Curfew in place again tonight in Mpls after a night of looting, vandalism

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey today announced a curfew in the city tonight from 8pm to 6am Friday. Officials say there will again be a strong law enforcement presence downtown, including members of the national guard. It’s in response to looting and vandalism in the downtown area last night. At a press conference to announce the curfew, City Council Member Lisa Goodman said: “We have to remember who the victims are here, these are the residents of downtown, the workers in these businesses, the owners of small businesses who have been treated by lawless individuals intent on committing crime, and quite frankly I’m disgusted.”  Goodman said she understands citizens’ frustration and added: “they believe that there needs to be changes in the city as it pertains to police activities and they believe there is systemic racism, and so do I, but this is not the way to solve that problem.” Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo addressed those who said they were protesting in honor of George Floyd Wednesday night calling it “shameful that anyone would ever try to equate the actions last night with Mr. Floyd. these individuals were not peacefully protesting or assembling, they were looting, they were burglarizing, they were creating vandalism, they were trying to set buildings ablaze.”  The riots were sparked by rumors that a shooting suspect was shot by police on Nicollet Mall. Video taken by a witness and later made available by city officials, however, shows the suspect shot himself as police approached. Around 50 people were arrested last night on a variety of charges. Two police officers were injured.