title: 2008 Longnan riot
text: # 2008 Longnan riot
  
  The 2008 Longnan riot was a protest that turned into a riot involving thousands of people in Longnan, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
  
  ## Cause
  
  The state media did not explain the source of the unrest, though local residents said many protesters were angered by the government's decision to transfer its offices to a wealthier city. Residents in Longnan said the disturbances there were fueled by economic distress, unchecked corruption and a lack of transparency by the local Communist Party.
  
  ## Riot
  
  A crowd of about 1,000 - 2,000 people attacked a government office in northwest Gansu province, smashing cars and beating up police and officials. The crowd eventually grew to 10,000 according to some sources. Armed police officers from the provincial capital used tear gas to subdue the rioters.
  
  ## Aftermath
  
  Damages are estimated at more than five million yuan (US$731,000).
  
  