Black Friday violence has become as traditional as the sales and deals being offered. On Black Friday 2011, the Los Angeles Times and other media outlets have reported that the violent acts committed against and being committed by WalMart shoppers have included shootings and several arrests in stores across the country.
Porter Ranch, Calif. — a woman was arrested after she pepper sprayed at least 15 of her fellow shoppers in an attempt to reach a Black Friday sale item — an XBox — ahead of them.
Myrtle Beach, S. C. — according to CNN affiliate WMBF, another shooting incident occurred when a man and woman shopping at a WalMart were mugged at gunpoint as they left the store at 1 a.m. The man was hit in the head and the woman shot in the leg before the assailants ran off after seeing another customer display a firearm. The woman was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
San Leandro, Calif. — a family of shoppers were confronted in the store parking lot after 1 a.m. when leaving and one of their number was shot. Four individuals demanded that the family give up their purchases. The family refused and a fight broke out. One of the four suspects pulled a gun and shot the victim, according to police. Although the gunman got away with two of his accomplices, one of the suspects was wrestled to the ground by the family and held until his arrest. The victim was later reported in critical but stable condition at a local hospital.
Rome, N. Y. — a man was arrested at a WalMart after a brawl broke out in the electronics section. The fight involved at least two other participants, both women. Two people were hospitalized.
Kissimmee, Fla. — a man was arrested after a fight broke out at the store’s jewelry counter.
Florence, Ala. — a man was arrested for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest an hour after the Black Friday sale began (WalMart started their 2011 sales early — 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day).
Black Friday is expected to see a record number of shoppers this year, according to the National Retail Federation. With over 150 million people expected to take advantage of the sales and bargains offered, the number of incidents of violence will likely multiply as harried and tired shoppers try to fill Christmas lists and buy desired sales items.