Riots Sweep the Nation Over George Floyd Death Despite Charges Brough Against Police

A protester gestures in front of a fire during the protest against the death of George Floyd in in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

On Saturday morning, communities across the nation awoke to mass destruction and damage, which adds to the strain economic and emotional strain caused over the last few months by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Riots are sweeping cities across the US over the wrongful death of 46-year-old George Floyd on Monday, at the hands of now former police officer Derek Chauvin. Multiple cities are currently being affected with riots occurring in addition to protests. 

Protestors shouting “I can’t breathe” have swept the nation and, in many instance, what started out as peaceful protests has turned into riots. Current coverage is showing that both riots and an attempt at protests are occurring; Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz made the distinction Friday morning between individuals who wanted their voices heard over George Floyd’s and those who are taking advantage of the situation to commit looting and acts of violence. The protests and riots have continued despite the formal announcement of charges brought against Chauvin. 

At this time, riots are raging in St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN for the third night in a row. At this time, the Third Police Precinct in Minneapolis has been razed to the ground and rioters are continuing to destroy property. Riots have continued overnight despite the 8 pm to 6 am curfew placed by the Minnesota governor in an attempt to keep citizens safe and losses to a minimum. 

Creator: Mario Tama | Credit: Getty Images LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 30: An LAPD vehicle burns after being set alight by protestors during demonstrations following the death of George Floyd on May 30, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles has seen riots spread throughout downtown on Friday, with protesters gathering in masse for the third night since Wednesday. Riots continued as police have been deployed to minimize looting. The LAPD has declared the protests “Unlawful Assembly” at 9 pm tonight and there are reports of protestors gassed and shot with rubber bullets. 

Similar conditions of protests have been seen in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, New Orleans, Las Vegas, and others. While not all protests have turned violent, several have turned into riots and so far, the Guardian, has reported  that at least one man has died in Detroit as a result. 

Atlanta mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms has denounced the riots that have raged throughout the city saying, “this is not a protest” and has publicly all involved to go home.

Meanwhile, early Saturday morning Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, who had been called away to make funeral arrangements for family reported that he will be rushing back due to the chaos.

Protestors have also reached the nation’s capital in Washington DC, causing the white house to go into lockdown.  

Some protestors who have spoken out on live television citing that the protests are the result of long-term tensions between communities of color and law enforcement agencies. Others, however, have condemned the riots citing that they are affecting communities and small business owners alike. In many cases, the riots are effecting immigrant communities and communities of color as small business owners and residents struggle to keep themselves and their families safe. 

R.I.P George Floyd.