Authored by Steve Watson via Summit News,
Police in Philadelphia discovered a van packed with explosives and other “suspicious equipment” as a third night of rioting and looting gripped the city on Wednesday.
ABC 6 reported that “police recovered propane tanks, torches and possible dynamite sticks from the van.”
The report adds that “The bomb squad is on the scene at this hour.”
#BREAKING : Phila Police discover van loaded with explosives, suspicious equipment at Logan Circle in Center City. Live report coming up at 11. @6abc pic.twitter.com/GWhMjR7D04
— Dann Cuellar (@DannCuellar) October 29, 2020
The development comes after President Trump claimed police were told to “stand back” and not stop looting and rioting.
TRUMP: “I went to school in that city. I love the city of Philadelphia. You can’t let that happen to a wonderful place like Philadelphia. ” pic.twitter.com/XHaa55OASV
— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) October 28, 2020
“People are breaking into stores and walking out with washing machines and walking out with all sorts of things and it shouldn’t be allowed,” Trump noted, adding “The police were told to stand back, and maybe that’s not so but that’s what I was told upon very good authority.”
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney blasted the crime wave Wednesday, noting that “The looting that has taken place is distressing.”
“It is clear that many of these folks are taking advantage of the situation, harming our businesses and communities, and doing a great disservice to those who want to protest the death of Walter Wallace, Jr.,” Kenney added.
“We cannot allow others to destroy property. I have requested the assistance of the PA National Guard. Their role will be to safeguard property, prevent looting, and provide operational and logistical assistance to @PhillyPolice and other departments,” Kenny also announced.
We cannot allow others to destroy property. I have requested the assistance of the PA National Guard. Their role will be to safeguard property, prevent looting, and provide operational and logistical assistance to @PhillyPolice and other departments.
— Jim #MaskUpPHL Kenney (@PhillyMayor) October 28, 2020
The mayor has also put a city-wide curfew in place:
A citywide curfew is will go into effect tonight, October 28, 2020 from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. During this time, people may leave their homes only to go to work, seek medical or emergency assistance, or drop off a mail-in ballot. Please stay safe. https://t.co/6Er6yoLgXn pic.twitter.com/dwd6Td68ht
— City of Philadelphia (@PhiladelphiaGov) October 28, 2020
