The year 2020 is the nightmare we can’t seem to wake up from. Outrage swept the country after a video captured four Minneapolis police officers arresting George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, on Monday. One of the officers held his knee to Floyd’s neck for nine minutes while he screamed “I can’t breathe.” Floyd died shortly after while in police custody.
On Wednesday night, protests turned to riots in south Minneapolis. Videos surfaced of people looting stores, including Target and Dollar Tree, with other stores and buildings being set on fire.
5:40am in Minneapolis as fires continue to blaze pic.twitter.com/OHtYzSjXOa
— Tony Webster (@webster) May 28, 2020
Breaking: There are multiple fires ongoing in Minneapolis as rioting and looting continues in the southern part of the city. The mayor has requested for the national guard to help secure the area. pic.twitter.com/xn5WSF8JNC
— PM Breaking News (@PMBreakingNews) May 28, 2020
Minnesota United players and several other professional teams in Minnesota have responded to Floyd’s death and the protests that've followed.
From George Floyd, to Amy Cooper, to Tom Austin...it is beyond exhausting. You can choose to be blind about the injustices, broken systems, and privileges...or choose to educate yourself and overcome your biases.
— Ike Opara (@ikeopara) May 27, 2020
Hard to sleep thru everything that’s going on outside in the streets out here. Crazy times but wishing safety to everyone. #minneapolisriots
— Marlon Hairston (@MARLYG94) May 28, 2020
Loons defender Michael Boxall said that for the officers involved, being fired wasn’t a heavy enough punishment for their actions.
Unemployment doesn’t seem like a fitting punishment for murder. https://t.co/kMZf5S1xZ6
— Michael Boxall (@boxy) May 27, 2020
Boxall didn’t condone the actions of looters and condemned those that looted a friend’s small-business shop.
The best sneaker shop in the Twin Cities Moh is one of the good guys and is all about the community. So so sorry @Studiiyo23 pic.twitter.com/uUgLW1VNIi
— Michael Boxall (@boxy) May 28, 2020
The Minnesota Vikings, Timberwolves and Lynx released statements in regards to the killing of Floyd.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) May 27, 2020
The Timberwolves and Lynx released the same statement.
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) May 28, 2020
Meanwhile, the president of University of Minnesota announced in a letter to students, faculty and staff that the school would be cutting ties with the Minneapolis Police Department.
“I have directed Senior Vice President Brian Burnett to no longer contract with the Minneapolis Police Department for additional law enforcement support needed for large events, such as football games, concerts and ceremonies,” the statement said.
As for the police officer who murdered Floyd, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the officer needs to be charged and put behind bars.
BREAKING: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calls for officer seen in video with his knee on George Floyd's neck to be charged. Floyd died shortly after the incident.
"If you had done it, or I had done it, we would behind bars right now." https://t.co/C7llqjXlBU pic.twitter.com/QyisDvqKRf— ABC News (@ABC) May 27, 2020
