Twin Cities simmer as curfews imposed to counter riots go into effect

An 8 p.m. CT curfew for the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., went into effect Friday following three nights of violent, chaotic demonstrations following the death of George Floyd that climaxed Thursday night with rioters setting a police station ablaze.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced the unprecedented measures Friday morning. The curfews will bar people from being on the street and all public places from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. First responders, the media, people traveling to and from work and those fleeing danger are among those exempt.

Anyone caught violating the order faces a $1,000 fine and up to 90 days in prison. However, when the appointed hour was reached Thursday, dozens of people had congregated in the area of Minneapolis where the worst of the rioting took place.

There was no immediate word of any arrests.

MINNEAPOLIS COP WHO KNELT ON GEORGE FLOYD ARRESTED 

“It’s time to rebuild our community and that starts with safety in our streets,” Walz said. “Thousands of Minnesotans have expressed their grief and frustration in a peaceful manner. But the unlawful and dangerous actions of others, under the cover of darkness, has caused irreversible pain and damage to our community.

"This behavior has compromised the safety of bystanders, businesses, lawful demonstrators, and first responders. Now, we come together to restore the peace," he added.

Some nearby suburban counties also issued their own curfew orders.

The emergency orders follow three nights of destructive protests in the wake of Floyd's death while in police custody Monday. A viral video showing a white police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck for several minutes after he was stopped on a suspected forgery charge has prompted outrage and demonstrations in Minneapolis and other cities.

Floyd repeatedly stated he couldn't breathe while onlookers begged the officer, identified as Derek Chauvin, to stop. Chauvin and three other officers involved in the incident were fired. Chauvin was arrested and charged Friday with 3rd-degree murder and manslaughter.

Walz activated the National Guard on Thursday in an effort to restore calm amid escalating civil unrest. Protesters gathered later that evening and set ablaze a Minneapolis police station, prompting officers inside to evacuate. Soldiers secured the station later that evening, along with the surrounding area.

Businesses across the Twin Cities region boarded up in an effort to prevent vandalism and looting. Looters were spotted at a Target store Wednesday trying to break into cash registers. The retail giant, which is headquartered in Minneapolis, announced it will temporarily close two dozens stores in the region.

Minneapolis officials have shut down much of the city's light-rail and bus systems through Sunday to prevent further damage.

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President Trump has taken heat for his response to the unrest. On Thursday, he suggested that rioters could be shot, tweeting that "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." The tweet was later flagged by Twitter for "glorifying violence.”

He sought to clarify what he meant Friday, saying “the looters should not be allowed to drown out the voices of so many peaceful protesters."