By Ben Westcott, Brett McKeehan, Laura Smith-Spark and Fernando Alfonso III, CNN
What you need to know
- Protests have erupted in at least 30 US cities over the death of unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- The former officer, seen in a video with his knee on Floyd’s neck, has been charged with murder and manslaughter.
- The wife of the accused former officer has filed for a dissolution of marriage in the wake of the controversy, according to her attorney.
- A tense standoff between police and protesters at the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia, ended after a window was smashed and a firework was thrown at officers inside the building.
US surgeon general says «there is no easy prescription to heal our nation»
From CNN’s Nicky Robertson
As protestors took to the streets across the country expressing their anger over George Floyd’s death, US Surgeon General Jerome Adams said “there is no easy prescription to heal our nation, or take away the pain people are experiencing.”
Adams tweeted that “it’s a pain I too am experiencing…because I’m black.»
The US “must acknowledge & address the impact of racism on health,» he said.
“We won’t fix or remove all the obstacles and stressors that are affecting people’s health and wellbeing — especially ones like racism — over night. That doesn’t mean we mustn’t try at all,» Adams tweeted.
Adams said he will continue to work with all “who share a commitment to health,” including both protesters and police officers.
Read some of Adams’ tweets:
NY attorney general will review what happened during Friday night’s protest, governor says
From CNN’s Kristina Sgueglia
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that the New York Attorney General will conduct an independent review of actions and procedures used during Friday night’s protests.
“Last night we saw disturbing violent clashes amidst protests right here in NYC, in Brooklyn” he said. «I’m asking Attorney General [Letitia] James to review the actions and the procedures that were used last night because the public deserves answers and they deserve accountability.»
Cuomo said he spoke to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and agreed on an independent review.
James will take a “short period of time” to review last night and deliver a report to the public, Cuomo said.
State legislators at the protests last night expressed a significant amount of concern about what actions were taken, he added.
The protests and Covid-19 have exposed the inequality in our society, Gov. Cuomo says
From CNN’s Elise Hammond
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the coronavirus crisis, which exposed inequalities in health care, and the protests surrounding the death of George Floyd, are connected.
«One looks like a public health system issue, Covid, but it’s getting at the inequality in health care also on a deeper level. And then the George Floyd situation, which gets at the inequality and discrimination in the criminal justice system. They are connected,» he said at his daily news briefing on Saturday.
He said we need to stop looking at incidents of racial injustice as «individual incidents.»
«When you have one episode, two episodes maybe you can look at them as individual episodes. But when you have 10 episodes, 15 episodes, you are blind or in denial if you are still treating each one like a unique situation,» Cuomo said.
«How many times have we seen the same situation? Yes, the names change, but the color doesn’t,» he added.
Molotov cocktails were thrown into a police van and another vehicle in Brooklyn
From CNN’s Shimon Prokupecz
There were two Molotov cocktails thrown into two cars including a police van during protest in Brooklyn Friday night, a law enforcement official told CNN.
One incident involved a person throwing a Molotov cocktail into a marked police van, the official said.
A car drove up to the NYPD van, a suspect got out and then threw a bottle in the van, igniting fire.
Police were able to arrest the suspects and recovered a gas can and two more incendiary devices in the car, according to the official.
The other incident involved a woman walking up to a van holding a bottle with a rag in it, she lit it and threw it into the van but it did not catch fire, the official said.
Kentucky governor has called on the National Guard to help keep the peace in Louisville
From CNN’s Sheena Jones
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has called on the National Guard to help keep the peace in Louisville following days of unrest across the city, the governor said in a statement from his office.
Protests have gripped the city following the death of Breonna Taylor, 26, a black EMT killed by the police on March 13.
“The demonstrations in Louisville have all started peacefully, but what we have seen, especially last night, and what our intelligence says is going to happen are outside groups moving in, trying to create violence to harm everybody who is on those streets. We cannot let Breonna’s legacy be marred by violence, and we can’t let our streets turn violent,” Beshear said.
About 80% of protesters in Minneapolis area were from out of town, governor says
From CNN’s Melissa Alonso
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said rough estimates indicate that about 20% of protesters are Minnesotans and about 80% are from outside the region.
«We understand that the catalyst for this was Minnesota» and its inability to deal with inequities, Walz said.
«I’m not trying to deflect in any way,» Walz said.
Walz pleaded with Minnesotans to contact authorities if they know where rioters are staying or they have information about planned riots so warrants can be executed.
«They’re trying to escalate the situation where deadly force is used and then chaos ensues,» Walz said.
More than 200 people arrested in New York City during protests
From CNN’s Kristina Sgueglia and Anna Sturla
The New York City Police Department made more than 200 arrests in the wake of protests over the death of George Floyd, according to a senior NYPD source.
More than 40 NYPD vehicles sustained some level of vandalism and more than a dozen cops were seriously hurt, the source said.
Of those arrested, more than 40 people were from outside the city, including Long Island.
A vast majority of the arrestees were issued desk appearance tickets or summons and released, the source said.
An earlier on the record statement from NYPD said no Civilians or Officers were critically injured.
Minnesota governor warns protesters of more arrests tonight
From CNN’s Elise Hammond
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said he expects more arrests tonight than any other night of protests so far.
«What you’ve seen in previous nights I think will be dwarfed by what they will do tonight. If you are an innocent bystander going out there tonight, you will be swept up in this,» Walz said at a news conference on Saturday.
