Detroit Riots of 1967 begin

On this day in US history, one of the bloodiest riots in American history started during a period of strife in Detroit on July 23, 1967. A once-affluent city was heavily struggling during this period, with the economy struggling and race relations across the nation at an all-time low. After a raid on an illegal drinking establishment that was hosting returning Vietnam War veterans in one of Detroit’s poorest neighborhoods went awry, a crowd of onlookers was drawn over as the situation deteriorated rapidly. Thousands of people spilled into the street from nearby buildings, throwing rocks and bottles at police who quickly fled the scene. The rioting would continue the rest of the week as the Army and National Guard would be called on to quell the violence.