In March 1930, members of the Communist Party organized an unemployment rally in Union Square, later escalated into one of the worst riots in the city: 35,000 people attending the demonstration were transformed in a few moments from an orderly crowd into a fighting mob. Communist leaders brought their followers down to march on City Hall and demanded a hearing from Mayor Walker. The purpose was to spread awareness about the corrupt and inadequate management of the monopolies who raised the cost of food and rent.