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Looting erupts during Minneapolis protests over black man's killing by white police officer

69 Comments
By Eric Miller

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Heartbreaking video absolutely scary. I don’t know what was in the officers head, but I can assure you kneeing someone in the head is the most painful thing. I train in martial arts and I’ve experienced multiple times in training having a knee to my head, on my ear to be more exact with that kind of pressure it won’t take long to pass out or die if you continue to push your weight on the knee. Once the man was handcuffed or subdued he was no longer a threat and he could have stopped, but he didn’t and there’s no justification for the officers actions.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

You more you look at it, the more the other cops look like the direct murderer's armed security, protecting him from the growing crowd so he could finish his dirty work. If Floyd had been an actual physical threat at the time, the other cops would have been helping to restrain him, not creating a perimeter.

This was intentional murder, and the video shows it. And those policemen standing around said nothing and did nothing to prevent the murder.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

That cop is going to jail for a long time. Is there a death penalty in Minnesota? This guy qualifies.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Tragic. And people still say that Black Lives Matter isn't important.

1 ( +10 / -9 )

The looting of the Target store as part of the "riot" isnt helpful.

10 ( +18 / -8 )

Maybe we ought to start applying 'defense of a third party' to cops. That man would still be alive had people been able to intervene in his defense.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

These police officers in question behaved a lot like SS guards. Once you have the person in question under control, you're supposed to leave him alone. This was clearly not the case. As with Rodney King, the police went above and beyond their powers to beat up a man who was no longer offering any resistance and was under control.

A good argument for police officers to always wear body cameras.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

The looting of the Target store as part of the "riot" isnt helpful.

Most definitely, in fact, it just reflects on the community poorly.

Tragic. And people still say that Black Lives Matter isn't important

No, the movement, not the people, of course the people are important. But trying to take on the police, you’re not going to win, ever.

-8 ( +5 / -13 )

I try to support these type of protests, as they have social value to make needed change. What happened was wrong and needs to be addressed with legal action against those found guilty.

But why every time do the protesters turn violent, burn things and then steal the property of others as part of it? It takes away almost any sympathetic response to the issue that people are protesting against.

What happened was wrong and sad. But breaking the windows of stores to steal goods and physically attacking police in response to this is also wrong and cant be supported.

-1 ( +9 / -10 )

I try to support these type of protests, as they have social value to make needed change. What happened was wrong and needs to be addressed with legal action against those found guilty.

I've found the flaw in your plan.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

the legal system still has to find someone guilty. that has not and will not change.

Based on the video, they definitely appear guilty. But we have a legal process to follow.

Breaking into stores and stealing things doesnt help garner support for any cause, no matter how just.

-1 ( +9 / -10 )

What happened was wrong and sad. But breaking the windows of stores to steal goods and physically attacking police in response to this is also wrong and cant be supported.

I agree fully.

I try to support these type of protests, as they have social value to make needed change.

And you still should protest police brutality. It's unfortunate when people take advantage of a situation like this to loot, but it doesn't take away from the original act of the officer. It can be difficult to support the protestors sometimes, but remember that the true protestors are not looting. That's just others taking advantage of the situation.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

I try to support these type of protests, as they have social value to make needed change. What happened was wrong and needs to be addressed with legal action against those found guilty.

I definitely support the protesters, but as long as they do it sensibly and law abiding, they can and should, I draw the line when it comes to looting.

But why every time do the protesters turn violent, burn things and then steal the property of others as part of it? It takes away almost any sympathetic response to the issue that people are protesting against. 

That’s what kills all validity and works negatively against them.

What happened was wrong and sad. But breaking the windows of stores to steal goods and physically attacking police in response to this is also wrong and cant be supported.

I agree 100%

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

the legal system still has to find someone guilty. that has not and will not change.

So, what you're saying is, as these police officers have not yet been found guilty, it would be socially responsible to start chanting things like say "LOCK THEM UP", right?

Because, unless someone has been found guilty, they're innocent. Right?

