After a peaceful protest earlier in the evening, things turned ugly after the 11 p.m. curfew when looters and other assorted lawbreakers took matters into their own hands, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to stores and restaurants.
Charleston Police admitted they were outnumbered, although it is the most lively area in the city during that time and riot police were in the area.
Here are pictures from Sunday afternoon. Boarded up buildings and shop owners still in shock. But a couple of business owners told me they felt "lucky" they only had some windows broken and merchandise stolen, considering the possibility of fires or even worse.
The scene at Marion Square, where protesters go face to face with law enforcement. The crowd eventually moved on, but the tension was clear with tear gas guns drawn.
State law enforcement agents patrol King Street Sunday afternoon.
The lone place to get food on a Sunday, usually the street is teaming with restaurants, even during the COVID-19 situation, many had offered outdoor seating or take-out.
This is not a looter or someone doing graffiti, it's the business owner who says she's thankful her place was not burned. Some stolen money and merchandise, but she says it could have been far worse.