«What the curfew does is it gives us a legal authority to make arrests of people out there,» he added.
He called for the public to help officials identify those who are starting the violence.
«What I would ask today is if you know where these people are sleeping today, let us know and we will execute warrants,» Walz said. «Call that in, tell us who they were. They’re not from Minneapolis, but they’re staying down here.»
Minnesota will have 2,500 National Guard personnel deployed by noon today, official says
From CNN’s Elise Hammond
Major General Jon A. Jensen said the deployment of more than 700 National Guard members on Friday was the «largest law enforcement operation in Minnesota history,» but «it was not enough.»
Jensen said they now have to have 2,500 personnel mobilized by 12 p.m. on Saturday – which is an increase from the 1,700 total personnel the National Guard said would be on the ground this morning in a tweet.
«The governor just announced the full mobilization of the Minnesota National Guard for the first time since World War II. What does that mean? It means we’re all in,» Jensen said.
Jensen said the state is also in the process of requesting «national level resources.» He said he has had conversations with the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Derek Chauvin is being detained at Ramsey County Jail in St. Paul
From CNN’s Eric Fiegel
Derek Chauvin is being held at the Ramsey County Jail in St. Paul, according to Bureau of Criminal Apprehension spokesperson Jill Oliveira.
When asked why Chauvin was not being held in Hennepin County, where the death of George Floyd occurred, Oliveira told CNN, «The BCA communicated with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, which was dealing with potential threats to their facilities at the time of the arrest, they directed us to book him into the Ramsey County jail.»
Chauvin has been charged with charged with murder and manslaughter following the death of Floyd. Documents show that his bail was set at $500,000.
Mobilization of Minnesota State Patrol is unlike anything seen in the state since 1929, colonel says
Col. Matt Langer said the demonstrations in St. Paul and Minneapolis over the last few days has forced the Minnesota State Patrol to mobilize personnel in a way unlike anything seen in more than 90 years in the state.
«We have done something we’ve never done in the history of our organization since 1929 in terms of the mobilization of our state troopers across Minnesota that have come to the metro area to do what we can, to get back to what we believe in as an organization as the Minnesota State Patrol, that we respect integrity, courage, honor and excellence. That’s who we are, and that’s who we believe Minnesotans are too,» Langer said.
Langer emphasized that his staff’s «job is to get out there, in the middle of the mission that we’re confronted with right now, to stop the criminal behavior that we have been seeing and to prevent the criminal behavior that we regretfully anticipate we will see tonight and into the near future.»
Most protesters are not Minneapolis or St. Paul residents, mayors say
From CNN’s Elise Hammond
Mayor Jacob Frey said the people who are coming to Minneapolis to protest are not residents and are «coming in largely from outside the city.»
«Our Minneapolis residents are scared and rightfully so. We’ve seen longterm institutional businesses overridden. We’ve seen community institutions set on fire. And I want to be very, very clear. The people that are doing this are not Minneapolis residents,» he said at a news briefing on Saturday.
He said the protests earlier this week that were mostly peaceful and were largely attended by those who lived in the city, but «the dynamic has changed.»
«Gradually that shift was made and we saw more and more people coming from outside of the city. We saw more and more people looking to cause violence in our communities, and I have to say, it is not acceptable,» Frey said.
«This is no longer about verbal expression. This is about violence and we need to make sure that it stops,» he added.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said everyone who was arrested in his city last night was from outside the state.
«What we are seeing right now is a group of people who are not from here,» he said.
There were roughly 20 arrests made in St. Paul last night, mostly for burglary, and roughly the same number of arrests in Minneapolis for curfew violations and destruction of property, said John Harrington, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Minneapolis mayor: «This is no longer about verbal expression. This is about violence»
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rebuked the demonstrations last night in his city and called for the destruction and violence to stop.
«This is no longer about verbal expression. This is about violence and we need to make sure that it stops. We’re in the middle of a pandemic right now. We have two crises that are sandwiched on top of one another. In order to make sure that we continue to have the necessary community institutions, we need to make sure that our businesses are protected, that they are safe, and that they are secure,» Frey said at a news conference this morning.
Chicago Police report multiple arrests, injured officers and damaged property following protests
From CNN’s Artemis Moshtaghian
The Chicago Police Department said there were multiple arrests, reports of injured Chicago Police officers, property damage and damage to city vehicles in protests that broke out in downtown Chicago Friday night.
“We do not have specifics on numbers or the circumstances surrounding the injured officers and damage to property,” a spokesperson told CNN.
Protests in Minneapolis are «no longer, in any way, about the murder of George Floyd,» governor says
From CNN’s Elise Hammond
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said «the situation in Minneapolis is no longer in any way about the murder of George Floyd» at a news briefing on Saturday morning.«It is about attacking civil society, instilling fear and disrupting our great cities,» he added.
He said violent protests Friday night were a «mockery of pretending this is about George Floyd’s death or inequities or historical traumas to our communities of color.»
«Because our communities of color and our indigenous communities were out front fighting hand in hand to save businesses that took decades to build. Infrastructure and nonprofits that have served a struggling community were torn down and burned by people with no regard for what went into that,» Walz continued
Minnesota governor says «restoring civil order on the streets» is the top priority
Law enforcement officers faced improvised explosive devices and a «highly evolved and tightly controlled group of folks bent on adapting their tactics to make it as difficult as possible to maintain that order» last night in Minneapolis as protesters blanketed the city, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said at a news conference late this morning.
