Peekskill Riots

The Peekskill Riots were a series of anti-communist riots fought near the town of Peekskill, New York in 1949. They were instigated by a concert by black singer Paul Robeson a communist. Before the concert could get underway, those in attendance were attacked by a mob. The concert was rescheduled, and expanded to include other leftist singers such as Pete Seeger. While the rescheduled concert was without incident, the departure was not. As people departed, anti-communist agitators formed a gauntlet and assaulted the vehicles, throwing rocks and attacking cars. Many were injured, and much damage was done to vehicles. The police, who were present, did not interfere. Later, when 300 of the assaulted parties attempted to lodge complaint to the governor, Thomas Dewey, he refused to meet with them, blaming them for the violence.