Violent Protest Targets Minneapolis Officers, 5th Precinct

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Minneapolis police say the fifth precinct office was vandalized after a group of 50 to 60 protesters marched towards the building Saturday. Authorities said the peaceful protest turned violent when they arrived at the police headquarters at 3101 Nicollet Avenue South.

Large rocks were thrown and a large window was damaged. The protesters threw paint on the building and on cameras, police said.

Commercial grade fireworks were shot at officers, according to investigators. No officers were injured during the attacks. Additional police from across the city were called in to assist, but the protesters fled before they arrived.

"Acts such as these do absolutely nothing to constructively engage and activate true and real needed reforms," Chief Medaria Arradondo said in a statement Sunday.

"The vast majority of the men and women of the MPD who continue to come to work each day and night are doing so to keep all our communities safe and make a positive difference. I support them and their efforts working professionally during this pandemic, amidst an increase in violent crime and as we diligently press forward in creating a new MPD in partnership with our communities."

Federal authorities continue to investigate and file charges in the violent protests that took place at the third precinct days after the death of George Floyd.

On the night of May 28, the Third Precinct was overrun by demonstrators, and Mayor Jacob Frey ordered police to abandon it. Investigators said on that night, molotov cocktails were used to burn down the building.

"To all those engaging in peaceful 1st amendment protected speech and assembly thank you," Arradondo continued in his statement Sunday.

"To those individuals that make the choice to engage in unlawful and destructive behavior, hijacking peaceful protests, your actions will not be tolerated, and you will be prosecuted to the full extent lawfully."