George Floyd was a black man who died in police custody after a white police officer was videoed kneeling on his neck in Minneapolis. The officer in question as well as three others have been fired, the DA is preparing murder charges, and even President Trump has called for a Justice Department investigation. This death happened yesterday and already decisive action is taking place. This is as swift of justice as there has ever been, but apparently not quick enough for protesters in Minnesota. After attacking a police station mostly-black activists were so aggrieved that they looted a Target store. Needless to say social distancing and mask wearing mandates where completely ignored.
Fox News reports:
Protests grew increasingly tense in Minneapolis on Wednesday, and looting was reported, as outrage grew over George Floyd – whose death in police custody was recorded on video that went viral.
Fox News’ Mike Tobin, reporting live from the scene, was caught in the crossfire and said he felt pepper spray get into his eyes.
“Some of the flashbangs have been deployed, primarily from the police on the rooftop,” Tobin said at one point, standing with a news camera and microphone between the lines of protesters and police officers.
Video of the protest showed a line of police slowly backing away from a Minneapolis intersection as protesters continued to move forward, carrying signs and chanting “I can’t breathe.”
Loud bangs can be heard periodically throughout the live shot. The ground was littered with bottles that Tobin said protesters had hurled at police.
The police on the ground, carrying their bicycles like shields along with Tasers, pepper spray and tear gas, received cover from a garrison of officers on the nearby rooftop of the department’s 3rd Precinct, armed with tear gas launchers.
Karen Scullin from Fox 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul sent out a series of tweets detailing the destruction:
The 3rd precinct is being destroyed pic.twitter.com/ZuvhSJu8sW
— Karen Scullin FOX9 (@kscullinfox9) May 27, 2020
I stand corrected. They are wearing masks but the social distancing still leaves bit to be desired.
Despite President Trump’s call for an investigation…
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….
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2020
….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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2020
…protesters took it out on a guy with a Trump bumper sticker.
Protesters destroying a car that says Trump on it. Driver out walking around
— Karen Scullin FOX9 (@kscullinfox9) May 27, 2020
After taking a few punches he was helped to his smashed up vehicle and drove off with people still throwing things
— Karen Scullin FOX9 (@kscullinfox9) May 27, 2020
The biggest thing about demanding justice however is helping yourself to other people’s stuff so eventually the protesters looted a Target store:
Target is getting cleaned out pic.twitter.com/0OGSHY132k
— Karen Scullin FOX9 (@kscullinfox9) May 27, 2020
This is awful out here. No police. Looting continues pic.twitter.com/087TpNWhPV
— Karen Scullin FOX9 (@kscullinfox9) May 27, 2020
Now that’s what I call curbside pickup.
To recap: protesters demanded justice that was already happening and then to drive that point home, beat the crap out of a random white guy and went on a looting spree.
Nothing in any of the news accounts suggest that police arrested anyone during this riot, but if a hair salon tried to open back up, you can bet your ass authorities would bring the hammer down.
