George Floyd Protests


 George Floyd Protests
May 30, 2020.  George Floyd was a Black man in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who was murdered by a police officer out on the street in daylight while people were watching.  A bystander made phone video of the murder.  The murder was senseless and shocking and has caused, rightfully, protest throughout the nation.  Mayors and Governors and leaders of all types throughout the nation have stated that the killing was wrong and that they insist justice be done.  Protests are being held in many cities as a way of showing that police violence against Black people will not be tolerated.

 HOWEVER... it appears that there are individuals or organizations stoking violence and property destruction at these protests, to use the protests for their own ends and means. If you are taking part in protests against the death of George Floyd or against police violence or racism in general, please be aware that those urging on violence and/or property destruction may be present as provocateurs for their own purposes.

 For example, it has been stated that there may be white supremacist groups stoking violence or looting at these protests to cause chaos and disruption.  There may be other groups involved urging on violence and destruction as a catalyst for a race war.  (Google "Boogaloo" movement, which is a loosely-knit group of mostly white racist people who hope to stoke a race war.) 

 As shown in the video linked to the tweet above, the Minnesota Public Safety Commission is doing contact tracing of those arrested to see who is there and why.

IF YOU ARE OUT PROTESTING, PLEASE KEEP IT LEGAL AND SAFE.  Be smart.  Be wise.

UPDATE EVENING MAY 30 2020: WIDESPREAD RIOTING:  Rioting has occurred today in many cities throughout the U.S.  There have been many incidents of breaking windows, looting, vehicles being spray-painted, rocked, and/or set on fire, people injuring other people.  Curfews have been imposed in many cities. 

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