29 May 2020 | 02:26 AM UTC
US: Protests erupt for third consecutive day in Minneapolis and other locations May 28 /update 2
Protests condemning George Floyd’s death continue for third consecutive day in Minneapolis and other locations on May 28; a heightened security presence and further clashes and disruptions are possible in the near term
Event
Protests over the death of a citizen during an arrest on Monday, May 25, continued for a third consecutive day in Minneapolis (Minnesota state) on Thursday, May 28. Following two days of unrest, local authorities declared a local emergency for up to 72 hours in Minneapolis and deployed the National Guard to assist police officers. Protesters continued to loot stores, throw rocks and projectiles at police, and set fires. The unrest continued in the vicinity of the Minneapolis 3rd Police Precinct and spread to nearby St. Paul (Minnesota state). One individual was fatally shot amid the unrest; police are investigating the shooting and reports suggest it occurred during the looting of a store. Riot police have responded and fired tear gas at the demonstrators in attempts to disperse them. Localized transportation and business disruptions in Minneapolis are expected around all protest sites.
Similar demonstrations, and subsequent unrest, has been reported across the country since Monday. Protests have been reported in Chicago (Illinois state), Los Angeles (California state), and Memphis (Tennessee state), among others. Police and protesters clashed in New York City on Thursday and reports suggest numerous arrests have been made in Lower Manhattan and several officers and demonstrators were wounded. In Colorado state, an individual sporadically shot into a rally which was taking place at the State Capitol in Denver. Local police have not reported injuries at this time.
Additional protests and subsequent unrest and disruptions are likely nationwide over the near term. A heightened security presence is also to be expected.
Context
George Floyd died while being arrested by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. The four arresting police officers involved were subsequently fired for their actions. Black Lives Matter (BLM) supporters gathered on May 26 to denounce the fatal-arrest and actions of the police. Clashes ensued between protesters and riot police; demonstrators threw bricks and projectiles at police and police property, while the police responded by firing tear gas and rubber bullets in attempts to disperse them.
Advice
Individuals in Minneapolis, and the wider US, are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
