Peaceful George Floyd Protest Gives Way To Crime In Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — Criminal activity "by a few" followed hours of peaceful protests in Atlantic City, leading to a citywide curfew, police said. A peaceful protest had occurred Sunday for the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.

Video from a Philadelphia Inquirer reporter showed looting at Ralph Lauren. Windows were smashed at the Ralph Lauren and Timberland stores, among others, according to nj.com.

Police were deployed with helmets and shields. The city enacted a curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday. Only people traveling to and from work or seeking medical or police assistance can travel. All others are subject to arrest, police said.

"Due to local police activity, NJ Transit bus is unable to provide service in Atlantic City," South Jersey Buses tweeted. "Customers will be serviced at the last stop prior to Atlantic City."

Floyd, a black man, was handcuffed and lying face down on a Minneapolis street Monday when officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd's neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds. Floyd became unresponsive after 2 minutes, 53 seconds, according to the criminal complaint.

Chauvin was charged Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. In the wake of Floyd's death, protests against racism and police brutality have sparked around the world.

Several protests took place throughout New Jersey. The Atlantic City demonstration featured several hours of peaceful gathering.

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