News and Commentary

MINNEAPOLIS BURNS: Riots Over George Floyd Death Lead To Arson, Destruction Of Property, Looting

   DailyWire.com
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 27: A construction site burns in a large fire near the Third Police Precinct on May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A number of businesses and homes were damaged as the area has become the site of an ongoing protest after the police killing of George Floyd. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired after a video taken by a bystander was posted on social media showing Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by an officer as he repeatedly said, "I can’t breathe". Floyd was later pronounced dead while in police custody after being transported to Hennepin County Medical Center.
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Minneapolis burned on Wednesday night after riots over the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody earlier this week, spun out of control and turned violent.

The Star Tribune reported that most of the violence came from a massive crowd that was rioting outside Minneapolis’ Third Precinct police headquarters who were “throwing objects at the building and officers and turning more violent as the night wore on.”

“The AutoZone Auto Parts store across from the Third Precinct was set afire. As some protesters tried to extinguish the fire, others danced gleefully in front of the flames and smoke, snapping selfies,” The Star Tribune reported. “At the nearby Lake Street Target store, looters were seen leaving with items ranging from large TVs to clothing to groceries. Looting also occurred at Minnehaha Lake Wine & Spirits, at Hiawatha and Lake, and at many other businesses in the area.”

Liz Sawyer, a reporter with the Star Tribune said that all the windows in a strip mall were shattered and people were stealing products from the stores.

Sawyer added: “Many of the shops destroyed along this stretch of Lake Street are immigrant-owned businesses — many of which were already struggling during the pandemic. ‘Now it’s worse,’ said Roberto Hernandez, who stood guard outside his nutrition store for 5 hours to protect it from looters.”

CBS Minnesota reported that the crowd of violent rioters measured in the hundreds and were eventually met by police officers in riot gear who deployed tear gas and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the mob.

A video journalist with the Star Tribune took a photograph of what he described as an “apartment building under construction” moments before the building was set ablaze.

https://twitter.com/rljourno/status/1265854989269958657

Libor Jany, a reporter for the Star Tribune, noted an incident that he says he heard on a police scanner, tweeting, “Scanner: A newish silver SUV driving about 50 miles an hour almost hit about 10 officers; the driver may’ve flashed a handgun at officers.”

President Donald Trump weighed in on the matter before the riots descended into total chaos, saying that he has ordered federal officials to quickly investigate Floyd’s death.

“At my request, the FBI and the Department of Justice are already well into an investigation as to the very sad and tragic death in Minnesota of George Floyd,” Trump tweeted. “I have asked for this investigation to be expedited and greatly appreciate all of the work done by local law enforcement. My heart goes out to George’s family and friends. Justice will be served!”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz warned residents on Twitter: “The situation near Lake Street and Hiawatha in Minneapolis has evolved into an extremely dangerous situation. For everyone’s safety, please leave the area and allow firefighters and paramedics to get to the scene.”

The Daily Wire, headed by bestselling author and popular podcast host Ben Shapiro, is a leading provider of conservative news, cutting through the mainstream media’s rhetoric to provide readers the most important, relevant, and engaging stories of the day. Get inside access to The Daily Wire by becoming a member.  

Create a free account to join the conversation!

Already have an account?

Log in

Got a tip worth investigating?

Your information could be the missing piece to an important story. Submit your tip today and make a difference.

Submit Tip
Download Daily Wire Plus

Don't miss anything

Download our App

Stay up-to-date on the latest
news, podcasts, and more.

Download on the app storeGet it on Google Play
The Daily Wire   >  Read   >  MINNEAPOLIS BURNS: Riots Over George Floyd Death Lead To Arson, Destruction Of Property, Looting