Culture & Society

Minnesota protests explode into mass looting, violence and fires

April 13, 2021 | | Print Article

According to authorities, 40 people were arrested on Monday night as police and protesters faced off once again in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota following the fatal shooting of a black man who fled a traffic stop.

Hundreds of protesters broke curfew and rallied outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department demanding justice for Daunte Wright. Black Lives Matter banners were flown and the confrontation with police was inevitable. The protesters chanted Wright’s name and shouted profanities at the police officers, trying to goad them into a fight.

Tear gas and flash-bang grenades were used against the protesters. In retaliation, the mob threw smoke canisters back at the police and reportedly launched fireworks at them. Operation Safety Net (OSN) tweeted that protesters threw “bottles, fireworks, bricks and other projectiles at public safety officials.” A number of officers were reportedly hit with objects and had minor injuries.

Protesters could be heard chanting “Hands up! Don’t shoot!” as the police ordered them to move back. Refrains of “No Justice! No Peace!” could also be heard being shouted by the angry mob.

(Video Credit: Fox News)

According to Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt Langer, the department had tried to speak with the protest leaders to find a way to peacefully disperse protesters. He stated that “unfortunately, those efforts weren’t successful … so … [we] stood and protected that building.”

The arrests were made at the Brooklyn Center Police Department protest. Demonstrators were cited with breaking curfew and rioting. Looting also took place at several businesses including a Dollar Tree store. After looting the store, the protesters tried to set it on fire.

Other stores were also reportedly looted such as Walmart, Foot Locker, and Nike.

Curfew was set from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. on Tuesday for Brooklyn Center, St. Paul, and Minneapolis.

The police department took measures to protect the precinct by erecting a fence and putting up concrete barricades. They surrounded the building with police officers, Minnesota National Guard, and Minnesota State Patrol officers. There were reports of gunshots being fired into the building.

According to Amelia Huffman, who is the Minneapolis Police Department’s deputy chief for professional standards, 13 more protesters were arrested in Minneapolis. There were reportedly four burglaries, two shooting incidents, and six curfew violations. There was also one outstanding warrant. The burglaries took place during the protests.

Protesters were warned that they were violating curfew and were ordered to disperse. Breaking curfew is a misdemeanor and the police said those violating the order would be arrested. The arrests began after 9 p.m.

Daunte Wright was pulled over for an expired tag on Sunday. He had an outstanding warrant and the police tried to handcuff him outside his car before he tried to run.

The police officer who shot him when he tried to flee the scene claims she meant to taser Wright instead. The shooting is being described as “an accidental discharge.” Wright died from a fatal gunshot wound to the chest according to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s office.

Body-cam footage was released on Monday showing an officer telling Wright “don’t” as he evaded the officer and got back in his car to leave. The officer warned Wright that she was going to use her Taser on him. Then she repeatedly shouted at him, “Taser! Taser! Taser!” The police officer was then heard screaming, “Holy sh*t! I just shot him.”

The incident took place ten miles from where George Floyd was killed by former officer Derek Chauvin, who is currently on trial for his alleged murder.

Twitter was on fire over the protests (language warning):

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Terresa Monroe-Hamilton
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