Apparently, earlier today social media was trending with this meme indicating high school students should meet after school at 3:00. Additionally, police indicated that they had "credible reports" indicating Black Guerilla Family, Crips and Bloods were getting together to launch coordinated attack on the police.
The officers predeployed to the mall in riot gear and stopped bus transport to or from the hub. At that point, confrontation occurred in which 7 police were injured (no civilians).
Looting started shortly after and moved towards the center of the city. After that, it just seemed to spread across the west side. It just escalated really quickly and police have been one step behind all day.
Mayor basically said - "let the protestor's protest even if there is a little property damage." Later said her words misinterpreted and that "thugs" (her words not mine) took advantage of the leeway being given to create chaos.