General Information
In 2011 a Stanley Cup riot occurred in Vancouver for the second time in history. The public disturbance happened in the downtown core of Vancouver on Wednesday, June 15, 2011. The riot happened after the Boston Bruins beat the Vancouver Canucks in game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. 140 people were reported as injured as a result of the riot and one was critically injured. In addition, four people were stabbed, nine police officers were injured, and 101 people were arrested that night.
The Riot
The riot first broke out around 7:45 pm on Wednesday, June 15, 2011. Some fans had started throwing bottles and other objects at the large screens that were showing game seven in downtown Vancouver. Boston Bruins flags and Canuck jerseys were lit on fire and some angry vans flipped over a car in front of the Canada Post headquarters. Soon after the vehicle was flipped, fist fights between fans started and rioters began to tip porta-potties over. The car that was flipped was then set on fire and the Vancouver firemen were sent to put it out. Two Vancouver Police cars were also set on fire by angry rioters. After the riot a total of 17 vehicles and police cars were burned. Windows of businesses along downtown Vancouver were also smashed during the event and many of these businesses were also looted. Rioters caused a tremendous amount of damage to businesses which included Future Shop, Sears and Chapters bookstore.
Criminal Prosecution
The RCMP and municipal officers were set up to investigate individuals of interest who had been seen looting stores, vandalizing buildings and setting fire to cars during the riot. A few rioters even turned themselves in to police after their faces were broadcasted on TV. More than 1,000,000 photos and 1,200 - 1,600 hours of video recorded by citizens were sent to the Vancouver Police Department.
Clean-up
After the riot was over, the next day thousands of volunteers went to downtown Vancouver to help in the clean-up process. The cleanup brigades were organized via Facebook and Twitter. Before long most of downtown Vancouver was restored aside from the businesses that had been severely damaged during the riot. Approximately 15,000 volunteers went to downtown Vancouver after the riot to clean up the damage. This showed the loyalty of Vancouver fans and the respect that a lot of Vancouverites have for their city. It was said that the streets of downtown Vancouver were clean by 10 am the next morning. Many volunteers even showed up with brooms and dustpans in an attempt to clean the city. Hudson's Bay Company put on a free pancake breakfast to during the clean-up process to show their appreciation for the volunteers.
Media Response
During the riot many people who were participating in the event posed for pictures. A lot of the rioters even posted these pictures on social medial sites such as Facebook. Photos and videos were also taken by many people that were watching the riot occur. The incriminating photos and videos were later used by loyal Vancouverites to try and identify those were had been a part of the riot. The Vancouver community was a key factor in helping police find the rioters and prosecute them. The Vancouver police even said that they were overwhelmed by the amount evidence the community was finding.