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Minnesota Daunte Wright Protests: Dozens clash with police, loot stores, and set buildings on fire

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Minnesota state authorities arrested 40 individuals clashing with police during Anti-police protests speaking out against the death of Daunte Wright– a 20-year-old Black man shot fatally by law enforcement during a traffic stop. 

In reaction to the death of Daunte Wright, political demonstrations have emerged in major metropolitan areas across the United States. In the Minnesota area– notably near the Brooklyn Center Police Department– during the second night of protests in the area, hundreds gathered in a protest against the local police force. When the protesters began trying to break inside the station– with some reportedly attempting to set the structure on fire– riot control forces were deployed outside in an attempt to quell the rising tensions. After deployment, the police forces fired tear gas and flashbangs into the crowd. In retaliation, rioters reportedly threw smoke canisters & rocks and shot fireworks at law enforcement officers. Meanwhile, it was reported that some protesters began setting fire to cars and breaking into shops located in a strip mall near the police station. Amid such events, it was reported on Tuesday morning that 40 individuals were arrested as a result of such demonstrations.

Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt Langer noted that Minnesota police squad-leaders made efforts to negotiate diplomatic agreements and other attempts to peacefully disperse the crowd, but noted that “unfortunately, those efforts weren’t successful … so … [we] stood and protected that building.” Additionally, Minnesota law enforcement noted that 13 people were arrested as a result of similar demonstrations in Minneapolis. 

It’s been reported that the charges filed against some of the protesters included the following: the majority of protesters were charged with violations of the state curfew, with others charges of rioting, burglary, shots-fired, and aggravated assault. Meanwhile, law enforcement is bracing for protests to continue across the Minnesota area and across the United States. Vice President Kamala Harris has spoken out in support of the cause, tweeting that “Prayers are not enough” and noted that the Wright family needs “justice and healing.” Vice President Harris expanded upon this sentiment, tweeting that “Daunte Wright should still be with us. While an investigation is underway, our nation needs justice and healing, and Daunte’s family needs to know why their child is dead—they deserve answers.”

Many of the protesters who have participated in such demonstrations have expanded upon Harris’ sentiment, noting that their demonstrations have brought attention to the Wright family’s tragedy and have expedited processes to investigate/prosecute the shooting of Daunte Wright. Meanwhile, skeptics of the unfolding demonstrations have criticized the protests, claiming that ‘rioting’ and ‘looting’ does not help end the Wright family’s tragedies as it only brings new tragedies to innocent shop owners and bystanders. Nonetheless, it is clear that such demonstrations protesting the use of excessive force against Black Americans will not disappear anytime soon, as many speak out against the trial of Derek Chauvin– the officer charged with the murder of George Floyd– and the investigation of Daunte Wright’s death. 

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FBA US NEWS EDITOR: CARSON WOLF

PHOTO CREDITS: PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

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