Protests, Looting Break Out in Minneapolis After Police Shoot Fleeing Black Man

Violence and looting broke out once again in Minneapolis following the shooting of a black man fleeing police. Local reports indicate widespread unrest as protesters destroyed several stores.

Looters in Minneapolis targeted a Walmart and surrounding businesses as protesters took to the streets following the shooting death of 20-year-old Duante Wright on Sunday, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. Police say Wright, who had an outstanding warrant, got back into his car as officers attempted to place him in custody. As the suspect attempted to flee, an officer fired into the vehicle. The vehicle traveled several blocks before it crashed into another. A female was also in the vehicle and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Elijah Schaffer, a journalist with The Blaze, posted on Twitter a message from a woman claiming to be Wright’s aunt saying, “Minneapolis can burn the f**k down.”

The aunt of the victim of tonight’s police involved shooting in Minneapolis publicly called for politically motivated violence on @Facebook

People are acting on her post right now, looting & destroying the city

How is this allowed on social media? Need better moderators pic.twitter.com/J2rDvCZfB2

— ELIJAH SCHAFFER (@ElijahSchaffer) April 12, 2021

Independent journalist Rebecca Brannon tweeted videos showing people vandalizing and looting stores in the Brooklyn Center area. “I need this,” one woman is heard saying.

Large group of looters has now resumed back at O’Reilly’s auto store.

A female looters says, “I need this! I need this!” #BrooklynCenter pic.twitter.com/yYbVfKnVmy

— Rebecca Brannon (@RebsBrannon) April 12, 2021

There’s a long line of people grabbing food in between looting stores at Taco Bell… meanwhile the McDonald’s gets broken into across the street. #BrooklynCenter pic.twitter.com/NGQ7YDn1tq

— Rebecca Brannon (@RebsBrannon) April 12, 2021

Foot Locker in AT&T store completely looted. #BrooklynCenter pic.twitter.com/6kLGOUN63D

— Rebecca Brannon (@RebsBrannon) April 12, 2021

Shortly before midnight, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz deployed the National Guard to restore order, the Star-Tribune reported. Looting continued through the night and into Monday morning. About 20 businesses in the Brooklyn Center area were looted.

Brooklyn Center Mayor issued a curfew valid until Monday morning and closed schools as violence spread into north and south Minneapolis.

The police shooting of Wright comes as the George Floyd murder trial proceeds.