The NASCAR HOF was "among the sites hit by vandals" during riots in downtown Charlotte last night. This morning, a "street sign hung like a spear from the front window of the hall's new center, after vandals tried prying out the front window." The looters "apparently did not make their way" into the HOF and its exhibits (
CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/22). The Hornets' NBA team store was "later looted" as well (
CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/22).
Panthers coach Ron Rivera prior to last night's incidents said that the "violence, destruction and looting" were "not the 'right way' to protest" police shootings. Rivera: "Maybe instead of tearing up your own city, maybe instead of doing things the wrong way, we do things the right way" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/22).
Panthers officials today are "meeting to discuss security plans" for Sunday's home game against the Vikings. One of their "biggest concerns is, are there enough police in the town to handle what’s going on with the protests and the security at the stadium?" They "haven't talked about canceling right now or postponing, but they are concerned about having enough security for this game" (“SportsCenter,” ESPN, 9/22).
