Minneapolis Protests Burst Into Flames (Photos)
by Jack BrewsterTOPLINE
Minneapolis plunged into chaos Thursday night as tensions escalated on the third straight day of protests in response to the death of George Floyd, with protesters in Minneapolis setting fire to a police precinct. Here are photos and videos from the protests:
KEY FACTS
Demonstrators clashed with police and set off fireworks earlier in the evening before breaking in and setting fire to the Third Precinct and the post office after officers evacuated at around 10 p.m.
The protesters were demanding the arrest of the four officers involved in the killing of George Floyd after Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman declined to charge them right away; Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng, the four officers seen in the Floyd video, have been fired.
President Trump appeared to threaten opening fire against looters, declaring early Friday morning in a tweet that “when the looting starts, the shooting starts”; the tweet was later flagged by Twitter for promoting violence.
Crucial Quote
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison told CNN Friday morning that he expects “there will be charges” against the four Minneapolis officers involved in George Floyd’s death. He added that he hopes they will be announced “soon.”
Tangent
A CNN television crew was arrested by Minnesota State Patrol officers while live on air covering the Floyd protests; hours later the crew was released and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz apologized.
CNN said in a statement: “A CNN reporter & his production team were arrested this morning in Minneapolis for doing their jobs, despite identifying themselves - a clear violation of their First Amendment rights. The authorities in Minnesota, incl. the Governor, must release the 3 CNN employees immediately.”
Further reading
Protests Erupt Across The Country As Minneapolis Police Precinct Burns (Forbes)
Twitter Flags Trump Tweet Threatening Violence Against Minneapolis Protesters (Forbes)
National Guard Called To Minneapolis As Unrest Continues In Wake Of George Floyd’s Death (Forbes)