Thugs don't need a reason to loot etc but it helps to create one. They don't care about the guy with a knife but if you think they do then that's good enough for them. I heard looters leaving a store they had looted and one said "that was fun!" While laughing.

Don't be scammed into believing these "protests" are anything but a reason to go out and have some fun in a criminal way.

When a police officer does do something seriously wrong and it's obvious to everyone then expect real anger mixed into the thuggery.