US: Looters Ransack Shops As Minneapolis Descends Into Chaos after Police Killing Of Black Man

By Staff, Agencies

Looters cleared out a number of shops in Minneapolis as hectic protests over a police killing of an unarmed black man escalated into riots, with violent clashes erupting between demonstrators and law enforcement.

The city descended into looting and vandalism on Wednesday following a large protest the day prior over the police killing of George Floyd, with videos shared to social media showing rioters breaking into a Target store, smashing windows and grabbing up merchandise.

Tuesday’s action also saw protesters gather outside the building, facing thick clouds of police tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets – though the law enforcement presence in the area appears to have been scaled back compared to the previous day.

On Wednesday, officers instead took up positions on the roof of the headquarters, where they fired projectiles into the crowd below.

The two days of rage come after a viral video emerged on Monday showing Floyd’s last moments alive, in which an officer is seen pinning the man to the pavement with a knee to his throat as he complains of trouble breathing. While the officers involved in the incident have since been fired, the protesters, as well as Floyd’s family, insist they be tried for murder.