Protests turned violent Tuesday night in Brockton, which led to SWAT teams and a National Guard response to the city.
Earlier in the evening, nearly a thousand people gathered for a peaceful protest at the West Middle School. But separate groups instigated violence when the sun went down.
At the Brockton Police headquarters, fireworks and rocks were thrown at a line of officers in riot gear. Tear gas was fired to disperse the large crowds. Windows were smashed at the Dunkin Donuts on Centre Street, and a small fire was set inside.
Some people stood on vehicles stopped along Centre Street while horns blared and music played. Mopeds and dirtbikes races along side streets as hundreds gathered.
State Police, SEMLEC SWAT, and the National Guard provided assistance to the Brockton Police.
Most of the protesters left after midnight, but the extent of damage in the city is unclear at this point.
Protesters stood with their hands up along a barricade outside the Brockton Police Station. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Music played from cars, crowds gathered at the intersection of Commercial and Centre Streets. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Protesters run from the police line towards Centre Street in Brockton. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
After a large firework was set off by the Brockton police line, protesters run up Commercial Street. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
A firework is launched from the intersection near the Brockton Police Station. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
