Violent Protests in Minneapolis for Third Night
by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Rioters caused chaos in Minneapolis for a third night, following the death of African American George Floyd, who died shortly after his arrest on Monday. Floyd was arrested for allegedly using a forged $20 banknote at a grocery store and died after white arresting officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for several minutes while he was handcuffed and face down on the road. Graphic videos of the arrest were filmed by bystanders and were widely circulated. Chauvin was taken into custody on Friday and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter by the State Bureau of Apprehension. Further charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.
According to reports, the protests about George Floyd’s death began peacefully on Tuesday as hundreds of people took to the streets of Minneapolis to express pain and anger that another black man had died at the hands of a white police officer. Organizers had reportedly asked protestors to remain peaceful and people also tried to respect social distancing guidelines. A journalist for the Guardian wrote that most of those he spoke to at the protest were there to demand police accountability.
However, according to reports, a smaller group than the larger peaceful one broke off on Tuesday and began to vandalize the precinct where it was believed the officers had worked. Following an escalation of violence, looting, and police use of tear gas over the next two days, a person was shot and killed on Wednesday night. On Thursday night rioters set fire to a police precinct near to where Floyd died. The precinct was safely evacuated and the building burned.
Rioters also set fire to nearby commercial buildings early on Friday morning and these reportedly burned until firefighters arrived. Police in riot gear attended on Friday morning and arrested several people.
Mayor Jacob Frey has called in the National Guard to help restore order. Protests and riots over George Floyd’s death have also spread nationwide.
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