Social Unrest Continues Across the US

The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of four police officers last month led to social friction, and while the most violent undercurrent has ebbed for now, it has not fully abated. Protestors condemning the treatment of black Americans by police as well as society at-large have been largely peaceful, though some in the movement have insisted on more forceful measures, such as toppling statues, spray painting monuments, and occupying public spaces. The most notable of the last is the Seattle Capital Hill Occupied Protest (CHOP), which has resisted attempts to disperse as its occupants continue to control several city blocks.

Protests, Riots Continue After Death of George Floyd

The death of a black man, George Floyd, at the hands of a white police officer, Derek Chauvin, in Minneapolis this past week has led to outrage across ideological, racial, and economic lines. Chauvin had put his knee on Floyd’s neck during an arrest in which Floyd allegedly paid with a counterfeit bill at a store. Video shows Floyd not resisting when initially arrested, and it is unclear how and why he was subdued and when Chauvin put his knee on Floyd’s neck. Floyd said “I can’t breathe” during the incident in which Chauvin had his knee on Floyd’s neck for just under nine minutes. Two other police were also holding Floyd down while Chauvin was kneeling on Floyd’s neck. The four police who were involved in the arrest have been fired and Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Almost immediately demonstrators protested in Minneapolis, both about Floyd’s death and police conduct and brutality in the US in general. These demonstrations quickly spread to other major US cities, and many demonstrations have evolved in violent incidents as looters and rioters have joined them. Many retail establishments have been burned, as well as a police precinct in Minneapolis. Gunfire has been exchanged in several cities, including Minneapolis, Louisville, and Oakland (here a security officer was murdered).

In St. Louis, a man was dragged to death by a FedEx truck after looters attempted to hijack the truck and allegedly brandished guns at the driver.

The National Guard has been called to help quell the protests in several cities, including in Minneapolis, though their deployment has been limited in an attempt to prevent escalation. Police tactics to quell the demonstrations and riots have also been criticized.