it was widely reported that the property destruction and looting in 1989 began as attendees were listening to public enemy's hit song "fight the power" from spike lee's "do the right thing" film, which had been released earlier the same summer. as party-goers were listening to the song booming from a nearby vehicle, someone tossed a brick through a storefront window. from there, more windows were broken and numerous people began to take merchandise from stores in the immediate area. apparently fearing for their safety, virginia beach police abandoned the oceanfront, returning hours later in full riot gear. as the sun rose the next morning, it became clear that approximately 100 stores and restaurants stretching over two dozen blocks on the ocean front had been damaged and/or had merchandise stolen.