«I think what’s really important to recognize is the tactics and the approach that we have taken have evolved and need to evolve the same way. With a sensitivity to the legitimate rage and anger that came after what the world witnessed in the murder of George Floyd, and was manifested in a very healthy gathering of community to memorialize that on Tuesday night. Was still present to a certain degree on Wednesday. By Thursday, it was nearly gone, and last night is a mockery of pretending this is about George Floyd’s death or inequities or historical traumas to our communities of color,» Walz said.
Earlier Saturday morning: Walz held another news conference early this morning in response to the unrest across the city, after a number of protesters ignored an 8 p.m. curfew set by the state government.
“This is the largest civilian deployment in Minnesota history that we have out there today,” Walz said then. «This is an operation that has never been done in Minnesota.»2 hr 37 min ago
Minnesota National Guard mobilizes more than 1,000 additional personnel on Saturday
The Minnesota National Guard is activating more than 1,000 additional personnel today, the group announced in a tweet Saturday morning.
This is addition to the 700 citizen soldiers and airmen who were on duty last night, according to the tweet.
«This represents the largest domestic deployment in the Minnesota’s National Guard’s 164-year history,» the tweet said.
Read the tweet:
Trump says White House protests have «little to do with the memory of George Floyd»
From CNN’s Nikki Carvajal
In a Saturday morning tweet, President Trump said the protests in Lafayette Park in front of the White House on Friday had “little to do with the memory of George Floyd,” again providing no evidence to back up that claim, adding that demonstrators, “were just there to cause trouble.”
Trump alleged, without evidence, that protesters were, “professionally managed.” There is no indication that they were.
“Tonight, I understand, is MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???,” he wrote, without explaining what he meant by that.
CNN has reached out to the White House for clarity.
Read Trump’s tweet:
They professionally managed so-called “protesters” at the White House had little to do with the memory of George Floyd. They were just there to cause trouble. The @SecretService handled them easily. Tonight, I understand, is MAGA NIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE???— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2020
Trump responds to White House protesters saying they would have been met with «vicious dogs»
From CNN’s Nikki Carvajal
In a bizarre four-tweet thread, President Trump thanked the Secret Service for their handling of protests in Lafayette Park Friday night.
The President tweeted that the protesters “would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen,” had they breached the fence at the White House.
Trump also attacked DC mayor Muriel Bowser, claiming she “wouldn’t let the D.C. Police get involved.”
DC Police were on scene last night, in addition to several other agencies.
Read Trump’s tweets:
Protestors clash with Secret Service overnight outside the White House
From CNN’s Noah Broder, Dave Brooks, Jay McMichael, Jake Scheuer, Wayne Cross and Brian Todd
A group of protestors gathered in front of the White House overnight following the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police.
For more than five hours overnight, protestors confronted Secret Service officers at barriers in front of the White House. At times, the crowd removed the metal barriers and began pushing up against the riot shields and the Secret Service officers. The protestors pushed hard enough that some officers walked away with minor injuries.
At least one time, the agents responded to aggressive pushing and yelling by spraying pepper spray at the protestors.
Throughout the night protestors could be heard chanting their support for Floyd and their dislike of President Trump. At one point, a different camera crew was chased off by the protestors who could be seen trying to grab their equipment.
In addition to pushing and yelling, protestors could be seen throwing water bottles and other objects toward the line of officers. Those officers were continually bringing in new metal barriers throughout the night as protestors wrestled them away and tried to break through.
The protest began about 10 p.m. Friday night and the scene mostly quieted down by 3:30 a.m. Saturday.
The crowd thinned out and Secret Service Officers were able to expand their perimeter and barriers around Lafayette Park across from the White House. This was the second time that protestors gathered outside of the White House during the evening and early morning hours.
Here’s what happened before that: Protestors began gathering in Washington, DC, around 7 p.m. and the White House was initially locked down as the protestors began to move toward that location.
At 8 p.m. the Secret Service tweeted, “Secret Service personnel are currently assisting other law enforcement agencies during a demonstration in Lafayette Park. In the interest of public safety we encourage all to remain peaceful.”
The lockdown was lifted just before 8:30 p.m. as protestors marched to different parts of the city, before returning to the White House later in the evening and into the early morning.
Friday evening the Secret Service said it was “currently assisting other law enforcement agencies during a demonstration in Lafayette Park.”
A later request for comment about the overnight confrontations has not been answered. CNN also has an inquiry into the DC police department.3 hr 56 min ago
Portland mayor declares state of emergency, imposes curfew
From CNN’s Chuck Johnston and Artemis Moshtaghian
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler has declared a state of emergency in light of the unrest in the city and an overnight curfew has been put into place, according to the mayor’s office.
The curfew is effective until 6 a.m. PT Saturday and resumes Saturday evening until Sunday morning, according to a tweet from Wheeler.
Wheeler urged his city’s residents early Saturday to halt the unrest over George Floyd’s death.
“Burning buildings with people inside, stealing from small and large businesses, threatening and harassing reporters,» he tweeted. «All in the middle of a pandemic where people have already lost everything. This isn’t calling for meaningful change in our communities, this is disgusting.”
