Wakefield Man Arrested During Boston Protest

WAKEFIELD, MA – A Wakefield man was among those arrested after protests in Boston turned violent Sunday night. Antonio Cardona, 36, was charged with breaking and entering of a building nighttime for a felony, Boston police said.

Police arrested 53 people and issued one summons following demonstrations in downtown Boston. The Massachusetts National Guard filed into the streets to help police after a day of peaceful protest gave way to rioting, looting and flaming destruction.

Clashes between authorities and people who lingered hours after protests wound down marred what started as an optimistic day, as Boston joined other major cities across the country in hosting rallies that devolved into violence.

"This was the very last thing that our city quite honestly needed," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said at a Monday afternoon press conference.

Walsh thanked peaceful protesters, police and fire departments and the National Guard. But he criticized those who took protests in memory of George Floyd, the black man who died in Minneapolis after a police officer arresting him knelt on his neck for nearly 9 minutes, as an opportunity to spread violence, fear and destruction.

Law enforcement in Boston sought help from the Massachusetts State Police, surrounding community police, including Chelsea police officers in riot gear, and the National Guard Sunday.

Officers used tear gas to help disperse the crowds that had begun to riot, setting fire to a police cruiser, lobbing rocks and sticks and water bottles at police, and, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins, even shooting at officers at one point. Looters were caught on live television stealing goods from retailers from Zara to CVS on Newbury Street.

Of the 53 people arrested Sunday, 24 were from outside Boston and two were from outside Massachusetts, Boston Police Commissioner William Gross said.

"I'm telling you, folks, the negative actions will not deter us from remaining together as a community," Gross said Monday.