17 January, 2026, 9:45 pm Central - 24°C Clouds

George Floyd protests erupt in at least 30 US cities

George Floyd protests erupt in at least 30 US cities

By Semi Turaga
31/05/2020
Protesters defied the curfew. [Image: CNN]

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.

Protesters defied the curfew.

Fires, many from burning cars, were visible in a number of areas and television pictures showed widespread looting.

Hundreds of troops from the National Guard, a reserve military force that can be called on by the US president or state governors to intervene in domestic emergencies, moved in late at night.

There are long-standing tensions between the black community and police in Minneapolis.

Another black man, Philando Castile, was shot and killed in 2016 during a traffic stop close to the epicentre of these protests in a case that gained international attention.

African-Americans also suffer significant socio-economic inequalities, entrenched segregation and a higher level of unemployment than the white community.

In Atlanta, Georgia, where buildings were vandalised, a state of emergency was declared for some areas to protect people and property.

[Source: BBC/CNN]

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