Trenton business owners prepared for possible unrest as the city implemented a curfew following a riot on Sunday.

Sunday afternoon started off with a peaceful rally at the State House following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis. However, later in the evening businesses were broken into, merchandise was destroyed and acts of vandalism took place.

Trenton officials say that at least 50 stores were damaged. The city implemented a citywide curfew that went into effect at 7 p.m.

Business owners prepared for a repeat of the chaos on Monday by boarding up their stores.

“Send resources, send help to our Trenton police department,” says business owner Rosa Risado.

Members of the Latino-American Business Association spoke out against the rioting. They are asking for the mayor and governor to send in the National Guard.

“We are hearing a lot of rumors they will come back tonight. That they will burn the high school,” says owner Manuel Hernandez.

The owners say that the damage was not done by the protesters, but by what they call “ignorant adolescents.” Of the 28 people arrested Sunday, five were juveniles, according to Mayor Reed Gusciora.

 

“You saw a lot of youth under 20 years old. That’s why I say, if you’re a parent, please have your kids come in. They weren’t having a discussion about George Floyd,” the mayor says.

Charges range from arson to burglary. Gusciora says that he will speak to Gov. Phil Murphy about bringing in the National Guard.

New Jersey State Police were in nearby Hamilton Township, assisting the local police there with the same 7 p.m. curfew.