Photo by Tony Webster/Flickr
Minneapolis saw renewed unrest downtown Wednesday evening when conflicting reports circulated about a Black man’s death following a pursuit by Minneapolis Police.
The man was wanted in connection with the killing of another man in a parking garage nearby—and there were early rumors that the wanted man’s death was officer-involved. However, city surveillance video released by police about 90 minutes after the incident appears to show the man taking his own life with a gun near 8th Street and Nicollet Mall. His identity has not been released.
Update: The footage has been taken down.
Yesterday MPD posted a video in order to dispel rumors that caused significant public safety concerns for our city. After receiving feedback from the community, we have removed the video due to the graphic nature and out of respect to the individual, his family and the community.
— Minneapolis Police (@MinneapolisPD) August 27, 2020
On a night with many still reacting to the police shooting that left Jacob Blake paralyzed in Kenosha, Wisconsin, a subsequent deadly attack on protesters there, and an international uprising ignited by George Floyd’s killing, tensions rose in downtown Minneapolis near the site of the incident.
Videos and news accounts shared from the scene detail some protesters breaking windows and looting stores along Nicollet Mall. Brit’s Pub was later reported on fire briefly at about 11:30 p.m.—among many reports of damage. Dozens of arrests were made overnight. As a result, Minneapolis city officials imposed a curfew until 6 a.m., and received Minnesota National Guard and State Patrol support. Metro Transit suspended the Blue Line service downtown until further notice.
Minneapolis, it’s time to heal. We must rebuild and recover. Dangerous, unlawful behavior will not be tolerated. The State Patrol is headed to Minneapolis to help restore order. I remain in close contact with the city and every state resource stands ready to help bring peace.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) August 27, 2020
