AIRPARK Buzz The Scottsdale Police Department’s burglary unit has taken a leading role in tracking down participants in the Scottsdale Fashion Square riot. (Photo by Pablo Robles)
On the Hunt
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early a year after hundreds of rioters ransacked Scottsdale Fashion Square and surrounding properties, Scottsdale police are still tracking down participants and recovering stolen goods. On May 31, 2020, hundreds of people descended on the mall area, breaking windows, stealing from shops, and even firing weapons inside the mall. The crowds only grew as the night went on, with some officers estimating upward of 1,000 people were involved at the riot’s peak. The riot continued into the early
morning hours as participants broke into the mall and nearby stores, causing over $1 million in damage. The incident — which took place at the height of nationwide protests against police violence against Black people following the murder of George Floyd — was organized via social media under the guise of a protest. However, the gathering quickly devolved into chaos and had little in common with other protests — such as a 1,000person social justice march that took place in Downtown Scottsdale weeks later. The social media post that triggered the riot seemed to express a desire to impact a largely white, affluent area like Scottsdale.
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“I don’t care whether you rioting or peacefully protest,” the post read. “The time for action is NOW.” But, around 15 minutes after participants began peacefully marching around the mall, someone started breaking windows near the Camelback underpass. Within minutes, people were seen running in all directions, breaking windows and running out of stores with merchandise. “This whole bag is full … and I broke into the cash register,” one man said after emerging from a broken window at Urban Outfitters. Police acknowledged that not all in attendance participated in the stealing.
