Minneapolis protests soon followed after the death and murder of George Floyd. Floyd, 46, a black man, was killed after a white officer held his knee on his throat during an arrest. “I can’t breathe,” Floyd repeatedly told the arresting officer.
“I can’t breathe, please, the knee in my neck,” the man said in a video showing a police officer pinning him to the ground. “I can’t move … my neck … I’m through, I’m through.”
The incident sparked heartbreak, outrage, looting and chaos in the city — and nationwide.
The looted Target is located on Lake Street near Minneapolis’ Third Precinct police headquarters. TV’s, rugs, clothes and other merchandise were stolen, picking the store clean. Protesters also threw bottles and rocks at police officers.
The five officers involved were fired and President Trump ordered the FBI to expedite its investigation into the death of Floyd. Trump called the Floyd case “very sad and tragic” and said “justice will be served” on Wednesday.
Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey said at a news conference Tuesday morning. “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.”
–Corine Gatti-Santillo