Minneapolis Police Precinct Set on Fire as Protests Over George Floyd Death Rage

Protesters in Minneapolis set the police precinct where the officers involved in George Floyd’s death worked on Thursday as protests raged for a third day.

Floyd died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes as he said he struggled to breathe. Four officers were fired after video of the incident was posted online. But protesters have clashed with police after officers responded to initial protests with tear gas and rubber bullets.

On Thursday, Minneapolis police evacuated the city’s 3rd Precinct after protesters stormed the building.

The precinct was set on fire. No one was reported injured.

Governor declares state of emergency:

Governor Tim Walz, who already activated the National Guard, declared a state of emergency on Thursday.

“Earlier this evening, after receiving real-time information from [Police Chief Medaria] Arradondo and after having numerous phone calls with him involving the situation at the Third Precinct, it became clear that there were imminent threats to both officers and the public,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said. “I made the decision to evacuate the Third Precinct. The symbolism of a building cannot outweigh the importance of life, of our officers or the public. Brick and mortar is not as important as life.”

“What we have seen over the past several hours and past couple of nights is unacceptable,” he added. “These are banks that people rely on to get cash, grocery stores that people rely on to get food. They are essential to our community.”

Trump's protest response tweet flagged by Twitter:

“I can’t stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis. A total lack of leadership. Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right,” he said on Twitter.

“These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!”

Twitter flagged the tweets for “glorifying violence.”

Trump’s second tweet is now blocked by a disclaimer.

“This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence,” the disclaimer says. “However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible.”

 

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