Minnesota imposes curfew to diffuse protests over George Floyd death

Foreign Desk Report

WASHINGTON: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Thursday declared a state of emergency and activated Minnesota National Guard to restore order after protests over the death of George Floyd in police custody turned violent last night with fires burning and businesses looted in Minneapolis, the biggest city in the midwest state.
Floyd died on Monday evening shortly after a white police officer held him down with a knee on his neck though the black man in his 40s repeatedly pleaded, “I can’t breathe,” and “please, I can’t breathe.”
The police officer’s way of handling the man is not approved by the local police department. Walz’s order came after Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s calls for assistance after widespread damage and looting took place amid the riot on Wednesday night.
“George Floyd’s death should lead to justice and systemic change, not more death and destruction,” Walz said in a statement. “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,” said the governor.
The National Guard Adjutant General will work with local government agencies to provide personnel, equipment, and facilities needed to respond to and recover from this emergency, according to a report from local newspaper Star Tribune. In addition, the Minnesota State Patrol will supply 200 troopers. State Patrol helicopters and other aircraft will also be available to assist law enforcement officers on the ground, said the report.
Earlier, in the wake of the death of George Floyd in police custody, protests have continued after turning violent on Wednesday night with fires burning and businesses looted in Minneapolis, the biggest city in the midwest state of Minnesota. Demonstrations over his death also spread to some other U.S. cities including Los Angeles and Memphis, local media reported.
Floyd died on Monday evening shortly after a white police officer held him down with a knee on his neck though the black man in his 40s repeatedly pleaded, “I can’t breathe,” and “please, I can’t breathe.” The police officer’s way of handling the man is not approved by the local police department. Protesters gathered for a second night Wednesday evening in Minneapolis. Videos on social media showed that some demonstrators grew violent, looting a Target and Cub Foods supermarket, setting fire to an Auto Zone, and smashing the windows of other nearby businesses.
“The situation near Lake Street and Hiawatha in Minneapolis has evolved into an extremely dangerous situation,” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz tweeted last night. “For everyone’s safety, please leave the area and allow firefighters and paramedics to get to the scene.”
The Minneapolis Fire Department said in a statement Thursday that firefighters responded to approximately 30 fires overnight, including at least 16 structure fires.
No civilians or firefighters were injured in the blazes. Footage showed buildings on fire in Minneapolis in the early hours of Thursday.