Ongoing protests include property destruction, theft

Some people in Tulsa and some outside Tulsa are calling for reparations as a result of the 1921 Race Riot in Tulsa – 99 years ago.

On May 31-June 1, 1921, 35 blocks of the Greenwood District in Tulsa were destroyed and an undetermined number of black people were killed. About 20 years ago, a federal lawsuit was filed that sought reparations  but it failed.

The Human Rights Commission issued a report recommended direct payments to tiny amount of survivors, payments to their descendants plus suspension of state statute of limitations so victims and their families can sue for damages.

Meanwhile, last weekend Tulsa joined the protests in major U.S. cities over the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in the custody of Minneapolis police. A graphic video showed a police officer with his knee on Floyd’s neck with Floyd repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe.”

Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd death in Minneapolis. ] Floyd, had been arrested on suspicion of using a counterfeit bill at a store.

Unlike Minneapolis, Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and other cities, Tulsa’s protests have included destruction of property and looting.

“I respect the Tulsans who used their time today to show other Tulsans that they care for the lives of their neighbors that they want this to be a better city and that every life is sacred,” said Mayor G.T. Bynum. “I want to thank the men and women of the Tulsa Police Department who worked throughout the day to keep the protesters safe as they voiced their beliefs. I’ve been asked if I will meet with activists to discuss their aspirations for our city. My answer: Of course.”

“Everyone has the right to peacefully assemble,” said Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin. “When projectiles are thrown and property is destroyed, the Tulsa Police will not allow such actions to continue in the city.”

Tulsa protesters broke windows of businesses near 51st Street and Peoria Avenue. Looters broke the front door of a T-Mobile location and stole items. Other nearby businesses were broken into and items stolen. Rioter threw rocks at cars near 47th Street and Peoria Avenue in Brookside.

KTUL reported that someone vandalized Bank of the West on Brookside. KOTV reported that protesters smashed the windows of the vehicle used by reporter Emory Bryan.  The Oklahoma Highway Patrol closed I-44 eastbound at U.S. 75 and I-44 westbound at Lewis Avenue Sunday.

On Sunday night, police used tear gas and pepper balls to try to disperse the crowd as they blocked an ambulance trying to help someone. Rioters were throwing objects – including water bottles – at the police.

Tulsa County deputies stood between an automobile accident and protesters at 4th Street and Denver Avenue.

Black Lives Matter protesters block the lanes of the Inner Dispersal Loop Sunday night. They marched from the Greenwood District and blocked I-244.

On Saturday, about 1,000 protesters marched on Brookside and shut down a section of I-44.

Members of the Oklahoma National Guard joined Tulsa police and county law enforcement Monday night as the protest moved to Woodland Hills Mall at 71st Stree and Memorial Drive.

Officials said it shifted from a peaceful assembly to an unlawful assembly as some rioters broke windows and damaged businesses.

Woodland Hills Mall closed early due to the protest and entrances to its parking lot were blocked. Windows at a Baskin-Robbins were broken. The protest moved to 61st Street and Memorial Drive.

Police said agitators were causing the trouble while some protesters were peaceful.

“We have to stand for justice,” said U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma. “Justice is a biblical principle, which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., often quoted, ‘Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’ We should address injustice but destroying things, stealing undercuts the memory of George Floyd.”