Police and protesters clash in Minneapolis over George Floyd’s death [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• Protesters and police got into a violent confrontation on Tuesday following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died under police custody on Monday.
• With placards that say, “Justice for George Floyd,” “Black Lives Matter” and “I Can’t Breathe,” hundreds of protesters flock the Minneapolis precinct slamming the incident.
• Tensions began rising when protesters threw rocks and sprayed paint on police cars as authorities responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang devices.

The death of a black American from a brutal encounter with the police the other day called for a protest on Tuesday night, where Minneapolis cops threw tear gas and rubber bullets at the demonstrators.

Video footage of the victim George Floyd went viral online, showing how he was brutally arrested by the police — one officer was kneeling on his neck for about seven minutes which believed to have led to his passing. The victim was heard saying he’s in pain and couldn’t breathe.

Protesters held their rally at the intersection spot in Minneapolis where Floyd died. With placards saying, “Justice for George Floyd,” “Black Lives Matter” and “I Can’t Breathe,” hundreds of people flock the police precinct, wearing masks amid COVID-19 scare, to appeal against the apparent killing.

John Elder, the police department spokesman, told the New York Times that in an effort to suppress the strike, police forces fired foam projectiles and tear gas at them. 

According to the Associated Press, the protesters reached a police precinct, some broke windows and sprayed graffiti. 

Another report by the Minneapolis Star Tribune says that tensions rose when protesters reached the Third Precinct. Some protesters threw rocks at officers and vandalized their police cars. Authorities fired back with tear gas and flash-bang devices.

A reporter from Minneapolis Star Tribune was shot in the thigh with a foam bullet.

Meanwhile, an individual was shot at a building beside the place where Floyd was detained by cops, according to Elder. It was not confirmed, however, if the shooting is related to the protest.

Hennepin County medical examiner told the Associated Press that they are still investigating on the official cause of Floyd’s death. 

Some Minnesota public officials, which include Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Ilhan Omar, appealed for a thorough investigation of the case.

Source: Time