Minneapolis Mayor Asks for National Guard After Night of Riots and Fires Over Police Killing of George Floyd

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) has asked Governor Tim Walz (D) to deploy National Guard troops after riots broke out and fires set in south Minneapolis during protests over the videotaped police killing Monday of George Floyd by an officer kneeling on his neck until he was dead. Floyd was arrested on suspicion of “forgery in progress”.

George Floyd.

Screen image.

Four officers involved in Floyd’s arrest were fired Tuesday but not charged or arrested, adding fuel to the anger of the protesters. Numerous stores including a Target and AutoZone were looted and/or set on fire. A residential complex under construction that reportedly was set to be 190 units of affordable housing was also set ablaze. There was also a report an alleged looter was shot dead by a pawn shop owner.

Frey posted a statement very early Thursday morning begging protesters to behave peacefully, “Please, Minneapolis, we cannot let tragedy beget more tragedy. The area along Lake has become unsafe. We are asking for your help in keeping the peace tonight.”

Frey also told the media, according to Star Tribune reporter Liz Navratil via Twitter:

“He continued: “We appreciate those that protested peacefully but now is the time to go home. Obviously, we have both instances of violence and fires. There are institutions, grocery stores and markets around Lake, that our community relies on…especially in times of a pandemic.”

“Yes, we’re reeling. We are reeling, and I understand the anger and pain, and we need the public’s help in keeping the peace tonight. We need that in order to get through this together.”

“Frey said he has been in touch with the governor’s office and has requested assistance from the state. “We’ve spoken several times. We’re receiving assistance in the form of state patrol. I have requested the National Guard as well.”

Gov. Walz posted his own plea for calm, “The situation near Lake Street and Hiawatha in Minneapolis has evolved into an extremely dangerous situation. For everyone’s safety, please leave the area and allow firefighters and paramedics to get to the scene.”

Videos and photos from the riots:

Early Thursday morning and the fires and looting are out of control:

https://twitter.com/FindingNovyon/status/1265837524607471616

Photo of author
Kristinn Taylor has contributed to The Gateway Pundit for over ten years. Mr. Taylor previously wrote for Breitbart, worked for Judicial Watch and was co-leader of the D.C. Chapter of FreeRepublic.com. He studied journalism in high school, visited the Newseum and once met David Brinkley.

You can email Kristinn Taylor here, and read more of Kristinn Taylor's articles here.

 

Thanks for sharing!