The protests simply provide the landscape and “chaos” for assholes to seize power and control that they otherwise lack in their lives.
Same thing when people commit property damage during a World Series or Super Bowl Championship celebration.
Absolutely senseless. Absolutely without principle or direction. Absolutely not an expression of one’s politics.
These perpetrators are not making a statement. They are just simpleton assholes who convince themselves that the “protests” provide the green light to destroy property, ... not because they have a beef with the property owner, but because the act of destruction gives them an instant sense of “I now have the power!”
So, the first step is to make nice with the protest leaders, and invite them to have organized rallies in a large public space, away from businesses. Let the well intended protesters vent, but keep that process separate and stationary. The city officials have to encourage the protesters that we want them to be heard, and even provide them with a stage with speakers, so they can make it more of a rally.
The more structured the protests, the less “chaos like” of an environment for the assholes to manuuever.