Milwaukee George Floyd Protests: 60 Arrests, New Curfew, Cop Shot

MILWAUKEE, WI — More than 60 people were arrested over the last 48 hours, and more than 12 businesses were damaged after several George Floyd and Joel Acevedo-related demonstrations took place throughout Milwaukee, Milwaukee police chief Alfonso Morales said Sunday.

A total of 125 Wisconsin National Guard members were deployed to assist Milwaukee police to quell demonstrations Saturday. City officials extended a Saturday-night curfew into Monday morning as police continued to grapple with protests.

"In order to keep our city safe, we are requesting voluntary compliance from all of our residents and protesters. If found in violation of this curfew, individuals will be arrested and fined $691," Milwaukee police wrote over the weekend.

According to a FOX 6 report, Morales said out of the roughly 60 people who were arrested, three lived outside the city.

Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales said peaceful daytime protests turned violent Saturday night. The chief said the situation turned at about 11:30 p.m. Instead of protesting in the honor of Floyd and Acevedo, many people used the gatherings as an opportunity to damage property, destroy businesses, commit robbery, fire shots, and steal property Morales said.

Authorities said more than 12 businesses were damaged Saturday night, and 50 people were arrested in connection to the demonstrations. According to a Milwaukee Business Journalreport, Target stores at 1501 Miller Park Way in West Milwaukee and at 2950 S. Chase Ave. in Milwaukee were closed Saturday night. They both re-opened Sunday.

At one point Sunday evening, a group of protesters came face-to-face with officers in riot gear at the downtown Milwaukee police headquarters.

Morales said one on-duty officer was shot and injured Saturday.

"If you decide to protest, please do so peacefully," Morales urged. "The Milwaukee Police Department will continue to protect our residents’ right to assemble and freedom of speech; however, we will arrest those who victimize people and vandalize property."