MINNEAPOLIS _ Gov. Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard to restore order in the wake of protests, riots and looting following the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after being held down by a police officer.
Walz's order, issued Thursday afternoon, came after Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's calls for assistance after widespread damage across Lake Street on Wednesday night. Damage and looting has since spread to St. Paul.
Frey later declared a local emergency for up to 72 hours, expiring around 5 p.m. Central time Sunday.
"It is time to rebuild. Rebuild the city, rebuild our justice system, and rebuild the relationship between law enforcement and those they're charged to protect," Walz said in a statement. "George Floyd's death should lead to justice and systemic change, not more death and destruction. As George Floyd's family has said, 'Floyd would not want people to get hurt. He lived his life protecting people.' Let's come together to rebuild, remember, and seek justice for George Floyd."
The National Guard Adjutant General will work with local government agencies to provide personnel, equipment and facilities needed to respond to and recover from this emergency. In addition, the Minnesota State Patrol will supply 200 troopers. State Patrol helicopters and other aircraft will also be available to assist law enforcement officers on the ground.
Frey and Police Chief Medaria Arradondo promised to work with local community leaders in hopes of keeping the protests more peaceful.
They, along with City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins, repeated calls for people to protest peacefully, noting that many of the structures that were set on fire in the previous night's riots serve vital functions during a pandemic, selling food and filling prescriptions, for example.
"If you're feeling that sadness, that anger, it's not only understandable, it's right. It's a reflection of the truth that our black community has lived," Frey said during a morning news conference, his voice occasionally catching. "We must believe that we can be better than we have been."
Wednesday night's protests began peacefully and escalated into gunfire and arson, with about 30 buildings reported ablaze, and countless others damaged. Arradondo said Wednesday night's destruction eclipsed Tuesday's, which was focused solely around the 3rd Precinct, where the officers that responded to the call that resulted in Floyd's death worked.
"There was a different tenor last night. There was a core group of people who had really been focused on causing destruction," Arradondo said. "We were certainly prepared in terms of (the 3rd Precinct) to provide for safety, but the crowds got larger and they became more mobile."
Arradondo said police are investigating reports that some of the most destructive behavior might have been done by people who are not familiar to Minneapolis community leaders. To prepare for additional protests Thursday, city officials said they are establishing a command center that will allow various departments to communicate more efficiently both among themselves and with any other jurisdictions that might assist.
Jenkins, who represents the ward where Floyd was detained before he died, said black leaders are going to develop a healing space in the third precinct so "people can express their grief and anger in a humane way."
"We need peace and calm in our streets and I am begging you for that calm." Jenkins said.
One man was fatally shot the night of the riots while allegedly trying to loot Cadillac Pawn & Jewelry, at 1538 E. Lake St., according to sources. The victim, whose identity hasn't yet been released, died later at a nearby hospital. A 58-year-old man is in custody.
Frey called for action by Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, who has the authority to seek charges in Floyd's death.
Because the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and FBI are conducting a joint investigation, those two agencies have the authority to make an arrest, said police spokesman John Elder. Either agency could arrest any of the four officers involved in Floyd's death at any time if they believe they have probable cause. The BCA would send the case to Freeman's office for charging, while the FBI would send the case to the U.S. attorney's office.
The city identified the officers involved as Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, Tou Thao and J Alexander Kueng. Arradondo fired all four Tuesday. Chauvin, 44, is a 19-year department veteran. Thao is a 12-year veteran. Kueng joined the department in 2017 and Lane in 2019.
Chauvin is represented by attorney Tom Kelly. Thao is represented by Robert Paule, Kueng by Thomas Plunkett, and Lane by Earl Gray. All declined to comment.
