Black Lives Matter: Protests across US over the murder of George Floyd

The protests that began in US city Minneapolis the wake of the murder of African-American citizen George Floyd on Monday evening have sparked protests and rallies in cities across the US.

In Minneapolis, where Floyd died on Monday after an officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, protesters ignored an 8 pm curfew set by the state’s governor, with thousands pouring on to the streets for a fourth straight night.

Powerful. If you watch any video today, let it be this. #riots2020 #GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/1EdhCR6D1u

— ‎‏ًً (@hxotwod) May 30, 2020

In videos recorded by passers-by, Chauvin appears with his knee on his neck for minutes. The murder of George Floyd happened in full public view.

Floyd can be heard saying “Please, please, please, I can’t breathe. Please,”  asking to be released. But the Police officer didnt give in.

Floyd’s  “I can’t breathe” has become the cry of protest that once again brought back memories of murder of Eric Garner and many other black men who were killed in police brutalities. People irrespective of their race or color are on streets and are protesting with placards, rallies and slogans.

Floyd’s death is the most recent incident of racially driven police brutality and has once again brought light to the bias of police force against people of African descent in the United States.​​​​​​​

Derek Chauvin, the white Minneapolis police officer, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter Friday, and authorities imposed an overnight curfew to stem three nights of often-violent protests that left dozens of stores burned and looted.

A 19-year-old protester was killed in Detroit after a suspect in an SUV drove up and shot at people protesting the killing of #GeorgeFloyd.

Dozens were arrested during the mostly peaceful protests against police brutality: "I won't stop yelling until everyone can breathe." pic.twitter.com/AQyaXRTjvG

— AJ+ (@ajplus) May 30, 2020

However, in most of the news, the focus is on the protests turning violent and incidents of vandalism and shooting.

In downtown Atlanta, hours of peaceful protests turned violent when some demonstrators smashed police cars, setting one on fire, spray-painted the logo at CNN headquarters and broke into a restaurant.

Georgia governor Brian P Kempt declared a state of emergency in Fulton county and ordered the deployment of 500 National Guard troops in Minneapolis and surrounding cities as protests turned violent in Atlanta.

Breaking: The White House is on lockdown due to George Floyd protests outside the building. Demonstrators are being pushed back by the Secret Service after tossing over temporary barricades.#GeorgeFloyd @realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/kU5NpnUWej

— Jawad Abubakar (@JawadAbubakar7) May 30, 2020

US media reported that the White House went into a brief lockdown after hundreds of people rallied at a park across the street from the president’s mansion.

President Donald Trump, meanwhile, threatened action and tweeted, “When the looting starts, the shooting starts,” which prompted a warning from Twitter for “glorifying violence”.

Within hours, Twitter flagged the post for “glorifying violence” but let it remain visible in the public’s interest “to remain accessible.”

Hollywood celebrities who normally remain neutral are also demanding justice for George Floyd.

"We need justice for #GeorgeFloyd. We all witnessed his murder in broad daylight. We're broken and we're disgusted." — @Beyonce

Sign a petition today & make your voice heard against this injustice. #BlackLivesMatter

Take action⬇️https://t.co/n0IPWuWaYFpic.twitter.com/XAtZZ9maPx

— All On The Line (@allontheline) May 30, 2020

CNN crew arrested while reporting on Minneapolis protests

The Minnesota State Patrol on Friday arrested a CNN television crew as they reported on violent protests in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who pleaded for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck.

Atlanta-based CNN said that the crew, which included CNN reporter Omar Jimenez, was released later Friday morning.

While live on air, Jimenez was handcuffed and led away. A producer and a photojournalist for CNN were also led away in handcuffs.

Minnesota police arrest CNN reporter and camera crew as they report from protests in Minneapolis https://t.co/IY0H1Lc77E pic.twitter.com/s9XmwVfabP

— New Day (@NewDay) May 29, 2020

NOW – hundreds are filling Veterans Park in #Manchester to protest after the death of #GeorgeFloyd. Organizers say they want justice and equality via @MikeCroninWMUR pic.twitter.com/F4eXe5nGhK

— WMUR TV (@WMUR9) May 30, 2020