7 ( +10 / -3 )

I agree its not the real protestors looting, and hopefully they arent the ones attacking police either. But the point can also be made by others that the protest itself only exists to create a looting opportunity. That point is very hard to dispute when every time there is a protest like this, its comes with looting.

The question is, who are the real protestors and what is their message? Its hard to tell with the looting and the violence distracting from it.

 but remember that the true protestors are not looting. That's just others taking advantage of the situation.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

But the point can also be made by others that the protest itself only exists to create a looting opportunity. That point is very hard to dispute when every time there is a protest like this, its comes with looting.

Or, the point can be made that the looting itself only exists in response to the protests. That point is very hard to dispute when the overwhelming number of protestors don't loot.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

the legal system still has to find someone guilty. that has not and will not change.

Based on the video, they definitely appear guilty. But we have a legal process to follow.

Police brutality goes on and on unchecked. It's fortunate that there was a recording of a cop murdering someone in this instance, but that is far from a guarantee that he will see justice.

The police are not your friends. The police should be abolished and replaced with something useful, like a group of public servants whose job is to protect citizens and prevent and/or solve crimes.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Or, the point can be made that the looting itself only exists in response to the protests. That point is very hard to dispute when the overwhelming number of protestors don't loot

There is absolutely no reason to loot, it justifies nothing, it just hurts any cause that can’t and should never be defended. You want to protest, do so without inflicting damage on public and private property, if you can’t abide by that, you should get locked up for awhile and pay a hefty fine.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Im not disagreeing with you at all. yet all I have seen all over the liberal media and social media is looters.

The first word in the headline of this article is even "Looting".

Liberal media is bad in this area, as they dont know when to stop being divisive when it actually hurts the message of the protesters. They just cant resist the #resistance mode, so gotta show people throwing things at police and stealing things when they should be highlighting the message of the peaceful protesters.

That point is very hard to dispute when the overwhelming number of protestors don't loot.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Not all cops are bad - this one being an exception. Driving your knee into a persons neck that has already been placed under control is barbaric. He strangled the man to death.

Sneezy: Tragic. And people still say that Black Lives Matter isn't important.

BLM is certainly important. But they are unquestionably not helpful. In fact they are completely counterproductive. Instead of constantly condemning America as illegitimate and based upon nothing but racism from the beginning until now ( which of course is not a view based in reality) they should be claiming the flag and the Constitution as theirs too. The Constitution and the flag aren’t the cause of their troubles. Rallying to them will rally the nation to their cause and improve relations. Condemning a nation that has come so far and given so much to black Americans despite slavery and Jim Crow will only make their situation worse.

It didn’t work for Malcolm X during the Civil Rights era and it won’t work for BLM today.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

The police were fine as long as they were arresting women with children playing in parks during lockdown. Even minority arrests at 90% of total in NY were fine, because these people werent "social distancing" and "deserved it".

But with this horrible action, it is just another sign that we are on our way past corona/lockdown and that some things are sadly still the "old normal" not a new one. No one deserves this to happen to them, so terrible.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

We've all seen this "Groundhog" scenario many times before, a heart-breaking horror movie of knuckledraggin' knuskleheaded boys in blue going all out ghoul on blacks. Reforms to protect black lives are desperately needed, but it will always be an uphill battle to overturn statecraft 101 that requires the police be trained as attack dogs to intimidate uppity minorities and reinforce abject subservience to authoritarian rule.

There is yet a glimmer of hope for some justice in the moral leadership of Mayor and mensch, Jacob Frey, whose handling of the case so far has been exemplary. If only he could be facing Trump in November to test the true content of the nation's character. I can only dream. Sigh.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

This is the most evil and wicked thing I have ever seen, and that says a lot considering how many police brutality cases there are in America. The police earlier claimed that the man was violently resisting arrest. Yet lo and behold multiple videos from various angles and times were shown, and not once was Floyd resisting arrest. In fact the video the police showed the public was heavily edited and blacked out indicating an attempt to cover up what actually happened. Chauvin needs to be charged with murder as soon as possible. And the other three officers should be charged with accessory to murder.

