Philadelphia looting 2023: 72 charged after several stores ransacked across city, DA's office says
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Seventy-two people have been charged after several stores were looted across Philadelphia last week. Philadelphia officials, including District Attorney Larry Krasner, gave an update Monday regarding the civil unrest.
Business owners have been left to pick up the pieces nearly a week after swarms of thieves looted retailers Tuesday night.
The chaos started hours after a judge dismissed all charges against a former police officer who shot and killed Eddie Irizarry. However, police have said that none of the looters were connected to the peaceful protesters who came out in support of Irizarry.
One video shows police and alleged looters clashing outside the Lululemon store on Walnut. Then, just down the street, a security guard tried to hold off people forcing their way into the Apple Store. Sporting goods stores, a Foot Locker, a GameStop, a medical marijuana dispensary and a streetwear business were also among the shops hit.
Several liquor stores are also closed "until further notice" after 18 Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores were targeted.
Now, city leaders said they're looking to come down hard on anyone involved in the looting spree.
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"A robbery charge, a burglary charge, a theft charge, receiving stolen property," Interim Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Stanford said following the night of chaos. "Whatever we can possibly apply to this situation, we're going to apply it."
"The DA and the courts need to make sure these people pay a price for what they did," Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney also said.
In the days following, investigators said they made dozens of arrests in connection to the incidents. Of those arrests, 67 adults and five minors have been charged, according to ADA Clint Orem, the acting chief of the DAO's charging unit. The most common charges were burglary and theft.
"Philadelphia is not going to be the place that you can come and do this type of behavior," Stanford said.
Stanford said they believe the groups were organized on social media and singled out one woman who is in custody as a possible leader.
"This person incited a lot of other individuals to do at one point, what we know, is coordinated a caravan of individuals to go across the city hitting multiple locations," the acting police commissioner added.
Dayjia Blackwell, 21, known as "Meatball" was charged for her alleged role in multiple incidents of property destruction, burglary, and theft from businesses in seven different locations throughout the city, according to police. She is alleged to have used her social media following to encourage people to participate in criminal activities in those locations. Police said she has been charged with burglary, conspiracy, criminal trespass, riot, criminal mischief, criminal use of communication facility, receipt of stolen property and disorderly conduct.
City Commerce Director Anne Nadol has said her office is working to make sure businesses have what they need.
ALSO SEE: How to file for assistance if impacted by looting in Philadelphia