Wheeler earlier tweeted that he was coming back to the city after being out of town because his mother was dying.
“ENOUGH. I had to leave Portland today because my mother is dying. I am with family to prepare for her final moments. This is hard, this is personal, but so is watching my city get destroyed. I’m coming back NOW. You will be hearing from me, @PortlandPolice, community leaders,” Wheeler said.
“Portland, this is NOT us. When you destroy our city, you are destroying our community. When you act in violence against each other, you are hurting all of us. How does this honor the legacy of George Floyd? Protest, speak truth, but don’t tear your city apart in the process.»
Read Wheeler’s tweet:
«I urge for peace at this time,» says Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
Following a night of fires and outrage over the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has called for calm.
“Minnesotans are asking for and deserve confidence that we can respond to this crisis, and we will,” Walz tweeted Saturday morning.
Walz said the state is continuing to coordinate efforts at the state and local level to deal with protests that have broken out throughout Minnesota and in cities all across the US.
The governor ended his tweet with a plea: “I urge for peace at this time.”5 hr ago
«There needs to be change»: Demonstrators show solidarity and call for end to police brutality
From CNN’s Paul Murphy
Protesters who gathered in cities across the United States told CNN of their frustration over George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.
«There needs to be change, officers need to be trained better,» one protester who was arrested in Atlanta told CNN’s Nick Valencia as he was being detained by police.
A lack of change and police reform are just some of the reasons people are enraged.
Chelsea Peterson, in Portland, Oregon, told CNN she demonstrated Friday night to «show my solidarity with my black brothers and sisters» as they face injustice.
«I protested for black men who are disproportionately arrested and convicted for crimes compared to their white counterparts. And I protested for black children that are shot over bags of Skittles,» she said.
Peterson said it was «not enough to simply share a post or use a hashtag» to insist that black lives matter.
«It was important for me as a white person to actually show up because it is our responsibility to dismantle the systems of oppression that we have created.»
In Minneapolis, Alicia Smith, a community organizer, told CNN: «There are no words in the English language that will convey the despair that I felt watching that man’s life leave his body and him scream out for his mother. I heard my son saying, ‘Mama, save me.’
«My kids are little boys, and my son asked me, ‘Am I going to live to be a grown-up?'» Smith said. «I’ve got to ruin his innocence and tell him how to exist as a young black boy in this country.»
Another protester, Craig Maxwell, in Charlotte, North Carolina, told CNN he turned out to demonstrate because he felt the need to step up his advocacy.
«I’ve been talking to several of my black friends the last day or two and hearing what they’re going through,» he said. «A lot of introspection and recognizing that I don’t put my money where my mouth is enough.
«Basically, I was there because they were there, if that makes sense.»
Mackenzie Slagle, in Oakland, California, said it was time for police brutality to stop.
«I don’t agree with breaking into all of the businesses, but I can understand the outrage after repeated incidents. We’ve peacefully protested all of those. It wasn’t until Minneapolis got violent they finally arrested a police officer.
«This is truly history in the fact that there’s actual action being taken against police brutality. I couldn’t stay silent and watch this happen again. I’m hoping this time our nation can see the severity of this climate.»
4 hr 47 min ago
Here’s a snapshot of where we’ve seen protests so far tonight
From CNN’s Joe Sutton
Protesters took to the streets across the US on Friday night into early Saturday morning to express their concern and anger over the death of George Floyd while in police custody.
Some of the protests have been peaceful while others turned destructive. Here are the cities where people gathered:
California: Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Sacramento, San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco
Colorado: Denver
Georgia: Atlanta
Illinois: Chicago
Iowa: Des Moines
Indiana: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne
Kentucky: Louisville (Related to the death of Breonna Taylor), Bowling Green
Louisiana: New Orleans
Nebraska: Lincoln
New York: New York City
Massachusetts: Boston
Michigan: Detroit
Minnesota: Minneapolis
Missouri: Kansas City
Nevada: Las Vegas
North Carolina: Charlotte
Ohio: Columbus, Cincinnati, Canton
Oregon: Portland
Texas: Dallas, Houston
Virginia: Richmond
Washington: Seattle
Wisconsin: Milwaukee
Washington, DC5 hr 39 min ago
NYPD says “dozens” arrested, but protests have subsided
From CNN’s Joe Sutton
The New York City Police Department told CNN that its officers arrested “dozens” during the protests that took place across the city.
“Most of the incidents/damage/arrests took place between Manhattan and Brooklyn,” the NYPD said, adding that the protests have now subsided.
More specific details will be released by police later today.
Two Federal Protective Service officers shot in Oakland, one killed
From CNN’s Joe Sutton
Two Federal Protective Service officers suffered gunshot wounds amid protests Friday night in Oakland, California, police said.
One of the officers died from his injury.
At least 7,500 protesters took to the streets of the city to demonstrate over the death of George Floyd, the Oakland Police Department told CNN.
Protesters caused damage across the city. There were reports of vandalism, theft of businesses, fires set and assaults on police officers, according to the police statement.
While arrests were made, police were unable to provide specifics.
“Two Federal Protective Services officers stationed at the Oakland Down Town Federal Building suffered gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, one succumbed to his injury,” the police department said.
Police are investigating.
