A Tourist Allegedly Set Several Businesses on Fire in Puerto Rico

Photo: Bar Marea Combate, Cabo Rojo

In the early hours of January 2, a woman from Missouri visiting Puerto Rico allegedly set fire to several businesses in the southwestern town of Cabo Rojo, burning down three of them and partially damaging the other. The incident set off widespread outrage across the island, which is currently facing a gentrification crisis due to expats relocating for tax breaks and the proliferation of short-term rentals for tourism that have displaced local residents.