Aug. 4, 1964 - Rioting Negroes swept through the strife-torn Lafayette section of Jersey City, N.J., again last night, hurling Molotov cocktails, stoning passing cars, looting stores, and battling police for more than four hours. Two cops were injured as police, some mounted, fired shotguns and pistols into the air to disperse the mobs.
Two Negroes were shot, and 11 other civilians were injured. The gasoline bombs injured one cop and set fire to at least one vehicle, a panel truck. At least two dozen stores were looted.
The wounded Negroes, identified as Louis Mitchell, in his early 20s, and John Dudley, 21, were the only persons reported arrested. They were taken to the Jersey City Medical Center, where both were reported in satisfactory condition.
Jersey City Mayor Thomas Whelan, angered by the second night of violence, pledged that “1% of this city will not rule 99% of it. I will not permit a small group of agitators to intimidate us.”
The rioting broke out at 8:15 p.m. when a group of about 40 youths began hurling stones at autos driven by white persons. It quickly spread along Grand St. from Communipaw Ave. to Junction Blvd.
At least 300 helmeted Jersey City cops, augmented by 40 Hudson County policemen, moved in. Police carrying pistols, riot guns and clubs converged on the rioters, firing warning shots. At least three ambulances rushed to the scene.
Gangs of young toughs raced through the area. One group leaped on a police car and tried to overturn it. They were chased off by other cops.
Another gang of about 15 teenagers stopped a bus, ordered off its six passengers and drive, and smashed the vehicle’s windows and seats. The driver reportedly was beaten.
State police, alerted when the rioting began, raced to the New Jersey Turnpike near Grand St. and dispersed a group of Negroes who were hurling rocks, pieces of pipe, and other debris from autos on the turnpike to the roads below.
A state police official said there were reports of rioters tossing acid as well as firebombs, rocks, and bottles at cops and passing cars.
Police set up searchlights as the rioters smashed parked autos and broke into shops. City officials, civil rights leaders, and at least 12 clergymen fanned through the trouble area in an attempt to calm the rioters.
Shortly after midnight, Police Chief Joseph Smith declared the situation under control. Mayor Whelan, after touring the battle-scarred area and talking with many Negro residents, characterized the rioting as “hooliganism vs. law and order.”
“We will meet force with force,” he declared. “We don’t want a Harlem or a Rochester on our hands.”
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