The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for setting fire to eight Milwaukee businesses during race riots over the weekend.
A gas station, an auto parts store, a bank, a beauty supply store, a supermarket and three liquor stores were targeted Saturday and Sunday night when protests of the fatal police shooting of Sylville Smith, an armed black man, turned violent in Milwaukee’s predominantly black north side.
At least seven officers were reported wounded in the violence, including some who were hit by rocks and bricks, and several cars were set ablaze.
The ATF said in a press release that aggregate losses “are estimated to exceed several million dollars.”
Jimmie Butler, a manager at the O’Reilly Auto Parts, had just worked a shift the day before his store was burned.
“That was the last time I saw the building standing,” he told The Chicago Tribune. “If they are mad at the police, take it to the police. What does O’Reilly have to do with anything?”
Another manager, who witnessed the store burning down, told Mr. Butler that their employment futures wouldn’t be certain for another week.
“I got bills to pay, a car note,” Mr. Butler said. “I hope they don’t burn up anything else.”
The ATF is asking anyone who has any information about the fires should call the toll free ATF hotline at 888-ATF-FIRE (888-283-3473). Callers may remain anonymous.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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