4 years ago
protests erupt across USA following killing of a black man by police
The United States has regularly been on the news for police brutality, especially against Black men. Following the victory of Donald Trump, who often delivers controversial messages and uses an unfriendly tone towards his opponents, there have been several cases of race- based police brutality. His tone has done nothing more than widen the differences and often incite violence and hatred.
Protests against police brutality have continued in cities across the US, including Denver, New York and Oakland following the killing of George Floyd.
Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in police custody after a white officer handcuffed him and kneeled on his neck for several minutes as Floyd pleaded that he could not breathe.
In Minneapolis, police abandoned the 3rd protest police station, which has been a major protest site. Crowds breached the station and set the entrance on fire. Elsewhere, businesses were looted and blazes set as the evening wore on.
In Denver, shots were heard outside the state capitol. Protestors were ushered inside by state patrol and no one appears to have been hurt.
In New York, officers arrested at least 40 at the protests. Charges included civil disobedience. Officers pinned down several demonstrators and used tear gas and rubber bullets on the crowd.
Martin Luther King III, a human rights leader and son of the late Martin Luther King, Jr. quoted his father, who said, “riot is the language of the unheard”. King is one of many human rights advocates who have condemned the police’s treatment of Floyd.
UN Human Rights commissioner Michelle Bachelet said she was “dismayed” to add Floyd’s name to a long list of Black Americans who have been killed by the police.
The governor of Minnesota activated the National Guard to respond to the protests and declared a state of emergency in Minneapolis, St.Paul and surrounding areas.
Governor Walz wrote in the proclamation that he supported peaceful protests but “unfortunately, some individuals have engaged in unlawful and dangerous activity, including arson, rioting, looting, and damaging public and private property”.