Americans would well be advised to fix the institutional racism inherent in their own country before casting stones at other countries.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

More shame on the USA.

Trump has really done a good job on making America great again.

Racism, gun nutters, the envy of the world

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Call me old fashioned, but it works, don't commit a crime if you can't do the time or willing to pay the price for the crime. If this guy Floyd, would not have put himself into a suspect of trying to pass counterfeit bills at a corner eatery he would more than likely be alive today. It's not like officers wake up or at least I hope not, and tell themselves, 'self, I'm gonna get someone today, anyone no reason" and actually follow through with it. No good old common sense, don't do the crime. The police will leave you alone. They won't even bother with you at all too much paperwork involved to do so. Also if confronted by police in this day and age of monitoring, more than likely it is much easier to not resist just suck it up and then eventually the air will clear. More than 98% of those questioned for misdemeanors or suspects are actually let go if they cooperate fully, but many of them are guilty of other hidden i.e. warrants, unpaid child support etc, otherwise the cops normally tell you Ok its your lucky day thank for your cooperation we have no reason to hold you any longer, just be careful and fix that taillight.

-8 ( +6 / -14 )

The protesters just burned down an auto parts store. Someone from within the community needs to get this under control as we dont want anyone else hurt.

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Actually the problem with policing in America started long ago, back in the 90s. The shift from being police to being enforcers started then. Two things happened. First, police began to be issued with military grade weapons and gear, which was donated by the Dept of Defense.

Second, police began recruiting among retired military and veterans. This was a HUGE mistake. The military has two jobs basically- break things and kill people. Policing should be more nuanced and focus on de-escalation of situations. Sadly, police training has too much emphasis on making people obey and comply, and that any questioning of police authority is a threat.

You can see the change these days. Police wear tactical gear, dress in black like thugs, hide behind sunglasses, and exert an air of aggression and fear that is totally unnecessary.

Not sure if any of this applies in this particular case in Minneapolis, but I can imagine that the culture of policing has a lot to do with incidents like this.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

"We must review all video. We must wait for the medical examiner's report," the union said, asking the community to remain calm."

Ah, yes. Remain calm and wait for the final report that contradicts the video evidence, stating that the 4 cops are not at fault as it was not the cop's knee on Mr. Floyd's neck that caused his death by asphyxiation, rather Mr. Floyd, who had his hands handcuffed behind his back managed to dislocate his shoulders and indeed strangle himself death. /s

@Attila

"You can see the change these days. Police wear tactical gear, dress in black like thugs, hide behind sunglasses, and exert an air of aggression and fear that is totally unnecessary."

Yeah, I love how "tacticool" they have to look these days. It cringy when military try hards do it, even worse when cops do it.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

They dont call it the land of the free for nothing. Free to do whatever the hell you want.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

This is why Colin Kaepernick took a knee!

The police officer had a history of complaints:

The police officer who knelt on George Floyd's neck has been involved in shootings and was the subject of 10 different complaints

https://www.businessinsider.com.au/derek-chauvin-police-history-shootings-violence-george-floyd-2020-5

The protesters just burned down an auto parts store. Someone from within the community needs to get this under control as we dont want anyone else hurt.

Agreed!

6 ( +8 / -2 )

rgcivilian1

Call me old fashioned, but it works, don't commit a crime if you can't do the time or willing to pay the price for the crime. If this guy Floyd, would not have put himself into a suspect of trying to pass counterfeit bills at a corner eatery he would more than likely be alive today. It's not like officers wake up or at least I hope not, and tell themselves, 'self, I'm gonna get someone today, anyone no reason" and actually follow through with it. No good old common sense, don't do the crime. 

The point that you are missing or ignoring which make s you part of the problem is that there is tons of evidence that US justice system is disproportionately racists towards black people.

So much so that even when a black person who is innocent and hasn't committed any crimes is still at risk of being killed by the police indiscriminately.