The Federal Protective Service, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, provides security and law enforcement services at US government facilities.6 hr 33 min ago
Protesters arrested in Lincoln, Nebraska
Protests over the death of George Floyd continued early Saturday morning in Lincoln, Nebraska, according to the police.
“The gathering at 25th and O is no longer a peaceful protest. Arrests have been made and will continue to be made for those who continue to break the law. Neighbors in the area please shelter in place,” the Lincoln Police Department tweeted. 7 hr 7 min ago
Downtown Phoenix vandalized by protesters, say police
Protesters have left behind a trail of destruction in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, police said.
“Property throughout the downtown Phoenix area has been vandalized as some demonstrators engage in criminal behavior, breaking windows and doors to municipal and private business and destroy cars parked along the street,” Phoenix Police Department tweeted.
Phoenix is one of more than 20 cities across the US which saw protests on Friday night in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
“An Unlawful Assembly has been declared in the area around 6th Ave & Washington where demonstrators have been gathering,» Phoenix Police Department tweeted.
«Due to criminal activity and a current danger to our community, people must leave the area including sidewalks, private property or roadways.”7 hr 16 min ago
Police arrest nearly 200 in Houston protest
Nearly 200 people have been arrested in Houston, Texas, after protests Friday night.
Most will be charged with obstructing a roadway, according to a tweet from the Houston Police Department.
The department also said four of its officers sustained minor injuries and eight police vehicles were damaged.
Houston Police Officer’s Union President Joe Gamaldi earlier said officers had been hospitalized but did not say how many.
«Our officers who were attacked are in the hospital, patrol cars ruined, businesses damaged,» Gamaldi said in a tweet.
«This is not who we are as a City and as a community. We will protect your right to protest, but we will not allow our city to decay into chaos.»
7 hr 41 min ago
Dozens arrested in Minneapolis as state plans to mobilize 1,700 National Guard soldiers
From CNN’s Joe Sutton
About 50 people have been arrested as protests continue across Minneapolis.
More than 2,500 officers are helping to keep the peace, Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington told a news conference.
This is one of the largest civil police forces the state of Minnesota has ever seen, he said. But resources are still stretched thin, with thousands of protesters estimated to have turned out across the city.
“We recognized that we simply did not, even with the numbers that I’m talking about, have enough officers and personnel to meet all of those missions safely and successfully. We picked missions based on our capacity,” Harrington said.
Officers focused their efforts on downtown and the 5th Precinct area, he said.
A request has been made to substantially increase the number of National Guard officers available to bolster the city’s response, Harrington said.
Major General Jon Jensen, of the Minnesota National Guard, said he believed there could be more than 1,700 National Guard soldiers in the area by Sunday.
This would be the largest deployment in the state of Minnesota’s history.
“At the conclusion of tomorrow, I believe that we will have over 1,700 soldiers in support of the Department of Public Safety in the city of Minneapolis and the city of Saint Paul,” Jensen said.
Jensen noted that people may have heard that President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to put units of the United States Army on alert for a possible operation in Minneapolis.
“While we were not consulted with as it relates to that, I do believe is a prudent move to provide other options available for the governor, if the governor elects to use those resources,” Jensen said. 8 hr 11 min ago
Portland police declare a riot in the city and order protesters to disperse
In a statement on Twitter, Portland Police declared a riot is taking place in the city and ordered crowds to go home.
«Disperse now or you will be subject to gas, projectiles, and other means necessary for dispersal,» police said early on Saturday morning.
Portland is one of more than 20 cities across the US which saw protests on Friday night in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
Earlier Portland police said that there had been «significant vandalism» in the city related to the protests, as well as a shooting, although they didn’t provide any additional details.
«This event has been declared an unlawful assembly. If you do not go home now, force will be used to disperse you,» Portland police said on their official Twitter.
According to police, Portland’s Justice Center had been attacked by protesters and set on fire.
Man shot and killed as protests continue in Detroit
From CNN’s Jennifer Henderson
A 19-year-old man was killed after shots were fired into a crowd of protesters in Detroit late Friday, the city’s police department said in a statement.
Police said the shots were fired by an unknown suspect in a gray Dodge Durango, with the victim later dying in hospital.
Detroit police cannot confirm if the victim was part of the protests, but the shooting happened downtown where the protests were taking place.
Earlier, Detroit Police Chief James Craig said a person had been arrested after trying to run an officer over.
“I will not stand by and let a small minority, criminals, come in here, attack our officers and make our community unsafe. Just know, we are not going to tolerate it,” Craig said.9 hr 24 min ago
Situation in Minneapolis remains «incredibly dangerous,» governor says
The situation in Minneapolis remains «incredibly dangerous» as protests continue in the city, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a press conference early Saturday.
Multiple law enforcement authorities are responding to the unrest across the city, after a number of protesters ignored an 8 p.m. curfew set by the state government.
“This is the largest civilian deployment in Minnesota history that we have out there today,” Walz said.
The governor said officials cannot arrest people while they are trying to hold ground.
“This is an operation that has never been done in Minnesota,” Walz added.
Denver mayor: «This violent distraction only divides us»
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has told of his sorrow over «needless, senseless and destructive» scenes as protests continue in the Colorado capital.
“Once again, the violent actions of a few are drowning out legitimate calls for justice. Twice today, we had peaceful, successful demonstration where people expressed their outrage over the death of #GeorgeFloyd,» Hancock said.
