Several police officers have been injured by Black Lives Matter protesters who took over the I-94 freeway in St. Paul, Minnesota Saturday night over the deadly police shooting of Philando Castile, attacking police officers who tried to clear the road by throwing chunks of concrete, rebar, rocks, bottles, fireworks and Molotov Cocktails. The attacks have gone on for three hours.
More images of the protest that closed I-94 in St. Paul #PhilandoCastile #I94closed pic.twitter.com/2MkNwByhOK
— Andy Rathbun (@andyrathbun) July 10, 2016
“More images of the protest that closed I-94 in St. Paul #PhilandoCastile #I94closed”
Fireworks thrown by Black Lives Matter protesters explode, injuring police, image via Twitter/Fox9
Video shows fireworks being thrown onto the midst of officers.
https://twitter.com/MisterMetokur/status/751970762899148800
“#Blacklivesmatter protestors using fireworks as improvised explosive devices to attack police in Minnesota.”
A spokesman for the St. Paul police said via Twitter that an officer was injured by the thrown fireworks.
Image of fireworks being thrown, injuring officer. #I94closed https://t.co/7QCFi64pMO
— Saint Paul Police Department (@sppdmn) July 10, 2016
“Image of fireworks being thrown, injuring officer. #I94closed”
The St. Paul PIO also tweeted that two other officers were injured by thrown objects by Black Lives Matter protesters that have included chunks of concrete, rocks, bottles and rebar from a construction site.
The evening’s protest started off peaceful.
SPPD negotiating with protesters on I-94 to make symbolic arrests. Protesters in process of choosing those who will be arrested. #I94closed
— Saint Paul Police Department (@sppdmn) July 10, 2016
“SPPD negotiating with protesters on I-94 to make symbolic arrests. Protesters in process of choosing those who will be arrested. #I94closed”
SPPD has given 16 dispersal orders. Protesters still not leaving the freeway, continue to create safety hazard. #I94closed
— Saint Paul Police Department (@sppdmn) July 10, 2016
“SPPD has given 16 dispersal orders. Protesters still not leaving the freeway, continue to create safety hazard. #I94closed”
Protesters throwing objects at officers. #I94closed
— Saint Paul Police Department (@sppdmn) July 10, 2016
“Protesters throwing objects at officers. #I94closed”
“Person with laser sight pointing it at officers. Fireworks being fired at officers by protesters. #I94closed”
“Officer injured by fireworks thrown by protesters. #I94closed”
“Protesters now arming themselves with rebar from construction site. #I94closed”
“Protesters on overpasses throwing objects at officers, dumping liquid on officers. #I94closed”
Officer injured after being hit with a glass bottle thrown by protesters. #I94closed
“Aggressors now throwing rebar from construction zone at officers. Rocks continue to fly at officers. #I94closed”
“Another officer has been injured by aggressors throwing objects. Three injured so far. #I94closed”
“Bricks now being thrown at officers, along with more rocks and bottles. #I94closed”
“An officer has been hit in the head with a rock. Unclear the extent of injuries. #I94closed”
“Another officer hit in the head with a large piece of concrete, possibly dropped from bridge. #I94closed”
“Molotov cocktail thrown at officers. Unclear if anyone injured. #I94closed”
UPDATES:
“Officers arrested 50 people for 3rd degree riot last night on I-94. #I94closed”
“Officers arrested 52 people for public nuisance and unlawful assembly during an incident at 4 this morning on Grand and Dale. #I94closed”
“Last night and this morning, 21 officers from multiple agencies were injured on I-94 and other areas of the city. #I94closed”