US: Protests continue in greater Minneapolis (Minnesota state) for sixth consecutive day May 31

Event

Protests continue in Minneapolis and neighboring St. Paul (Minnesota state) as of 21:00 (local time) on Sunday, May 31, in the sixth consecutive day of unrest in the city over the police-related death of George Floyd. Governor Tim Walz has extended a curfew order in the city, and other suburbs in the surrounding area, which is in effect from 20:00 until 06:00 on Monday, June 1. Furthermore, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has closed all area interstates and highways until 06:00 on Monday and Metro Transit has suspended all services on buses, commuter, and light rail until the same time.

Further protests and unrest are likely in the area in the near term.

Context

George Floyd died while being arrested by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. The four arresting police officers were subsequently fired, and one has since been charged with murder. Black Lives Matter (BLM) supporters gathered on May 26 to denounce the death and actions of the police officers. Clashes ensued between protesters and riot police; with demonstrators throwing bricks and projectiles at police and police property, and police responding with tear gas and rubber bullets as they attempted to disperse the crowds. Protests have since spread to a number of cities across the US.

Advice

Individuals in greater Minneapolis and across metropolitan areas in the US are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.