It is so well known that some white Americans purposely weaponize the police against people of color for petty non criminal reasons in hopes of some incident against that person of color.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

More shame on the USA.

Trump has really done a good job on making America great again.

Racism, gun nutters, the envy of the world

Yep, trump is the great divider of the US.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

I agree, There is also no indication that this is anything new that just started in January 2017.

that there is tons of evidence that US justice system is disproportionately racists towards black people.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

The adversarial relationship between the police and the general public is not a new thing. It's also not a race thing- there are plenty of examples of white guys getting beaten and killed by overzealous or overparanoid cops too. Also lots of black cops who abuse black citizens. It's a "blue" thing. The police go overboard on their whole "thin blue line" schpiel. Reality is that being a police officer isn't such a dangerous job these days, the crime rate is lower than ever, most of what they do is geared towards revenue generation.

The whole mentality that has become prevalent in the myriad police forces in the US is quite scary. They are trained to believe that the most important thing in the world is that "at the end of the day, the officer goes home to his/her family". There was a great book written a few years ago called "The Rise of the Warrior Cop" by Radley Balko. It explains in great detail how the whole concept of the police has changed from the good old days of Officer Friendly in his white shirt and blue tie to today's swaggering bully.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

In all seriousness, this is a golden opportunity for Joe Biden to come out and tell the black community what he will do about this problem that has been ongoing for a very long time (decades). A problem that most of his previous policy positions, nor his actions during 8 years of VP, helped to resolve.

He is expecting the black vote, but this is how he can earn it. an actual plan, backed by some proposed policies/legislation that he feels would lead us toward a resolution of this type of thing.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

Yep, trump is the great divider of the US

The Democrats are not healers of racial tension, ask Joe.

-4 ( +6 / -10 )

Looting shops and burning businesses?

Yeah, that’ll help. Help the racists justify themselves!

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

As bad as the killing was of this poor man it doesn’t justify the black community to go out and destroy public and private property, you have to act civilized and pull yourself together and take a more pragmatic approach without the use of physical violence on others that have nothing to do with the situation and every looter that’s takes advantage of this tragedy should get a minimum of 5-7 years in prison and pay a hefty penalty for it.

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

exactly. There is video of the "protesters" attacking an elderly woman in a wheelchair, choking her and then spraying her with a fire extinguisher as she tried to exit the store they were stealing items from.

what was done by the police was bad. But it doesnt justify that type of response. Now reasonable people know this isnt really the legitimate protesters, just opportunists, but still.

-2 ( +6 / -8 )

exactly. There is video of the "protesters" attacking an elderly woman in a wheelchair, choking her and then spraying her with a fire extinguisher as she tried to exit the store they were stealing items from.

There are also videos of police officers shooting black people including senior citizens.

The difference is one side is suppose to be properly trained and on the side of justice while treating all people equally. The other side does not get such training. It is ironic that people of color are expected to act calm and relax while being assaulted and killed by police officers, but police officers are given a pass when they can't cope with job and make deadly mistakes with black people?

When these people of color are actually guilty of committing crimes, they go to jail. When the police officers get caught, they usually get transferred or allowed to start their lives over somewhere else.

You can't do that when you are dead.

LivingWhileBlack: How does racial bias lead to unnecessary calls to police?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3r3mOo4LmY

2 ( +4 / -2 )

the existence of one doesnt automatically justify the other. Police at least begin with a position of societal authority and a stated purpose for the interaction.

There is no authority or purpose for a group of protesters to attack an elderly woman in a wheelchair who simply got in the way of them committing additional criminal acts.

Some people (not me) will use the violent criminal aftermath of the protesters to try to diminish/deflect from the initial horrific police actions.

There are also videos of police officers shooting black people including senior citizens.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Opportunists using the death of a man to steal things. Shameful. Some of those wrecked shops could have been owned by African Americans.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

There is absolutely no doubt this murder of an unarmed black man was a racist attack. I have viewed the entire disturbing attack. It was heartbreaking to hear the poor victims' cries for his mother, while the coward scum police officer snuffed his last breath.

