Photos Show Protests in Minneapolis and NYC Over George Floyd's Death Escalated Into Violence, Flames and Destruction
Peaceful protests over the death of George Floyd quickly turned into violence and destruction in Minneapolis and New York City Thursday night.
Demonstrators caused massive damage and set fires in another night of a chaos in the streets of Minneapolis. The angry crowds even managed to overtake the Third Precinct station after police evacuated it "in the interest of the safety" of the personnel inside, according to a statement by authorities. The protesters eventually entered the building forcibly and set it on fire.
The city of Minneapolis' Twitter account posted a tweet shortly after midnight Friday urging people to retreat from the area because of "unconfirmed reports" that gas lines were cut under the precinct. It read: "We're hearing unconfirmed reports that gas lines to the Third Precinct have been cut and other explosive materials are in the building. If you are near the building, for your safety, PLEASE RETREAT in the event the building explodes."
We're hearing unconfirmed reports that gas lines to the Third Precinct have been cut and other explosive materials are in the building.
— City of Minneapolis (@CityMinneapolis) May 29, 2020
If you are near the building, for your safety, PLEASE RETREAT in the event the building explodes.
Mayor Jacob Frey said Friday he decided to evacuate the station because "the symbolism of a building cannot outweigh the importance of life." He said the precinct area will continue to be patroled.
Video that captured the events in the early hours of Friday morning by Fox 9 News reporter Paul Blume showed raging fires and massive clouds of smoke in the area. "Current view from highway 55 bridge looking down towards third precinct police headquarters and Target store on East Lake. Fires seemingly in every direction," he wrote.
Current view from Hwy 55 bridge looking down towards 3rd Precinct police hqtrs & Target store on East Lake. Fires seemingly in every direction. #minneapolisriots #GeorgeFloydprotest @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/uj4eADe3fw
— Paul Blume (@PaulBlume_FOX9) May 29, 2020
Governor Tim Walz sent out a series of tweets Thursday, before the precinct station fire, stating that he had requested the assistance of the Minnesota National Guard "to protect peaceful protesters, neighbors, and small businesses."
It is how we express pain, process tragedy, and create change. That is why I am answering our local leaders’ request for Minnesota National Guard assistance to protect peaceful demonstrators, neighbors, and small businesses in Minnesota.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 28, 2020
"It is time to rebuild. Rebuild the city, rebuild our justice system, and rebuild the relationship between law enforcement and those they're charged to protect. George Floyd's death should lead to justice and systemic change, not more death and destruction," the governor wrote.
"As George Floyd's family has said, he 'would not want people to get hurt. He lived his life protecting people.' Let's come together to rebuild, remember, and seek justice for George Floyd," Walz said.
Floyd was killed Monday after police officer Derek Chauvin, along with three other officers, arrested him in response to a call that said Floyd had used a counterfeit $20 bill at a local supermarket. Video recorded at the scene moments after Floyd is handcuffed shows Chauvin kneeling on the back of Floyd's neck as he is lying face down on the ground.
Floyd can be heard saying he could not breathe before he ultimately became unresponsive. A fire department report said Floyd did not have a pulse before he was loaded into an ambulance that took him to the Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The event led to protests around the United States, some turning violent. In New York City, over 40 people were arrested in Union Square. Christian Benavides, a reporter at WPIX-TV, tweeted a video of the clash between police and protesters, writing: "Union Square rally in solidarity with George Floyd got heated. The [New York Police Department] have taken some protestors into custody."
Union Square rally in solidarity with George Floyd got heated.
— Cristian Benavides (@cbenavidesTV) May 28, 2020
The NYPD have taken some protestors into custody. @PIX11News pic.twitter.com/YkDWTTGg5s
An NYPD spokesperson told Newsweek that "multiple officers" were attacked by demonstrators at the event.
"We have over 40 people that are arrested right now in regards to this ongoing demonstration," the spokesperson said. "We have multiple officers that have been attacked. We have one officer that was hit with a garbage can, and we have another officer who was punched in his face."
Newsweek reached out to Walz and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio for comments on how they plan to manage any further protests but did not hear back before publication.
