Police and protesters have clashed in the cities across the US over the killing of an unarmed black American in Minneapolis police custody. On Friday, hundreds of protesters rallied outside the White House, which has been put under lockdown, demanding justice for the deceased George Floyd.
New York, Minnesota, Atlanta, and other parts of the US witnessed violent protests and unrest. Derek Chauvin, a former police officer from Minneapolis police, has been charged and arrested with murder over Floyd’s death in custody.
In the video circulating on the internet and social media, Chauvin was shown kneeling on George Floyd’s neck, he, along with three other officers at the scene, have been sacked by the authorities. Chauvin is due to be presented in court for the first time on Monday.
President Trump has described the unfortunate incident as ‘’terrible’’ and said that he had spoken to the family of Floyd, and described his family as ‘’terrific people’’.
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Meanwhile, Minnesota remains the most volatile region right now, with curfews imposed on the twin cities of St Paul-Minneapolis on Friday and Saturday. On Friday, the protesters defied the curfew; in many areas, fire in the burning cars was visible, but fire officials were unable to reach some cities.
Local media also showed visuals of looting in the city. The Star Tribune reported that only after mid-night police and National Guard started to move in numbers. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has also put the army on high alert for possible deployment in Minneapolis.
On Friday evening, thousands of protesters gathered and chanted slogan ‘’I can’t breathe’’, invoking the last words of George Floyd and Eric Garner, a black American who also died in a police chokehold in New York In 2014.
The White House has also been placed under lockdown, with secret service closing the exits and entrances. To protect people and property, the authorities in the state of Atlanta imposed emergency in some areas.
Police Vehicles were set ablaze and building vandalized as the demonstrators gathered outside the offices of news broadcaster CNN. Mayor Keisha Lance issued a statement, urging the residents to remain calm and not to dishonor the memory of Floyd.
In Brooklyn district, many arrests were made as the protesters clashed with police, throwing projectiles, destroying police vehicles, and starting fires. According to the reports, many police officers were wounded, and protesters arrested.
After being stone pelted by protesters, police officials in Dallas launched tear gas canisters. In Los Angeles and Oakland, protesters blocked the roads, with ‘’kill cops’’ graffiti sprayed.
Over his role in the death of George Floyd, Chauvin has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and third-degree murder. Benjamin Crump, the lawyer of Floyd’s family, said ‘’welcomed, but overdue’’. The family has maintained that they wanted a more serious first-degree murder charge as well as the arrest of three other officers involved in the death of George Floyd.
Hennepin country prosecutor refused to offer any details but said that he anticipates the charges against other officers. Mike Freeman further added that his office charged the case as quickly as evidence has been presented to them.
As per the criminal complaint, Chauvin acted without any regard for human life. However, the full report by county medical examiner has not been made public yet. But the complaint suggests that the post-mortem examination did not find any evidence of strangulation.
The examiner noted that Floyd had underlying heart conditions and added that being reinstated in police custody likely contributed to his death on Monday. According to the report, Chauvin had Floyd’s neck under his knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, three minutes after he was unresponsive.
Two minutes before Chauvin removed his knee, other officers checked his pulse and sent him to the country medical center, an hour later he was declared dead by country health officials.
At a news conference on Friday, President Trump said that he had ordered the Justice Department to inquire if any civil rights were violated. Trump described the death of George Floyd as an unfortunate incident. He added that looters should not be allowed to drown out many peaceful voices. Earlier, he described the rioters causing unrest as ‘’thugs’’ and dishonoring Floyd’s memory.
