Crime & Safety
National Guard Called Into Minneapolis: Curfew Will Be Enforced
A shooting that police say was a suicide sparked civil unrest and violent protests in downtown Minneapolis Wednesday.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Violent protests and vandalism began in downtown Minneapolis after a shooting death on the Nicollet Mall Wednesday. Police say the shooting was a suicide, and released video of the incident to quell rumors and end the civil unrest.
There were unsubstantiated claims made on social media that police fatally shot the man.
Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Before the man is seen taking his own life in the video, police are apparently out of frame, approaching the area and bystanders are seen putting their hands up and running from the scene.
Viewer advisory: The video is extremely graphic, contains images of self-harm and may be disturbing.
Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The man in the video was suspected of a killing that took place in a downtown parking garage earlier Wednesday, police said.
Businesses across downtown, including the Nicollet Mall Target, have been vandalized.
Massive looting and rioting in Nicollet Mall Target. #mplsdowntown pic.twitter.com/zHmt9tBm5Z
— Mike Karbo (@MKarbo) August 27, 2020
Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey pleaded with residents not to engage in illegal behavior. Frey said at a news conference just after 9:30 p.m. that he requested the help of the National Guard, and that a curfew will be instituted "immediately."
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
Thank you, Governor Walz, for your partnership and support. The unrest must stop and healing must start. Destruction will not be tolerated. Healing our city will require peace and all of us working together. https://t.co/2Tf67Gh9bq
— Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) August 27, 2020
Soldiers from the @MNNationalGuard 257th Military Police Company are assisting local law enforcement in protecting property and ensuring the safety of MPLS residents. We are working in coordination with the @CityMinneapolis and the @MinneapolisPD at the direction of @GovTimWalz. pic.twitter.com/0zDpylZfQS
— MN National Guard (@MNNationalGuard) August 27, 2020
Republican chairwomen Jennifer Carnahan denounced Walz and Frey Wednesday night, accusing them of letting "our city burn for a second time this year," referencing the civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd.
What is going on in Downtown Minneapolis tonight is unacceptable! @MayorFrey @GovTimWalz are you going to let our city burn for a second time this year? You both should resign now. You’ve destroyed our state. Do you have no shame or ability to admit your failures?
— Jennifer Carnahan (@jkcarnah) August 27, 2020
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