Minnesota protests over George Floyd’s death for 4th straight day and night

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota -- The death of George Floyd, a black man who was seen pinned down in a video by a white police officer and later died, caused chaotic protests in the city of Minneapolis yet again Friday and into Saturday morning.

Arrests took place as protesters ignored an 8 p.m. curfew and dispersal orders as leaders pleaded with the community to voice their outrage in a lawful manner.

CNN reported tear gas and rubber bullets were used by police to try to disperse the crowd. Hundreds of officers advanced street by street toward the protesters, who created barricades while chanting, "I can't breathe."

Shots were reported fired at law enforcement officers early Saturday near the police department's Fifth Precinct, according to Minnesota State Police. No officers were believed to have been hit.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety said there were 350 officers and troopers in the area and officers "arrested several people who ignored multiple dispersal orders."

Protesters took over the police department's Third Precinct building the prior night and ignited several fires.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz pleaded with protesters early Saturday to go home.

"Minnesotans, please go home. It’s time to restore peace on our streets and in our neighborhoods," Walz said in a televised briefing overnight. "The situation has become dangerous for Minnesotans and first responders."

The protests had continued despite the officer who pressed his knee into Floyd’s neck being arrested earlier Friday and charged with murder.