The Charlotte Hornets are preparing for the upcoming NBA season amid unrest in the city.
The Hornets’ team store at Time Warner Cable Arena was looted Wednesday, according to WSOTV in Charlotte.
BREAKING: Hornets confirm that the team store at the arena is being looted by protestors. pic.twitter.com/Q2QKfJDXaA
— WSOCTV (@wsoctv) September 22, 2016
Team merchandise was stolen and windows smashed before police could arrive and secure the store.
The looting took place on the second night of protests, which follow the police shooting of Keith Scott, a 43-year-old African-American man who lived in the Charlotte area.
Hornets owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan called for peace and healing during this turbulent time.
“In light of the tragic events of the past three days, it is more important than ever that we restore calm and come together, as a community, in peaceful demonstration and conversation, and in constructive and non-violent ways,” Jordan said in a statement, according to The Associated Press.
Jordan added that the Hornets will work with “elected leaders and law enforcement to foster more trust, transparency and understanding so we can heal and grow together as a community.”
Whether the public will heed Jordan’s calls remains to be seen.
The Carolina Panthers and the NFL are seriously considering moving Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, according to FOX 46 in Charlotte.
Thumbnail photo via Jeremy Brevard/USA TODAY Sports Images