The Minneapolis protests over the death of George Floyd turned into deadly riots.
At least one man was killed in a shooting after chaos rocked the Minnesota city on Wednesday night. Police are currently investigating the incident as a homicide and have placed a suspect in custody, according to local media.
“Please, Minneapolis, we cannot let tragedy beget more tragedy,” Jacob Frey, the city’s mayor, tweeted after reports showed protests had escalated to become violent.
Please, Minneapolis, we cannot let tragedy beget more tragedy.
The area along Lake has become unsafe. We are asking for your help in keeping the peace tonight. https://t.co/kRZuWGJY29
— Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) May 28, 2020
Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz warned that the riots had become “extremely dangerous” and encouraged residents to avoid the area out of concern for their safety.
“The situation near Lake Street and Hiawatha in Minneapolis has evolved into an extremely dangerous situation. For everyone’s safety, please leave the area and allow firefighters and paramedics to get to the scene,” Walz tweeted.
The situation near Lake Street and Hiawatha in Minneapolis has evolved into an extremely dangerous situation. For everyone’s safety, please leave the area and allow firefighters and paramedics to get to the scene.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 28, 2020
Protests in the city began on Tuesday after video emerged online of a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on the neck of Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, for approximately eight minutes until he became unresponsive. Floyd was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The riots continued Wednesday night and descended into chaos after looters began stealing from small businesses, a Target superstore, and a Dollar Tree. Videos shared online showed people stealing large televisions, clothing, a battery display case, and small appliances.
This is awful out here. No police. Looting continues pic.twitter.com/087TpNWhPV
— Karen Scullin FOX9 (@kscullinfox9) May 27, 2020
#Minneapolis This Target got raided pic.twitter.com/FMkNiDIbYy
— Peep (@PeepHassan) May 28, 2020
Additional footage showed multiple places, including vacant buildings, construction sites, and businesses, on fire during the riots, encompassing entire blocks. Local media reported that an AutoZone, a retail store selling automotive equipment, was burned down at about 9:30 p.m local time.
Massive fires erupt across the city of Minneapolis. We are reporting live from this scene all morning. The latest on @kstp pic.twitter.com/Vzd4GwopwU
— Ashley Zilka (@ashleyzilka) May 28, 2020
More fires all along this entire street. Unbelievable. @KSTP pic.twitter.com/OiEkt25BIr
— Ashley Zilka (@ashleyzilka) May 28, 2020
More fires started in Minneapolis. #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/H8b4AqzzCi
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) May 28, 2020
Mass arson attacks and looting still on-going in Minneapolis. #BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd #antifa pic.twitter.com/E4Tybzrwkv
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) May 28, 2020
Police used tear gas on violent demonstrators in Minneapolis both Tuesday and Wednesday night as some threw water bottles, rocks, and other debris at officers.
President Trump announced on Twitter that the FBI and Department of Justice were investigating Floyd’s death at his request, writing: “My heart goes out to George’s family and friends. Justice will be served!”
