‘Defend the Tri’ arm themselves to patrol Tri-Cities stores against vandalism
About 100 Tri-Citians, some armed with rifles and bats, began patrolling businesses Monday night against vandals and looters.
The private Facebook group, “Defend the Tri,” already had 5,300 members by Tuesday morning.
“I started this group with the intention of helping our community stay strong,” one of the organizers, Dylan Tafoya, said on Facebook. “This does not mean we do not want justice for George (Floyd), this means we want our community assets protected during the process of protest.”
Members range from a car salesman, realtor and a member of the Kennewick arts commission to a church youth leader.
They formed the day after protesters gathered in the Columbia Center mall area and started throwing fireworks, rocks and more at patrol cars and businesses, Kennewick police said.
Several businesses had windows broken. Police arrested one person, David F. Hernandez, 19, of Kennewick, on suspicion of burglary and malicious mischief.
The Sunday night vandalism followed a weekend of peaceful protests in Richland and Pasco over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Hundreds of Tri-Citians turned out, most rallying against systemic racism and demanding justice.
After Sunday’s disturbance, the Defending the Tri group organized and about 100 people showed up to park and stand in front of stores in the Columbia Center area.
Kennewick police Lt. Aaron Clem said they didn’t see any more problems with vandals Monday night, though there were reports of cars appearing to slow down as they drove through the parking lot before they moved on.
He said the additional eyes on the businesses is helpful. Police leaders are talking to the group to make sure their members are following the law as well.
“Our top priority is to keep everyone safe,” Clem said. “Our core job is to help people and that can only be done by listening to them and allowing them to peacefully protest.”
He said that includes the rights of the people peacefully protesting and people openly carrying guns.
This story was originally published June 2, 2020 at 2:40 PM.