KEY POINTS

  • One man was shot dead during violent protests about the death of George Floyd in police custody
  • Sources confirm that the Minnesota National Guard has been called to support local officers
  • State and city officials have called for calm

A man was shot dead during protests that turned violent over the death of George Floyd, a black 46-year-old man who died in police custody after a video showed him pinned to the ground by his neck with the knee of a white police officer.

It was the second night of protests over the death of Floyd who officers arrested in relation to a “forgery” call they received. Floyd later died at a county hospital.

Police have arrested a man in relation to the shooting. An unidentified pawnshop owner who shot and killed the man claimed he was only defending his store from looters.

A source has confirmed to KSTP that the city has called for help from the Minnesota National Guard to help stop the riots. Officers from the nearby town of St. Paul, state police and metro transit police are already assisting the Minneapolis police department.

Local news also captured footage of protesters throwing projectiles at officers. They were met with rubber bullets, flash bombs and tear gas in an effort to repel them.

Fires were also seen from the air around nearby business establishments. Protesters gathered at the intersection where Floyd was held.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have called for protesters to exercise caution and keep calm even as they protest the death. They have also called for people to leave the area to allow first responders to access the vicinity.

“Please, Minneapolis, we cannot let tragedy beget more tragedy,” Frey said in a statement.

Images from the air showed dozens of people looting a nearby Target and torching several buildings, including an auto parts store and a housing complex under construction.

Some homeowners were also seen trying to protect their homes from the approaching flames using buckets of water and garden hoses.

Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arradondo called for calm. He told KMSP-TV that an internal investigation offers a chance at justice on top of an ongoing FBI investigation.

“Justice historically has never come to fruition through some of the acts we’re seeing tonight, whether it’s the looting, the damage to property or other things,” Arradondo said.

Four police officers involved in the death of Floyd have since been fired. Frey has called for them to face murder charges.

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