Young woman incited a riot on her own Facebook Live video, police say

A 22-year-old woman was charged Tuesday with inciting a riot and malicious destruction after she posted a video on Facebook Live encouraging others to loot and destroy businesses during a violent demonstration in Michigan.

According to her arrest affidavit, Alexandria “Ally” Lyons can be heard telling her friends to throw bricks and other objects at the windows of multiple businesses in downtown Grand Rapids. She also picks up a brick and contemplates going to the courthouse with it.

On Saturday night about 100 businesses were destroyed. Seven police vehicles were set ablaze and several dumpster fires also were set and spread to nearby structures. The Michigan National Guard, Michigan State Police and Grand Rapids Police were on high alert protecting the downtown area from other incidents.

Mayor Rosalynn Bliss set a 7 p.m. curfew on Sunday and Monday to prevent further violence.

Police said Lyons can be seen on video kicking in the glass window of a store, causing it to shatter and leaving a hole in its place.

Lyons also is accused of looting several stores during riots stemming from protests ... (Read more)

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