«We saw them, we heard them, and they respected their cause. Unfortunately, another element with selfish motives and reckless intentions infiltrated tonight’s demonstration and incited violence with homemade explosives, rocks, bottles, graffiti and vandalism.
«This is not who we are, and calmer heads must prevail. Our police officers have a sworn duty to maintain everyone’s safety – and they will. People are crying out to be heard, but this violent distraction only divides us.»
Police have deployed pepper balls in the city’s downtown area due to «civil disobedience,» authorities said.
There have been no reports on the number of arrests or damage in Denver so far.10 hr 35 min ago
Arrests in Minneapolis as protesters ignore curfew, dispersal orders
From CNN’s Chris Boyette
Minneapolis law enforcement officers have arrested a number of people who ignored dispersal orders in the area around the city’s 5th precinct, according to the state’s Department of Public Safety.
«Leave the Fifth Precinct area now so the troopers and officers on the ground can clear the area and enforce the curfew. 350 troopers and officers are in the area,» the department said in a tweet.
It comes as protesters ignored an 8 p.m. curfew imposed by the city.
CNN’s Sara Sidner said tear gas and rubber bullets have been used by police to try to disperse the crowd.
Hundreds of police have been advancing street by street toward the protesters, who have been creating barricades while chanting, «I can’t breathe.»
«We have heard people here say, ‘Look, we are not going to stop fighting about this right now,’ because they don’t feel that they’ve ever been heard enough and now they’ve just unleashed all emotions,» Sidner said from Minneapolis.
Shots fired at law enforcement officers in Minneapolis
From CNN’s Chris Boyette
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says shots have been fired at law enforcement officers near the 5th precinct in Minneapolis.
In a Twitter post, the department said no troopers or officers were injured.
“Leave the area or you will be arrested,” the tweet said.
Dallas mayor says he supports protesters’ «calls for justice»
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson has called for demonstrations in the city to remain peaceful, saying he supported protesters’ «calls for justice» over the death of George Floyd.
In a Twitter post, Johnson added that some people with “other agendas” had destroyed property.
“I understand the outrage, and I feel this pain deeply,” Johnson said. “What happened in Minneapolis is unacceptable. But please, remain peaceful.”
350 troopers to clear area near Minneapolis police precinct
From CNN’s Jennifer Henderson
The Minneapolis Department of Public Safety said on its official Twitter account that 350 troopers are near the city’s 5th precinct to clear the area and enforce curfew.
It comes after a number of protesters earlier ignored calls from police and state officials to return to their homes after an 8 p.m. curfew was established for the weekend in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called for residents to obey the curfew.
«I urge residents to comply with 8pm curfew and go home immediately. Law enforcement needs to respond to emergencies, restore order, and keep Minnesotans safe,» Walz said in a tweet.
Protesters in downtown Los Angeles face arrest unless they disperse, police warn
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has declared an unlawful assembly in the downtown area of the city, with officials telling CNN that protesters will be arrested if they disobey the order and stay there.
«We have declared an unlawful assembly throughout Downtown LA. From the 10 freeway to the 101 & the 110 freeway to Alameda. This is being made following repeated acts of violence & property damage. Residents should stay inside. Business should close. Those on the street are to leave the area,» LAPD said in a statement.
The LAPD said two officers were injured in protests Friday night.
«There was one officer that got hurt at 7:32 this evening and was transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries. Also, at 8:39, an officer needed help after he was hit with a bottle at Seventh St. and Hope St. and was also transported to the hospital. I don’t have their conditions because the situation is still quite fluid,» the LAPD said in a statement.
11 hr 56 min ago
Bail for former officer Derek Chauvin set at $500,000, document shows
From CNN Legal Analyst Joey Jackson
Bail for ex-Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin has been set at $500,000, according to the criminal complaint filed in the 4th Judicial District Court of Minnesota.
According to the document, there have been no conditions set for his release.
The document doesn’t indicate that Chauvin is out on bail, but it does say that if he does bond out, bail is set for $500,000.
The order of detention box is not checked because Chauvin was not ordered detained or remanded.
Dallas police mass in front of headquarters amid protests
From CNN’s Andy Rose
The entrance to the Dallas Police Department headquarters has been blocked by dozens of cruisers and officers, as protesters march to the downtown building.
A line of officers is keeping people away.
A tweet from Dallas Police says one officer received non-life threatening injuries in the response to Friday night protests over the death of George Floyd.
Chief Renee Hall told KTVT that some protesters threw bricks at officers.
“We are an organization that upholds peaceful protests, but we will not be the target,” Hall said.11 hr 53 min ago
National Guard activated in Georgia as governor declares state of emergency
From CNN’s Jennifer Henderson
As many as 500 National Guard troops have been activated to protect people and property in Atlanta, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced late Friday.
Kemp said he is also issuing a state of emergency for Fulton County due to protests in the state capital.
«At the request of Mayor @KeishaBottoms & in consultation with public safety & emergency preparedness officials, I have issued a State of Emergency for Fulton County to activate as many as 500 @GeorgiaGuard troops to protect people & property in Atlanta,» Kemp’s Twitter post said.
«They will deploy immediately to assist (local law enforcement) who are working tirelessly to subdue unlawful activity & restore peace. We will continue to make all state resources available to local leaders during this emergency situation.»
