in response to the death of a black man, George Floyd, in Minneapolis on Monday while in police custody. Tensions have been raised across the nation as Floyd’s death has sparked national outrage since a video showed a police officer kneeling on his neck before he died.
“That does not reflect our profession. It certainly doesn’t reflect the men and women who so courageously serve here in the Midlands,” Holbrook said of the action taken by the Minneapolis police officers in Floyd’s death. “That brush can’t be used to paint the whole profession and certainly not us here.’’
Holbrook said Columbia Police did not use any lethal weapons during Saturday’s incidents, but shots were fired from the line of protesters.
Police did use tear gas and rubber bullets at times, according to Holbrook.
“No one was believed struck,” Holbrook said. “It was a tough day and night. I’m really so proud of of officers and deputies — their professionalism, patience — they stuck to it. They followed directions. They showed restraint, incredible courage.”
Columbia Mayor Steven Benjamin echoed that sentiment when he showed his appreciation for the law enforcement officers and other emergency officials who did not escalate the situation. The mayor also thanked the protesters who didn’t get involved with any violent activity.
“I’m thankful for the respect, restraint & strength shown by peaceful protesters & first responders yesterday,” Benjamin said on Twitter.
On Saturday, Benjamin declared a state of emergency and issued a 6 p.m. curfew. Although the curfew is in place through 6 a.m. Monday, Benjamin said the city will be “exercising a lighter hand with businesses that are operating legally.”
A citywide curfew will be imposed in Cayce beginning Sunday at 8:30 p.m. city officials said. Cayce Mayor Elise Partin said she reached out to area businesses about the curfew, that will last through 6 a.m. Monday.
Cayce is also ready to assist Columbia law enforcement by closing the Blossom Street bridge as a safety measure, according to City Manager Tracy Hegler.
During the protests, multiple vehicles — including three Columbia Police Department patrol cars — were set on fire, business windows were smashed, and the gunfire was reported.
At one point, protesters gathered in front of police headquarters, where they were met by officers and members of the sheriff’s department. The protesters tore down the American and state flags, burning the American flag and destroying the state flag.
While Holbrook was speaking with The State Sunday, a couple who operate a shop in the Vista area pulled up to the police department and stopped to thank the chief and law enforcement for saving their business.
“The way you shut it off early. We will forever be thankful to you and (Richland County) Sheriff (Leon) Lott,” said Bruce Brutschy, who owns Lorick Office Products with his wife Jeanne. “We only had one window broken out and some graffiti.”
At least 10 businesses or buildings in Columbia were visibly damaged during the protests. That included Aloft Hotel on Lady Street, in addition to the Blue Marlin restaurant and a jewelry store on Lincoln Street, as well as the office office building next door to Sandler’s Diamond and Time.
There is the possibility of more protests on Sunday.
The sheriff’s department shared a picture of deputies and Columbia police officers praying together “as they brace for another day of protest” in the city.
This story was originally published May 31, 2020 at 10:13 AM.
