Boston Riot: Police Deployed As Fans Get Rowdy After Red Sox World Series Win
Boston has seen reports of a riot in the wake of the World Series victory by the Red Sox, with property destruction reported both in the city and on the UMass campus.
Police began preparing for a possible Boston riot even before Game 6 of the World Series came to a conclusion, deploying a cadre of officers to the area near the stadium. But the police presence has not been enough to stop some fans, as some witnesses have tweeted pictures of rowdy crowds that have clogged streets and begun climbing on trees and light posts.
The city had actually been preparing for weeks for this period, which saw not only a Red Sox World Series appearance but also a visit by President Obama.
“The World Series, a visit from the president, and Halloween all at the same time. You can’t make this stuff up,” said Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis.
The Red Sox finished out the World Series on Wednesday night, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals for the team’s first championship-clinching game at home since 1918.
After the team won and tens of thousands of fans filtered out of Fenway Park and into the streets of Boston, police were ready in case a riot broke out.
Witnesses reported seeing vans full of Boston police in riot gear arriving at Fenway just before the conclusion of the game.
UPDATE: Busses of #Boston Riot PD arriving at #Fenway. Could be a long nite. #RedSox http://t.co/aQAhEShwrf
— Jayron (@Jayron26) October 31, 2013
Despite the strong police presence, unrest still broke out after the World Series game ended. Some fans began sharing evidence of the Boston Red Sox riots via social media, including a picture of a fan who had climbed to the top of lamp post as others revelers looked on and took photographs.
Wow just witnessed history unbelievable right now. Can’t believe I was in Boston for this. Riot time…. pic.twitter.com/XGcjzdy8le
— Jenn Sullivan (@jennsullivan529) October 31, 2013
Feels like I’m at a umass riot x1000 right now
— Jenn Sullivan (@jennsullivan529) October 31, 2013
Yes that’s a man in a tree. Viva Boston nights. Riot all ova the skreets. pic.twitter.com/mb8fniq9wM
— Jonea Moneece (@Sacajonea) October 31, 2013
Not leavin Boston for a while #Riot pic.twitter.com/bHG2rMKAJI
— Seif (@Seif__21) October 31, 2013
The Boston riot was not the only unrest in Massachusetts in the wake of the Red Sox victory in the World Series. Others reported rioting on UMass campus, which in the past has been the scene of a number of student riots.
