Oh, what a night

When I woke up this morning I felt something I haven’t felt for a long time, pure disgust, and no-  I wasn’t  feeling the effects of last night, in fact, I didn’t drink at all.

For one college crowd in London, Ontario, they sure did drink last night, and this morning they were definitely feeling it.

About 50 police officers in riot gear were called to an area near Fanshawe College last night when St. Patrick’s Day celebrations turned violent early Sunday.

A CTV truck is set on fire last night in London, Ontario.

A  crowd of what is believed to be mostly students pelted officers with beer bottles and other objects and set fire to a CTV news truck that had been tipped over as you can see in this video.

There were also reports that at least one other vehicle in the area was torched.

The trouble erupted late Saturday night on Fleming Drive in the city’s east end, an area heavily populated by college students that has been the site of previous disturbances.

A firefighter on the scene told the London Free Press newspaper that some in the crowd were treated for burns, but it’s not known how serious their injuries are.

The paper said students had gathered around as explosions were heard coming from the burning news truck. Some fuelled the fire with wooden planks torn from fences in the neighbourhood.

London police Const. Brendan McHugh said officers made “multiple” arrests, though he didn’t have any details.

Fanshawe was trending social media site Twitter this morning, with plenty of comments. Twitter user @jordyndasilva said “To the fanshawe students who set ablaze the news car, I hope you get kicked out of school #london only thing I don’t miss about my hometown”.

Around midnight the Fanshawe Facebook page sent out a post for all students to return to their residences. That post was soon marked with comments from both students and the community.

Amy Tremblay said  the riot reflects on ever Fanshawe student and those involved should think twice.

“It’s one thing to enjoy a few drink amongst friends but seriously people setting cars on fire and throwing things at the men and women risking their life everyday to protect London’s resident is so disrespectful.”

Joanna Do came home from work to find the riot on her street and posted this last night.

“ What’s sad is when I work all day to come home at 11 and find out I have zero access to my street and if I wanted to I would have to risk getting broken beer bottles in my tires because the streets are littered. What’s sad, another student let me park in their driveway over night because she heard I had to work tomorrow. What’s sad, a lot of the people involved aren’t even from this area. The rioters wouldn’t let the fire trucks pass through at all.”

Brian De Sousa  is a former student, he gave this thoughts.

“As a Fanshawe Alumni, I’m embarrassed by these riots… what a bunch of immature, irresponsible idiots. I’ve heard of rioting for a cause but rioting just because you think its fun and cool to burn things and throw bottles… Its unfortunate that Fanshawe and the majority of students who are smarter than this have to cope with the situation.”

Kerrie McKenzie applied to go to Fanshawe this coming fall, and accepted their offer

“Hearing this news is absolutely disheartening. however I do know that this small minority of, well, IDIOTS ((for lack of better words)), does not represent the majority of the student body. i do believe that some sort of punishment is required (I do not believe expelling them will teach them anything, however a harsh punishment is deserving)) and the individuals involved do owe the city, as well as their fellow students, and future students, an apology for this debacle.”

At a news conference police said 11 people have been arrested so far in last night’s riots. 7 of them are Fanshawestudents.

The mayor of London Joe Fontana said say that he is disappointed in what happened last night.

“Disgusted would be an understatement, we can thank our lucky stars that nobody was killed” in riots. “This is an injury for the whole city of London”. Fontana said.

Twitter user @Iznash just heard of what happened.

“Wow just saw what happened at Fanshawe last night. Complete disrespect. People get way to excited for St-Pattys day”.

What’s interesting is that people are making a lot of references to “Project X”, the new blockbuster film which young people attempt to make a name for themselves by throwing one unforgettable house party. As word spreads, the party takes on a life of its own.

For some, I think that’s what last night was, a chance to make a name for themselves. One student posted on his Facebook page he was part of the riot saying “I was just part of a huge riot at Fanshawe in London.  I took part in flipping a car, lit a CTV van on fire. Check the news. Videos up soon”. This was a senseless act of vandalism and I feel that everyone who is responsible should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.