As tensions build across the United States, a Nintendo retail store was vandalized by rioters during a New York City protest yesterday. Sparked by the shocking murder of George Floyd at the hands of a group of Minneapolis police officers back in May, movements like Black Lives Matter have been rallying across the country in order to speak out against police brutality and racial inequality.

While most of these protests have remained peaceful and their intentions certainly noble, some of them have drawn controversy due to more hostile agents looking to either take advantage of the resulting chaos to steal valuable items or even defile the protesters’ message of social reform by attacking and vandalizing places of business. Controversial YouTube star Jake Paul was recently accused of looting during a BLM demonstration in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Twitter recently suspended a self-described Antifa account for making violent threats online, although many suspect this of being a false flag perpetrated by a racist troll looking to vilify the protests.

Related: Star Wars & Marvel Studios Tweet Support of Black Lives Matter Protests

However, the tensions are very real, and a number of unconnected companies have been caught in the crossfire as varying parties collide on the streets of America. As reported by Nintendo Everything, a Nintendo store in New York City had one of its windows smashed during one of the protests yesterday, although the identity of who did it and why, as well as whether or not anything was stolen, remain unknown.

Nintendo Retail Store Vandalized Police

So far, video game companies overall have lent their support to the Black Lives Matter protests, with studios like The Last Of Us II's Naughty Dog posting heartfelt messages on social media in solidarity with those fighting for racial equality. Just yesterday, PlayStation decided to suspend the previously planned unveiling of the PS5 this week in order to “let more important voices be heard.” Social media outlets like Twitter and Google have also voiced their support of the demonstrations, although some have questioned their sincerity due to their past leniency regarding racism on their platforms.

Although many people are understandably angry with such injustices as the murder of George Floyd, it’s still unfortunate that places like Nintendo’s New York City store are caught in the ongoing chaos that has boiled over after decades of tension, abuse of authority and unanswered outcry within America’s cities. On the other hand, some feel that the only way to draw the attention of the powerful is to attack the companies they operate. All in all, Nintendo will certainly have little difficulty in repairing a store window, but the damage brought on by years of hatred and injustice will be much harder to mend.

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Source: Nintendo Everything