Authorities in Florida have released disturbing surveillance video showing the moment hundreds of looters broke into a closed Walmart and stole more than $100,000 worth of merchandise.
The incident took place on the night of May 30 during George Floyd protests in Tampa and the surrounding areas.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday issued a plea to the public seeking help with identifying the looters who ransacked the Walmart at 2701 East Fletcher Ave. in Tampa.
Surveillance video from inside the Walmart that was released by the law enforcement agency shows a massive crowd of people gleefully forcing their way inside the store and then getting to work despoiling it.
The recording shows waves of raiders, some wearing face coverings, others not, racing through the aisles and grabbing merchandise, mostly electronics, including big-screen televisions.
Some of the intruders try to conceal their faces from store cameras, but others do not seem bothered by the risk of being seen.
The end of the video shows the pillagers running out of the thoroughly plundered store with their spoils in tow.
According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, the incident began unfolding at 9.10pm as a crowd gathered outside the Walmart, which was closed due to the protests that were sparked by the killing of George Floyd, a black man, by a Minneapolis police officer.
People wielding blunt instruments, including hammers, broke the glass entrance doors and rushed inside the store.
After reviewing surveillance video, detectives believe approximately 200 people entered the store. The Tampa Walmart reported an estimated $116,000 in stolen merchandise and damages.
‘Not only is this violence completely unacceptable, it was disrespectful to the protesters who were out there that night trying to express their message in an impactful way,’ Sheriff Chad Chronister said. ‘We are actively working to identify each and every one of these suspects and ask the public to provide any information they may have.’
Anyone with information about the looting is urged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.
*story by DailyMail.com