Hamilton shows LOVE > HATE on Locke Street

This weekend in Hamilton LOVE > HATE.

On Saturday night, a masked mob vandalized stores on Hamilton’s Locke Street and fired off firecrackers that sounded like gunshots.

Sunday morning when shop owners arrived they were devastated by the destruction. With help from social media, word spread and customers showed up to support these local businesses.

#HamOnt you responded! The line is consistently around the corner #lockestreet . The plywood is covered in messages of love, hope, forgiveness and a desire for dialogue. @DonutMonster thanks for teaching us about forgiveness and peacemaking. Love is the final fight! pic.twitter.com/Xr10jpt5hm

— Jeffrey Neven (@JeffreyNeven) March 4, 2018

Local artisan bakers, Donut Monster had a crowd that stretched around the corner and the community was encouraged to sign their message of love on to the boarded up store.

There is a line up to get to #LockeStreet! #HamOnt #supportlocal https://t.co/9D5fyqBWoS pic.twitter.com/EurU2TnHNo

— Hungry in the Hammer (@HungryHamOnt) March 4, 2018

$100,000 in damage: 'Terrifying’ masked mob attack on Locke Street were 'not people exercising their right to free speech. These were criminals committing criminal acts, and this will be investigated fully' say @HamiltonPolice https://t.co/1KE2I1a0MG pic.twitter.com/C6eln8jfLk

— Hamilton Spectator (@TheSpec) March 5, 2018

As reported in the Hamilton Spec, Hamilton police said damage to shops, cars, and homes in the area totalled about $100,000, and no injuries were reported.