Dozens were arrested in Minneapolis on Wednesday night after riots broke out in the city’s downtown area.
Roughly 50 people were arrested in connection to the looting and arson that took place after the Minneapolis police released a video of a homicide suspect’s death by suicide, according to a report from the Pioneer Press. The Minneapolis Police Department released the video in order to prevent riots and quash rumors that an officer had shot the suspect. The video did not deter the riots, prompting a multiagency law enforcement response. The Minnesota State Patrol confirmed that at least 33 people were arrested by the state patrol and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
“Troopers and @mndnr conservation officers arrested 33 people last night in #Minneapolis while working to restore order and clear businesses of looters. Troopers arrested 28 people, the @mndnr arrested five. @MinneapolisPD will have overall arrest totals,” the Minnesota State Patrol tweeted.
Troopers and @mndnr conservation officers arrested 33 people last night in #Minneapolis while working to restore order and clear businesses of looters. Troopers arrested 28 people, the @mndnr arrested five. @MinneapolisPD will have overall arrest totals.
— MN State Patrol (@MnDPS_MSP) August 27, 2020
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, called for the State Patrol and National Guard to be deployed to stop the riots. Frey also placed the city under curfew to help clear the downtown area. Activists tried to calm the rioters by explaining that the man had taken his own life, but the demonstrators were not deterred.
Several businesses were looted, including Target stores, Nordstrom shops, and several restaurants. At least four buildings were set on fire during the riots. Police also received reports of rioters firing off commercial-grade fireworks and gunshots.
Brits Pub Fire is out. pic.twitter.com/fRtPQo1AtY
— Lou Raguse (@LouRaguse) August 27, 2020
While the riots appear to have been sparked by false rumors of an officer-involved shooting, the city’s decision to release the footage of the suicide to dispel the rumors was not well received, either. The Minneapolis Police Department announced that it would be taking down the video on Thursday morning.
“Yesterday MPD posted a video in order to dispel rumors that caused significant public safety concerns for our city. After receiving feedback from the community, we have removed the video due to the graphic nature and out of respect to the individual, his family and the community,” the department tweeted.
Yesterday MPD posted a video in order to dispel rumors that caused significant public safety concerns for our city. After receiving feedback from the community, we have removed the video due to the graphic nature and out of respect to the individual, his family and the community.
— Minneapolis Police (@MinneapolisPD) August 27, 2020
The city suffered several nights of rioting in late May and early June following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis police custody. Walz and Frey were criticized for their delayed response to the riots by many, including President Trump.
