Twin Cities area faces third night of protests after death of George Floyd

The Twin Cities area is facing its third consecutive night of protests Thursday evening in response to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died earlier this week shortly after being placed in police custody in Minneapolis.

Protesters took to the streets in demonstrations, with some being chaotic and others peaceful, in St. Paul and Minneapolis, the Star Tribune reported. The protests have continued since news of Floyd’s death Monday spread, and turned violent Wednesday with fires and looting breaking out across the cities. 

The most extreme protests on Thursday reportedly occurred at 6 p.m. in St. Paul’s Midway district, where at least one person was severely injured when looting and fighting erupted. 

Demonstrators threw rocks and bottles while breaking into businesses, and police reported a fire at the Napa Auto Parts store, according to the newspaper. 

Meanwhile in Minneapolis, more than a thousand demonstrators peacefully gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center to request charges be filed against the officer who was recorded kneeling on Floyd’s neck during his detainment while Floyd said he couldn’t breathe.

Others gathered at Cup Foods where Floyd was arrested before his death, and people spoke in front of the mural now on the store’s wall. Hundreds of other protesters marched chanting, “These killer cops have got to go” and “I can’t breathe!” according to the Star Tribune.

The community group MAD DADS (Men Against Destruction-Defending Against Drugs and Social-Disorder) reported that at least one man was stabbed near the Target looted Wednesday night, and the suspect was arrested.

Floyd, 46, died Monday after being detained by police. A video showing an officer kneeling on Floyd’s neck sparked outrage as the protesters and some lawmakers pressure authorities to press charges against the arresting officer.

Prosecutors in the state said Thursday evening that they will not “rush” charges against the officers involved in Floyd’s detainment and subsequent death. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) activated the Minnesota National Guard to respond to the demonstrations after they had become chaotic Wednesday night. 

The officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck was fired along with three other officers on Tuesday.