A news editor for a small, independent newspaper was in support of the protests-turned-riots, until they broke into the paper’s office and she had to take cover from looters and vandals in the basement.
Leigh Tauss, an editor for the progressive news outlet Indy Week in North Carolina, was stunned to find that the protesters-turned-rioters did not look favorably upon her business when they swept the area.
She tweeted out on Saturday, saying “the crowd is extremely peaceful and groups and many are wearing masks and trying to keep distance.”
The crowd is extremely peaceful and groups and many are wearing masks and trying to keep distance. #Raleigh #GeorgeFloydprotest pic.twitter.com/1XgZc3nuvp
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) May 30, 2020
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It was only a few short hours later that Tauss tweeted again about the protests. This time her tone was difference.
“I went into the hallway. I heard someone l enter the office and what sounded like smashing inside. We are a small newspaper with a handful of desktops. I’m now hiding in the basement.”
I went into the hallway. I heard someone l enter the office and what sounded like smashing inside. We are a small newspaper with a handful of desktops. I’m now hiding in the basement.
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) May 31, 2020
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And then on Sunday morning, Tauss posted what had become of her office at the hands of the rioters, tweeting “I’m devastated. We are a progressive newspaper. Last night I was inside when the first brick was thrown.”
I’m devastated. We are a progressive newspaper. Last night I was inside when the first brick was thrown #Raleigh pic.twitter.com/MJvPdscyqf
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) May 31, 2020
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A similar scenario happened with ESPN sportswriter Chris Martin Palmer, who encouraged rioters to burn down a low-income housing area in Minneapolis. But when they showed up to his place, he did not hold back in referring to the rioters as “animals.”
Tauss marked the escalations on Twitter.
Several business with windows smashed in Wilmington street. All the wreckage from last night was cleaned up this morning. #Raleigh pic.twitter.com/MQvYEqo0lx
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) June 1, 2020
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“Who the fuck is next?” A protester shouts. “Your daughter? Your grandma? That’s why we out here.” #raleigh pic.twitter.com/nCU6HYgP9b
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) June 1, 2020
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It’s midnight. The protesters have spread out throughout downtown, evading the cops. Some are going around smashing windows and lighting fires #raleigh pic.twitter.com/PwHtlJw8tM
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) June 1, 2020
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She went on to record the late night actions.
Not sure why, but dozens of officers just charged at the few remaining protesters. Smoke bombs and fireworks go off in the street #Raleigh pic.twitter.com/ur2sp8UaHP
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) June 1, 2020
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Tauss ended the day thanking those who reached out.
Going through my inbox/ dms as I try and fall asleep. If I haven’t replied just know I am safe and grateful for the support.
— Leigh of House (@LeighTauss) June 1, 2020
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Author: Collin Jones
Source: The Post Millennial: Editor of progressive newspaper celebrated protestors—then they stormed and trashed her office
