Demonstrators have broken into a Minneapolis police headquarters, setting fires and destroying everything in sight amid unrest unleashed by the killing of a local black man at the hands of law enforcement.
The Minneapolis Police Department’s 3rd precinct headquarters was breached late on Thursday night, with a raucous crowd of protesters seen filing into the building, smashing windows and some attempting to set it ablaze.
Precinct is down pic.twitter.com/LCs90UdF2o
While the police presence in the area was heavy earlier in the day, it appears officers have since retreated, putting up no resistance to the break-in.
The fire at the MPD’s 3rd Precinct was only at one corner 5 minutes ago. It’s now spread across the entire building. With no firefighters on scene… that building will likely be destroyed tonight. pic.twitter.com/t6p3Yv1KYV
Breaking: Dozens of rioters have just entered the 3rd Police Precinct in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Rioters have started multiple fires in the building and sprinklers are going off. pic.twitter.com/mIX1c51guz
RT’s Sophia Narwitz is now at the scene around the precinct, where fire alarms and sprinkler systems were activated amid the mayhem as protesters continued to gather outside.
This is the 3rd Precinct of the MPD. The fire at the corner is growing. pic.twitter.com/yA0J0l0Ebz
Following the breach, a police statement said the building had been evacuated “in the interest of the safety of our personnel,” while a local reporter with the Star Tribune relayed a law enforcement broadcast warning that“the 3rd Precinct has been compromised” – presumably heard over a police scanner.
Fire at 3 precinct #georgefloydpic.twitter.com/jGZQKhQkvR
The four police officers implicated in the killing of George Floyd on Monday reportedly worked at the 3rd precinct, where protests first escalated earlier this week, descending into riots on Wednesday night.
It’s a war zone. Protestors and police clash. Fires everywhere. Chaos pic.twitter.com/juyx11rtZK
Looting, arson and vandalism have been widespread across Minnesota’s Twin Cities since, as police further lost control of the situation. While National Guard units were activated by the state government earlier on Thursday, it remains unclear when they will be deployed.
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