According to the various media reports, the violence happened across America from coast to coast and from big cities to small ones. After a wave of protest, curfew was imposed around the United States on Saturday night. However, thousands ignored the curfew to which, police in Minneapolis used force in an attempt to disperse otherwise peaceful crowds.
Near Union Square, in the heart of Manhattan, a police vehicle was on fire, sending plumes of black smoke into the air. In Los Angeles, a police post was burned in a shopping mall while nearby shops were looted. In Nashville, Tennessee, a historic courthouse was set on fire, and in Salt Lake City, Utah, vehicles were burned and a man with a bow and arrow was arrested after he aimed it at protesters. In New York, cars were set ablaze as throngs marched down the streets. In Seattle, smoke filled the air as police in riot gear lined the streets.
At least 25 cities have imposed curfews and numerous states activated National Guard forces in anticipation of another night of protests, sparked in part by the death of Floyd, an unarmed African American man who died while in police custody for allegedly committing forgery.
Derek Chauvin, the police officer filmed kneeling on Floyd’s neck, was arrested Friday and charged with third degree murder and manslaughter. Meanwhile, the officers involved in the incident have been fired and reportedly FBI is involved in investigating the case.
Protesters now demand the arrest of three other cops. The anger in response to Floyd’s killing descended into rioting and looting in several cities.