Change never comes through violence, says daughter of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Bernice King, daughter of civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., said that violence is not a solution, during a news conference by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
«We can’t keep doing things like we’ve been doing it in this nation, we’ve got to deal with systemic racism and white supremacy once and for all,» King said.
«But the only pathway I know to do this is through non-violent means. It is a proven method.»
She added, «The end goal is we want change, and want it now. But change never comes through violence. It is not a solution.»
Suspected looting at luxury Atlanta shopping mall
From CNN’s Joe Sutton
In addition to the unrest in downtown Atlanta, protesters have made their way north to Lenox Square Mall, in the Buckhead community.
Lenox is regarded as one of the premier shopping destinations in the US Southeast, featuring brands like Prada, Louis Vuitton and Cartier.
Atlanta police spokesman Carlos Campos told CNN it “sounds like there is some vandalism and looting.”
Officers are also investigating possible looting at a Buckhead Target store.12 hr 7 min ago
Louisville police apologize to reporter shot at by officer with pepper ball launcher
Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) has apologized to CNN affiliate WAVE’s reporter Kaitlin Rust, who was directly fired upon by an officer with a pepper ball launcher while live on air on Friday night.
LMPD special advisor Jessie Halladay said she had reviewed the video and the incident was not something that should have occurred if Rust was singled out as a reporter.
According to Halladay, authorities were unable to confirm that the officer seen in the video is a LMPD officer, but said he could be a member of its special response team.
Halladay said the department would review the video again once the protests end and investigate if disciplinary action is necessary.
The LMPD has no intention of targeting media covering the incident, Halladay added. 12 hr 25 min ago
Multiple arrests in Las Vegas after protesters take over part of iconic Strip
A number of protesters have been arrested after taking over portions of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip in Nevada on Friday night.
“As the night went on, many more people joined the protest and some of those protests became more violent, and some of those protesters started breaking the laws,» Las Vegas police Capt. Dori Koren said in a briefing with CNN affiliate KTNV.
Koren didn’t reveal how many people had been arrested.
“We are fully aware of how delicate and problematic this situation is nationally,» Koren added. 12 hr 25 min ago
Accused officer’s wife files for dissolution of marriage, lawyer says
An attorney for Kellie Chauvin, the wife of ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, has filed for a dissolution of marriage, according to a statement from the Sekula Family Law office.
Derek Chauvin was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd.
“This evening, I spoke with Kellie Chauvin and her family. She is devastated by Mr. Floyd’s death and her utmost sympathy lies with his family, with his loved ones and with everyone who is grieving this tragedy. She has filed for dissolution of her marriage to Derek Chauvin,” the statement said.
“While Ms. Chauvin has no children from her current marriage, she respectfully requests that her children, her elder parents, and her extended family be given safety and privacy during this difficult time.”
11 hr 44 min ago
Here’s a snapshot of where we’ve seen protests so far tonight
From CNN’s Joe Sutton
Protesters took to the streets across America over the death of George Floyd on Friday night.
Some of the protests have been peaceful, while others have been destructive. Here are the cities where protesters gathered:
California: Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Sacramento, San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco
Colorado: Denver
Georgia: Atlanta
Illinois: Chicago
Iowa: Des Moines
Indiana: Indianapolis, Fort Wayne
Kentucky: Louisville (Related to the death of Breonna Taylor)
Louisiana: New Orleans
New York: New York City
Massachusetts: Boston
Michigan: Detroit
Minnesota: Minneapolis
Nevada: Las Vegas
North Carolina: Charlotte
Ohio: Columbus, Cincinnati
Texas: Dallas, Houston
Virginia: Richmond
Washington, DC
Rapper Killer Mike tearfully tells Atlanta protesters: «I am tired of seeing black men die»
In an emotional speech, rapper Killer Mike addressed George Floyd protesters directly at Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ news conference tonight.
«I am the son of an Atlanta police officer,» said the rapper, whose real name is Michael Render. «And I got a lot of love and respect for police officers, down to the original eight police officers in Atlanta.»
Crying on camera, he continued: «I watched a white police officer assassinate a black man. And I know that tore your heart out.»
«I woke up wanting to see the world burn down yesterday because I am tired of seeing black men die,» he said. «We don’t want to see Targets burning. We want to see the system that sets up for systemic racism burned to the ground.»
He added, «I am duty-bound to be here to simply say that it is your duty not to burn your own house down for anger with an enemy. It is your duty to fortify your own house in times of organization.»
He concluded by thanking Mayor Lance Bottoms, saying he appreciated her telling the protesters to go home.
Here’s what you need to know about the death of George Floyd
On Monday evening, police in Minneapolis were called about someone trying to pass a counterfeit bill at Cup Foods, a neighborhood grocery store.
Officers responding to an alleged forgery in progress were initially told that a person later described as the suspect was sitting on a car and appeared to be under the influence, police said.
A pair of officers located the man, George Floyd, who was at that point inside the car and who police said «physically resisted» the officers when ordered to get out. Officers handcuffed Floyd, who «appeared to be suffering medical distress,» according to police.
The events that happened next sparked outrage and protests across the country:
A video circulated on social media shows two officers and Floyd on the ground –– one of them with his knee on Floyd’s neck. The video did not capture what led up to the arrest or what police described as the man resisting arrest.
«Please, I can’t breathe,» Floyd said, screaming for several minutes before he became silent. Bystanders urged the officer to release the man from his hold.
