Philly Businesses Preparing For Unrest Following Chauvin Verdict

PHILADELPHIA — Last summer and fall, Philadelphia saw days of riots, looting, and violence following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis. The killing of Walter Wallace Jr. by Philadelphia police officers led to further unrest.

Now, with the trial of Derek Chauvin, the officer accused of killing Floyd by kneeling on his neck, nearing its end, businesses are preparing for more potential unrest.

According to Action News, businesses in the city's Port Richmond neighborhood, which saw extensive looting last year, were boarding up Wednesday.

The outlet reports some business owners in the Port Richmond area are considering hiring private security to ensure their livelihoods are protected in the event of more rioting and looting.

Additionally, NBC10 reports businesses in West Philadelphia are preparing for the worst.

According to the outlet, last year's looting and rioting caused $9 million in damage to West Philadelphia businesses, largely owned by people of color, alone.