Trump says National Guard has arrived in Minneapolis
From CNN's Betsy Klein
President Trump tweeted about the unrest in Minneapolis for the first time this morning since his late-night tweet, threatening that “when the looting starts, the shooting starts." That tweet was flagged by Twitter as violating the platform's rules.
Trump said in his latest tweet that the National Guard has "arrived on the scene" in Minneapolis and is "fully prepared."
Per a tweet late Thursday evening, the Minnesota National Guard activated more than 500 soldiers to the St. Paul, Minneapolis, and surrounding communities.
11:17 a.m. ET, May 29, 2020
Ohio Statehouse was broken into and damaged during George Floyd protests Thursday evening
From CNN’s Joe Sutton & Elizabeth Joseph
Protesters move towards the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus on May 28. Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images
The Ohio Statehouse was damaged by protestors late Thursday evening, the Ohio Department of Public Security confirmed to CNN on Friday morning.
According to CNN affiliate WBNS, hundreds of protestors gathered in downtown Columbus late Thursday evening “in solidarity to show support” following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
“Around 9 p.m. after some protesters began to throw bottles, police warned the crowd multiple times before dispersing pepper spray into the crowd,” WBNS reports, adding, the protesters “then began to throw eggs, fireworks, smoke bombs, jugs of water and shoes” while officers attempted to control the crowd.
Here's what the scene was like: The protesters then “began to break the windows of local businesses, bus stops and even the windows and front doors of the Ohio Statehouse,” according to the affiliate.
A few protestors on the statehouse grounds “began to commit acts of vandalism, damaging some windows, light fixtures and doors,” the Ohio Department of Public Security said in a statement.
Officers were eventually able to disperse protestors from the grounds. One protester who entered the statehouse through a broken window was arrested after he fled out the back of the building, DPS said.
CNN has reached out to the Columbus Division of Police, as they are handling all charges related to this protest.
All windows and doors damaged in the incident have since been secured, according to DPS, and an investigation to document property damage will be conducted.
Columbus mayor reacts to protests: Mayor Andrew Ginther reacted to the protests happening in the city in a tweet Thursday and asked residents to "remain peaceful in their actions."
Read the tweet:
10:30 a.m. ET, May 29, 2020
Melania Trump calls for peaceful protests in Minneapolis
From CNN's Kate Bennett
Melania Trump has tweeted her first public words about the protests in Minnesota, and her condolences to the family of George Floyd.
She says the country “allows for peaceful protests, but there is no reason for violence.”
This comes after President Donald Trump's tweet last night about the protests was flagged by Twitter as violating the platform's rules.
Read the tweet:
10:42 a.m. ET, May 29, 2020
These are the US cities where George Floyd protests have happened
From CNN's Joe Sutton
Protestors demonstrate outside a burning fast food restaurant in Minneapolis on May 29. John Minchillo/AP
The death of George Floyd has ignited protests in Minneapolis and at least six other cities across the US. Some of the protests have been peaceful, while others have been destructive.
Minneapolis has been the epicenter of the protests, where state police in body armor and riot gear lined up overnight near the city's police precinct that was set ablaze by protesters.
Here is a snapshot of where protests have occurred so far:
Minnesota: Minneapolis and St. Paul
Arizona: Phoenix
Colorado: Denver
Kentucky: Louisville
Tennessee: Memphis
Ohio: Columbus
Some of these protests may not be active at this moment. We continue to monitor the latest on the ground.
The following protest photos were taken in Denver, Memphis and Columbus Thursday evening:
Police stand in front of protesters outside the State Capitol in Denver on May 28. David Zalubowski/AP
A person winces in pain after being pepper sprayed by police during a protest in Memphis, Tennessee, on May 28. Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian/AP
A protester pours what appears to be milk on their face during a demonstration in Columbus, Ohio, on May 28. Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images
10:11 a.m. ET, May 29, 2020
Catch up: These are the latest developments as protests continue in Minneapolis this morning
From CNN's Elise Hammond
Law enforcement officers gather in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 29, as fires burn after a night of unrest. David Joles/Star Tribune/AP
It's a little past 9:00 a.m. in Minneapolis, Minnesota where protests have been happening for several days following the death of an unarmed black man earlier this week in city officers' custody.
If you're just tuning in, here is what you need to know to get up to speed this morning.
Some background:George Floyd,a 46-year-old black man, died after pleading for help as a police officer used his knee on Floyd's neck to pin him – unarmed and handcuffed – to the ground. His death sparked outrage and protests across the country.
Protests this morning: As of about 4:30 a.m., hundreds of people were still protesting near the Minneapolis police building in the 3rd Precinct. At least five other buildings in the vicinity of the station were in flames – including an event space, restaurants and a liquor store, according to CNN reporting. Authorities arrived at the scene around this time.
Protests around the country: Several cities also saw protests overnight, including in New York City, where at least 72 people were arrested.