After several minutes of pleading with the officer, Floyd appeared motionless, his eyes shut, his head against the pavement. He died at a hospital a short time later, police said.
Mayor Jacob Frey has said the technique used to pin Floyd’s head to the ground was against department regulations.
«The technique that was used is not permitted; is not a technique that our officers get trained in on,» Frey said. «And our chief has been very clear on that piece. There is no reason to apply that kind of pressure with a knee to someone’s neck.»
«We all watched the horrific death of George Floyd on video as witnesses begged the police officer to take him into the police car and get off his neck,» said Ben Crump, a civil rights attorney representing Floyd’s family. «This abusive, excessive and inhumane use of force cost the life of a man who was being detained by the police for questioning about a non-violent charge.»
New video: A second video taken on the opposite side of the street appears to show three officers kneeling on Floyd. Watch that video here.
What happened next: All four of the officers were fired on Tuesday.
On Friday, the former officer who had his knee on Floyd’s neck, Derek Chauvin, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
None of the other officers have been charged yet, the Hennepin County Attorney’s office said.12 hr 28 min ago
Former Minneapolis officer seen kneeling on George Floyd’s neck charged with murder
The fired Minneapolis police officer seen in a video with his knee on George Floyd’s neck, Derek Chauvin, has been arrested and charged withthird-degree murder and manslaughter, according to Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman.
Freeman, speaking at a news conference announcing the charges on Friday, said this «is by far the fastest we’ve ever charged a police officer.»
«We have never charged a case in that kind of time frame, and we can only charge a case when we have sufficient admissible evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. As of right now, we have that,» Freeman said. «We have charged this case as quickly, as sufficient admissible evidence to charge it has been investigated and presented to us. «
The Hennepin County Attorney’s office has reviewed witness accounts, video of the incident and other evidence that led to Chauvin’s arrest, Freeman said.
Chauvin was taken into custody Friday by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, according to commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety John Harrington.
They have not yet arrested or charged the other three officers involved but are continuing to investigate the evidence, Freeman said.
«We entrust our police officers to use certain amounts of force to do their job to protect us. They commit a criminal act if they use this force unreasonably,» he said.12 hr 30 min ago
Here’s a timeline of the protests in Minneapolis this week
From CNN’s Elise Hammond
The video of George Floyd’s death sparked protests in Minneapolis and several other US cities. Here is a timeline of how tensions escalated this week.
Tuesday, May 26:
- All four officers involved in the incident were fired, but as more details came out, and the video continued to circulate, thousands gathered to protest.
Wednesday, May 27:
- Derek Chauvin was identified as the officer who had his knee on Floyd’s neck as tensions continued to escalate.
- On Wednesday night, protests then transitioned to rioting and looting south of downtown Minneapolis, with people smashing their way into stores and setting businesses and other buildings on fire.
- Flames lit up a building under construction, one floor eventually collapsing. At a nearby Target, video shows people taking cartloads of goods and loading them into their cars. People also raided a grocery store.
Thursday, May 28:
- Prosecutors investigating Floyd’s death asked the people of Minneapolis for patience while they looked into the case.
- Gov. Tim Walz signed also signed an executive order on Thursday activating the Minnesota National Guard after protests and demonstrations erupted throughout the city and St. Paul.
- Hundreds of people gathered outside the police department’s Third Precinct. Some protesters brought signs and some threw rocks. A temporary fence in front of the station was knocked over. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and bean bags fired at rock throwers.
- Around 10:30 p.m. Thursday night, thousands of protesters crowded around the precinct, climbing up the building and lighting its exterior on fire.
Friday, May 29:
- State police, donning protective gear and carrying batons, lined up near the site littered with debris andsprayed mace at protesters who got too close. Some responded by throwing projectiles at the officers as others fled.
- John Harrington, commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety, said he is putting together a «unified command» of several different law enforcement and public safety entities to prepare for more protests today and this weekend.
12 hr 31 min ago
CNN crew covering protests released after being arrested on live television
A CNN crew was arrested while giving a live television report Friday morning in Minneapolis – and then released about an hour later – as the crew covered ongoing protests over the death of George Floyd.
State police detained CNN correspondent Omar Jimenez, his producer and his photojournalist just after 5 a.m. CT as he was reporting live from a street south of downtown, near where a police precinct buildingwas earlier set ablaze.
Jimenez could be seen holding his CNN badge while reporting, identifying himself as a reporter, and telling the officers the crew would move wherever officers needed them to. An officer gripped his arm as Jimenez talked, then put him in handcuffs.
Reaction: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz apologized for the arrest and said he took «full responsibility» at a news conference on Friday.
«We have got to ensure that there is a safe spot for journalism to tell the story,» Walz said.
He added the incident was “unacceptable” and said the access and security of journalists is a priority to him.
«The protection and security and safety of the journalists covering this is a top priority. Not because it’s a nice thing to do. Because it is a key component of how we fix this,» Walz said.
A different experience: CNN’s Josh Campbell, who also was in the area but not standing with the on-air crew, said he, too, was approached by police, but was allowed to remain.
«I identified myself … they said, ‘OK, you’re permitted to be in the area,'» recounted Campbell, who is white. «I was treated much differently than (Jimenez) was.»
Jimenez is black and Latino.
