Riots in Detroit

The city burned and 43 people lost their lives.

Chris Wild

1967

Detroit residents stroll the burning streets. Credit: Howard Bingham/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

A building burning during the riot. Credit: Declan Haun/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

In the early morning of July 23, 1967, rioting broke out in Detroit, Michigan. Police had raided an unlicensed bar and detained 82 African-American people. Onlookers retaliated by looting a nearby store, and the situation escalated. The ensuing violence, looting and arson lasted for five days and led to 1,189 injuries, 7,200 arrests, 2,000 ruined buildings and 43 deaths. The Detroit police force was overwhelmed. Officers made so many arrests that they had to hold detainees in makeshift jails.  Many of those arrested were among the estimated 100,000 spectators watching the 10,000 rioters.On Monday, July 24, at the height of the riot, 231 incidents were reported every hour.  Shortly before midnight that day, President Johnson deployed federal troops — even tanks — in attempt to restore order. In the meantime, the spark of the Detroit riot led to rioting in other cities: Flint, Grand Rapids, Pontiac, Saginaw and Toledo. It would be a further 48 hours after troops arrived before Detroit was finally under control. In total, 7,231 people were detained in the city. The oldest was 82; the youngest was four. 

Buildings burning out of control. Credit: Declan Haun/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

African-American store owners protecting their store with rifles. Credit: Lee Balterman/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Before the riot, public perception had deemed Detroit a thriving, peaceful community with a rising middle class and ambitious redevelopment projects. Ironically, the city had earned accolades as the "model for police-community relations." However, experts claim Detroit's rising black population was dissatisfied with persisting segregation and issues of discrimination, particularly in policing, before the riots. The 1967 Detroit riot remains one of the deadliest riots in American history.

Detroit police officers confronting African-American people in the streets. Credit: Lee Balterman

Firemen and civilians starting to clear debris. Credit: Declan Haun/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Police officer lining up suspects. Credit: Declan Haun/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

National Guardsman patroling a Detroit street. Credit: Declan Haun/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Police officer arresting an African American. Credit: Declan Haun/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Detroit street with National Guard and police. Credit: Howard Bingham/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Fire fighters are protected by police from snipers while they battle a smoking blaze. Credit: Declan Haun/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

Detroit police officer standing guard over a grocery store, which was looted and damaged during the riot. Credit: Lee Balterman/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

African-American woman standing on a corner of abandoned and burned buildings. Credit: Lee Balterman/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Abandoned and burned buildings. Credit: Lee Balterman/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

People walk by a destroyed building. Credit: Lee Balterman / Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Detroit gun store owner and National Guardsman protecting property from looters. Credit: Howard Bingham/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

"Soul Brother" written on the windows of an African-American-owned business. Credit: Howard Bingham/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Smoldering ruins of a middle-class black neighborhood. Credit: Declan Haun/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

National Guardsman on a Detroit street. Credit: Howard Bingham/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Aerial view of Detroit on fire during the riot. Credit: Howard Bingham/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images