Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order on Thursday to mobilize the National Guard as unrest in Minneapolis continues to fester in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
“It is time to rebuild. Rebuild the city, rebuild our justice system, and rebuild the relationship between law enforcement and those they’re charged to protect. George Floyd’s death should lead to justice and systemic change, not more death and destruction. As George Floyd’s family has said, ‘Floyd would not want people to get hurt. He lived his life protecting people.’ Let’s come together to rebuild, remember, and seek justice for George Floyd,” Walz said.
On Wednesday, several buildings were burned to the ground as protesters and rioters mixed in a chaotic scene in downtown Minneapolis after a graphic video of Floyd’s arrest went viral earlier this week.
Videos circulating on Twitter showed a heavy police presence outside a Target in Minneapolis after rioters looted the store during the protests Wednesday night. A protest is scheduled today outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis from 5 to 8 p.m. CDT.
The National Guard adjutant general will help local government agencies with equipment and personnel as officials attempt to manage the protests and riots in the city. The Minnesota State Police will also send 200 state troopers to help maintain order in the city.
“If you’re feeling that sadness, that anger, it’s not only understandable, it’s right. It’s a reflection of the truth that our black community has lived,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said on Thursday morning. “We must believe that we can be better than we have been.”
