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Lesson from Kenosha: It can happen anywhere

The fire chief of Kenosha, Wisconsin, reported this week that damage from riots in that city now totals $11 million. The unrest broke out in the wake of the police shooting of a Black man, Jacob Blake. To put the damage in perspective, the chief said it amounts to three years of fire loss in a single week.

Blake’s shooting is controversial. He was wanted by police and reportedly scuffled with them. He also may have had a knife or been trying to reach for one. The facts of the altercation are in dispute. What is known is that a white police officer fired seven shots at Blake’s back, hitting him four times. Blake was left partially paralyzed, and protests and riots ensued.

The fire chief’s report this week should serve as a warning to all smaller cities in the Midwest. If something so damaging can happen in Kenosha, it can happen anywhere. Multi-millions of dollars in property damage would be devastating to even the larger cities in our region such as Mankato and Rochester. Such damage would crush a smaller city like Fairmont.

Our nation’s leaders, and potential leaders, as well as our state, regional and local officials, need to make clear that rioting is never acceptable. And they need to back it up — quickly, when needed — with actions to stop rioters, anarchists and looters. Peaceful protests are understandable and can lead to needed dialogue and change. Rioting is pointless destruction that hurts communities.

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