I don't support looting and attacking innocent civilians. But I 100% stand with the protesters - black and white - targeting police in that city. Anything that happens to the police, they have no-one to blame but themselves. Hit the police, and hit them hard.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

It is ironic that people of color are expected to act calm and relax while being assaulted and killed by police officers,

Yes, you have to or can you tell me how destroying someone’s business is justifiable? Is looting ever ok during civil unrest?

but police officers are given a pass when they can't cope with job and make deadly mistakes with black people? 

Not always and these cops were fired.

When these people of color are actually guilty of committing crimes, they go to jail. When the police officers get caught, they usually get transferred or allowed to start their lives over somewhere else.

I get it, but No matter what happens, if you want to make a change, if you want people to listen, protest is always the best way, but do it in a responsible way.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

I agree that this is a color issue. However, the relevant color isn't black and it isn't white. It's blue. The police stand against any form of independent audit or investigation of their actions. There is an unfortunate attitude of "us vs. them" that pervades many police departments in the US. And "them" doesn't just mean black folks- it means ANYONE who doesn't immediately kowtow to police authority and "cooperate".

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Not always and these cops were fired.

Do you think that the maximum punishment for murder should be losing your job?

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Do you think that the maximum punishment for murder should be losing your job?

No, I don’t, I think that cop for go to prison “no less” than 25 years and serve the entire sentence.

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

No reason for that bad cop to stay on his neck that long. Criminal charges and prison time. No death penalty cuz no premeditation.

Watch the TMZ video if you want to see it without MSM commentary.

As far as the Riots and looting, burn it down!

It’s the best lesson for a corrupt government and out of touch population.

No comparisons to Rodney King please, King was driving 90 MPH down city streets, high of probably mesc, and DID attack the officers.

Also has nothing to do with Trump.

invalid CSRF

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

There is absolutely no doubt this murder of an unarmed black man was a racist attack. 

Other than the two principles being of different racial backgrounds there is no evidence at all that this was a racist attack. It could have been racially motivated but we don’t know that yet. Let’s not assume anything and run out and hang someone or burn down the town without evidence. We saw that in the Ferguson incident.

There is direct evidence that a policeman killed a suspect through use of excessive force. This has happened before to people of all races. That’s bad enough. No one makes excuses for this guy. He has been fired, not given desk duty, and will certainly be brought up on murder charges.

Stay calm people. Black Lives Matter should stay out of it. Kaepernik should definitely stay out of it. They will only cause people to choose racial solidarity over justice. That's the last thing America needs.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Horrific.

I can completely understand the looting and damage to property.

It's a desperate response to the ongoing brutalities against black people.

Shame on these "cops".

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

@rgcivilian1: Call me old fashioned, but it works, don't commit a crime if you can't do the time or willing to pay the price for the crime.

No it doesn’t work. It never works to terrorize. It only brings forth resistance. Intimidating people does the police no favors. I have faced relatively minor incidents where the police tried to intimidate me and it caused me to be resentful. I know it is just one incident and on policeman but the distrust lingered.

The sad truth of the matter is that black Americans are way more likely to commit crimes than any other racial group. Everyone knows that and it is a difficult hurdle to overcome. Profiling and stereotyping are how human beings navigate life without more information to inform their reactions in daily encounters. Certainly blacks make assumptions about police and are more likely to resist. I don’t know how it’s possible to overcome human nature when in stressful settings and situations.

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

I can completely understand the looting and damage to property.

I don’t and that’s a lame excuse. If I had a business or a car and somebody thrashed it or my livelihood because you have a personal grievance, then you’ll have a lot of hospital bills to pay on top of that as well. There is no justification for attacking other people’s property, when people act savage like that, no one will take you seriously and especially not an intellectual.

It's a desperate response to the ongoing brutalities against black people.

Go to the streets, scream, go to your local State or city representative, protest at the police station, but do it in a civil matter.

