MINNEAPOLIS (1010 WINS) — Protesters broke into a Minneapolis police precinct Thursday night and set several fires in the building, as part of a wave of demonstrations targeting the police department for the death of George Floyd, a black man who died Monday while in police custody.
The police department said it had already evacuated the building, located not too far from where Floyd died, ahead of the protesters' arrival.
"Shortly after 10:00 pm tonight, in the interest of the safety of our personnel, the Minneapolis Police Department evacuated the 3rd Precinct of its staff," read a statement on the police department's website. "Protesters forcibly entered the building and have ignited several fires."
Livestream video posted to social media showed protesters entering the building, fire alarms blaring, sprinklers raining down on the protesters while the fires raged on.
In a video recorded by a bystander that's drawn widespread condemnation, a white officer is seen immobilizing Floyd on the street by putting his knee on Floyd's neck, prompting him to plead, "I can't breathe." After a few minutes, Floyd stops talking and stops moving.
The city of Minneapolis urged protesters and others near the police precinct to leave the area after it said it had unconfirmed reports of cut gas lines.
"We're hearing unconfirmed reports that gas lines to the Third Precinct have been cut and other explosive materials are in the building," read a tweet. "If you are near the building, for your safety, PLEASE RETREAT in the event the building explodes."
