Denver Weekend: Night Fires, Vandalism, ‘It Was Anarchy’

Downtown Denver did not have quiet Saturday night. City officials condemned those who vandalized buildings and set fires. Officials called these people anarchists and rioters and said that their actions had nothing to do with social justice.

"What we experienced last night was not a protest. It was anarchy," said Director of Public Safety Murphy Robinson. "I want these anarchists to hear me clearly and loudly that this will not be tolerated in our city. You are not welcome here. If you choose to come back to Denver, Colorado, to incite anarchy, destruction and violence, I can assure you — you will be met with every tool in our disposal, from law and policy, that we can use to stop."

Robinson is a Denver native and a Black man.

"You do not represent us," Robinson said. "Stop using the color of my skin as an excuse to tear my city apart. These countless acts are not helpful. They do not represent what Black lives are about, or this city that Black lives helped build for generations. We ask you to stay home. If you are not going to protest peacefully then you need to stay home. Don't come out. You will be dealt with."

12 people were arrested. Police are looking for more.

3 officers were injured in the confrontations.

According to Denver7 TV News, Sometime before 9 p.m., a van arrived to provide some of the people with shields. As the people marched toward the Denver police headquarters, Denver7 reporters witnessed people with a bat and an ax.