Police officers in Charlotte, North Carolina stood guard Thursday morning and helped local business owners clean up from damage they sustained during violent riots on Wednesday night.
Images shared on social media revealed local businesses vandalized, with their windows broken and merchandise looted as rioters overshadowed “Black Lives Matter” protests. Demonstrators were marching over the death of Keith Lamont Scott, a black man shot and killed by a black police officer.
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 22: A crew works to remove broken glass from the front entry of the Hilton Garden Inn after rioters made their way through the area bashing glass and looting businesses while protesting the death of Keith Scott September 22, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
On Thursday, police officers stood outside looted businesses with weapons drawn and also helped store owners pick up debris.
Police stand by a damaged storefront stemming from overnight protests in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)