(The Center Square) – Gov. Tim Walz called in the Minnesota National Guard Thursday night before the third night of violent protests.
The protests are in response to the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died in police custody on Monday after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for about seven minutes, rendering him unresponsive.
That is why I am answering our local leaders’ request for Minnesota National Guard assistance to protect peaceful demonstrators, neighbors, and small businesses in Minnesota.”
Some protesters were peaceful, while others looted and torched businesses, including the Third Precinct Police station that covered the address of Floyd’s arrest, which had been evacuated.
George Floyd’s death should lead to justice and systemic change, not more death and destruction,” Walz said in a statement Thursday.