Minneapolis police sprayed chemical irritants at demonstrators Tuesday night as marchers protested the death of a black man at the hands of police.
What We Know:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation is probing the death of a man identified as George Floyd shortly after he was apprehended by Minneapolis police Monday, after disturbing video emerged on social media showing a police officer with his knee on the man’s neck as the man repeatedly yells out, “I can’t breathe.”
- Thousands of protesters demanding justice for Floyd gathered at the intersection where Floyd was restrained. They marched 2 ½ to a city police precinct before clashing with officers late Tuesday. Chants of “I can’t breathe” filled Minneapolis’ streets Tuesday night as a crowd of protesters gathered.
- Some protestors damaged windows and a police squad car while others spray painted graffiti. Officers in riot gear fired tear gas and projectiles at the crowd who threw back water bottles and rocks before the crowd fled to nearby businesses including a Target, where some protesters created a barricade with shopping carts. The Start Tribune reported that the store temporarily closed, and the protesters largely disbursed by 9 p.m.
- The Minneapolis Police Department announced Tuesday morning that the FBI will be a part of the investigation into the death. Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said Tuesday that he pledged the department’s full cooperation with any investigations.
- “Why is the man who killed George Floyd not in jail?” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a press conference Wednesday. “If you had done it, or I had done it, we would be behind bars right now.”
“Being black in America should not be a death sentence. For five minutes, we watched a white officer press his knee into a black man’s neck. Five minutes. When you hear someone calling for help, you’re supposed to help. This officer failed in the most basic, human sense.” – Frey
- Joe Biden tweeted about the tragedy Tuesday night, writing: “George Floyd deserved better and his family deserves justice. His life mattered. I’m grateful for the swift action in Minneapolis to fire the officers involved – they must be held responsible for their egregious actions. The FBI should conduct a thorough investigation.”
George Floyd deserved better and his family deserves justice. His life mattered.
I'm grateful for the swift action in Minneapolis to fire the officers involved — they must be held responsible for their egregious actions. The FBI should conduct a thorough investigation. https://t.co/n1tdiUba0x
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 27, 2020
Another large group just showed up. People are fired up. Still raining. @MPRnews pic.twitter.com/RMVx1jDnNp
— Evan Frost (@efrostee) May 27, 2020
Floyd’s family lawyer, Ben Crump, said the violent incident – along with similar stories recently – has black people believing it is “open season” on them in America right now.
