'Sad To See': Local Community Reacts After East Liberty Protest Damaged Local Businesses, Injured Police Officers

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A peaceful protest ended last night in East Liberty along the corner of Centre and Penn Avenues.

It's also where a group of people decided to become violent. Businesses were damaged and police were injured.

"I think a lot of people are just taking advantage of the situation," said Barret Reis.

The front windows of some businesses like Dollar Bank are now boarded up.

Shoe store, Sneaker Villa, still has broken glass displayed after Monday night's protest.

"Sad to see. It's a beautiful city and we don't need this to be happening," said Reis.

"This is our neighborhood and we just love this city," said Jonathan Cordle, Pastor at Crossroads in East Liberty.

Jonathan Cordle, Pastor for Crossroads in East Liberty, along with other members had trash bags in hand and gloves on as they were cleaning up after what happened.

"Sometimes we really wanna do big things but it's the small little, incremental things that really can affect what we wanna see change," said Cordle.

It was another tough night for the city. After a peaceful protest, some broke off and were violent towards others.

Bricks and other objects were thrown at police officers, injuring nine. Twenty people, including four from out-of-state were arrested. Two protestors were hurt, but not seriously.

"I think there's just a lot of pain and a lot of hurt," said Cordle. "It's a system of something deeper that's happening so I think listening for me is one of the best things that I can do right now."

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