Not dissimilar to the way Catholics were brutalized in the 6 counties, and throughout Ireland's turbulent history.

Shame on these "cops".

Yes, but you need to half self-control, you’re not an animal.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

I can completely understand the looting and damage to property.

You endorse indiscriminate vigilantism? I can’t see how this improves the situation. If your attitude is to ‘burn it all down‘ think of who is impacted by this. It isn’t the police.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

I can completely understand the looting and damage to property.

Silly.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

I really dont see the point of burning down the AutoZone, just more people from the community unemployed now.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

I really dont see the point of burning down the AutoZone, just more people from the community unemployed now.

The point is to take advantage of the police being busy dealing with the protestors, so they can steal stuff and get it for free.

That's how criminals work.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Michigan - armed white protestors protest. Police do nothing.

Minneapolois - unarmed black protestors protest. Police attack them with riot gear.

Just another day in America.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

As for the cops. They need jail time for their crimes. The training cops get to show overwhelming force has to change. They need to follow the Andy Griffith method of policing, which de-escalates interactions first. Had they done that, nobody would have died for a minor crime. Unjustified lethal force.

All lives matter. Saying "black lives matter" is racist, separates people into a different group and exclusionary towards others. All lives matter.

The proper way for the community to show how mad they are is to have a protest, show some anger, but not let emotions go into violence or property damage. Showing restraint and having specific members of the community help to prevent people from going too far would go much further than violence and property damage.

Looting will just those get companies to leave and never return to the neighborhood. More empty stores isn't good for anyone. Bet most of the people will miss that Target and lots will miss the auto parts store. Why didn't they loot the lounge?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

This dirty cop will soon face justice, but attacking businesses isn’t the answer. When one dirty cop comments murder, people tend to put all cops in the same category. Destroying property only drives businesses away from these communities.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

All lives matter. Saying "black lives matter" is racist, separates people into a different group and exclusionary towards others. All lives matter

Thank you.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

Floyd, reportedly suspected of trying to pass counterfeit bills at a corner eatery, was pronounced dead later that evening at a hospital.

Local television news footage from a helicopter flying over the area showed dozens of individuals looting a Target store, running out with clothing and shopping carts filled with merchandise.

An auto parts store also was set ablaze, media reported.

Typical hysteria. Man commits crime. Police detain, and arrest, suspected criminal. Excess violence results in a dead criminal. Looting and burning to follow.

ALL lives matter, regardless of what some people think.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

Looters/rioters and protestors are two different groups with some overlap between them. Best not to confuse the two too much or the vital point of the protesting is lost. Also in the overlap its important to recognize that some looting and rioting are done because the people are angry at police but still too afraid of police to attack them directly.

But the sad fact is that these cops will not even go to court for mere protesting. Looting and rioting are actually necessary to get the politicians to have charges brought against the murderer and his accomplices. The standard order of events in America when police abuse their powers are: 1) a blind eye. If there is excessive public attention then 2) the cops are fired and usually become cops elsewhere. If that results in serious protest then 3) an investigation finds the cops did nothing wrong. That may be skipped for the nest step if the original protests are violent, or if fresh violent protest then 4) a new investigation results in charges. Then 5) charges are dropped or 6) cops are acquitted. If that results in riots then cops are found guilty in a retrial and given a paltry sentence. Then people go home until it happens again. And all that folks is why people protest, riot and loot. American authorities and police are completely rogue on the people and sometimes they remember.

And no, all lives do NOT matter and this is a cultural choice of different racial cultures in America. Black Americans are and have been sick of rampant police abuse and impunity in their communities for decades. White Americans react and have been reacting to similar abuse and impunity very differently however. They tend to make excuses for the cops and seem think the abuse is necessary to keep law and order. Black lives matter. White people tend to think only blue lies matter. And that was not a typo. The most dangerous thing about being an American cop is donut induced heart attack. Firemen and pizza delivery guys die violent deaths on the job. But cops know how to cry and whine effectively. White people only tend to believe them.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

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