CNN crew arrested and then released in Minneapolis: Omar Jimenez, a CNN journalist who identifies as black and Latino, and his crew were taken into police custody during a live broadcast at the site of the protests just after 5:00 a.m., after clearly identifying himself as a member of the press to officers. Since then, the crew has been released and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz apologized to CNN. Hear Jimenez talk about the experience.
Charges: Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said he expects “there will be charges” against the four officers involved in Floyd’s death. He added that he hopes they will be announced “soon.”
The Minnesota National Guard activated more than 500 soldiers to St. Paul, Minneapolis and surrounding communities last night. Mayor Jacob Frey said the soldiers were being stationed to "help prevent some of the looting that we've seen."
9:13 a.m. ET, May 29, 2020
Kentucky governor says Louisville protests turned into "something that it should not have been"
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks to the press at the Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky, on February 19. Bryan Woolston/AP
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear decried the protests in Louisville on Thursday night over the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor.
Seven people were shot in downtown Louisville, the mayor said in a video message on Twitter. Property damage also was reported after peaceful demonstrations took a turn, Louisville Metro Police Department officials said during a news conference.
The protests in Louisville happened as other demonstrations have erupted around the US over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a police officer was seen kneeling on his neck.
"Last night's events started as a very peaceful protest, but one where those out there were seeking justice. And actually it was was one of the most compliant protests with the CDC guidelines that we have seen. And then I believe that some other folks, very late, more than three hours in, came in and ultimately instigated and caused some actions that turned it into something that it should not have been," Beshear told CNN Friday morning.
More on Taylor's death: Taylor was killed after officers forced their way inside her home and exchanged shots with her boyfriend, according to a lawsuit filed by her mother.
The officers were executing a search warrant in a narcotics investigation, the Louisville Metro Police Department has said, when they entered Breonna Taylor's apartment just before 1 a.m. on March 13.
8:40 a.m. ET, May 29, 2020
Minnesota attorney general: "I anticipate there will be charges"
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison answers questions about the investigation into the death of George Floyd during a news conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, on May 27. John Autey/Pool/Pioneer Press/AP
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison told CNN this morning that he expects “there will be charges” against the four Minneapolis officers involved in George Floyd’s death. He added that he hopes they will be announced “soon.”
“We are standing by and helping any way we can. But yeah, I anticipate there will be charges. I hope they're soon. But that is the prerogative of another prosecuting authority. They are trying to be careful. They are trying to make sure their case is strong and airtight,” Ellison said.
Ellison said officials are making sure they have “a very strong case” before charges are announced.
“Everybody believes that this is a violation of Mr. Floyd. And I believe that everybody wants to see these charges filed as soon as they can be. But again, I do want to say we have seen cases that seem so clear go south,” Ellison said.
Ellison said that "unfortunately, it is taking more time than any of us want."
He added that he sympathizes with everybody “who's demanding charges.”
The four police officers were fired earlier this week, but no charges have been filed. Floyd’s family said they want the officials to be charged with murder.
The US Attorney’s office in Minnesota and the FBI’s Minneapolis field office said they are conducting "a robust criminal investigation" into the circumstances surrounding Floyd's death.
9:05 a.m. ET, May 29, 2020
At least 72 people were arrested during protests in New York City
From CNN's Sheena Jones
NYPD officers arrest protestors during a demonstration in New York on May 28. Johannes Eisele/AFP/Getty Images
At least 72 people were arrested during a protest in New York City last night, NYPD Police Chief Terence Monahan told CNN affiliate WPIX 11 Friday morning.
Five people were arrested for felonies for “assaults on our police officers,” 33 people were arrested for misdemeanors that range from “obstruction of government, to administration to resisting arrest" and 34 people were arrested for “various violations, mainly disorderly conduct, blocking streets,” Monahan said.
“A few of our cops got injured,” Monahan added.
Two officers suffered a concussion, one had a garbage can thrown at him and another was thrown to the ground and taken to the hospital.
Two deputy inspectors were also injured, he said. One suffered shoulder and back injuries after being thrown to the ground and another was punched in the face, but was "alright," Monahan said.
Responding to a video that shows an NYPD officer using a baton on protestors, Monahan said, “our goal was to take the trouble makers out of the group.” He said the police department had to arrest individuals that were causing “mayhem.”
8:31 a.m. ET, May 29, 2020
Why arresting reporters at a protest is an affront to the First Amendment
From CNN's Brian Stelter
When a journalist is arrested at a protest, the free and fair gathering of the news is arrested, too.
That's one of the reasons why these infringements on press freedom are relatively rare in the United States — and why Friday's brief arrest of a CNN crew in Minneapolis was so egregious.
"Police may not prevent journalists from covering protests if the journalists are in a place where the public is allowed, and they are not disrupting or interfering with law enforcement. Simply being near a protest or other newsworthy event is not a crime," the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press states in its guide to covering protests.
Live video from correspondent Omar Jimenez and the CNN crew showed that they were not interfering with law enforcement.
When a journalist is arrested at a protest, the free and fair gathering of the news is arrested, too.
