Protests rage for a fifth night across America 05:11
(CNN)Several cities across the US erupted in war zone-like scenes as crowds defied curfews nearly a week since the death of George Floyd, who spent his last moments pinned under an officer’s knee, begging for his life.
Outraged, hurt and shouting through masks worn to protect themselves from coronavirus, thousands poured onto streets in demonstrations. While some were peaceful, others ended in chaos and devastation.
Some people launched fireworks and threw bottles at the officers. Others torched buildings, burned police cars and looted stores.
Police responded with rubber bullets, tear gas and arrests. Mayors from at least 25 cities ordered people off the streets. Some states called in National Guard soldiers by the hundreds to respond to the unrest.
A policeman shoots rubber bullets at protesters throwing rocks and water bottles during a demonstration in Miami.
A policeman shoots rubber bullets at protesters throwing rocks and water bottles during a demonstration in Miami.
As the world watched, the same chant echoed across the US in a fifth day of protest: “No justice, no peace.”
In Minneapolis, where Floyd died, a black protester told CNN he was protesting for his basic human rights.
“I want to be able to go in a white neighborhood and feel safe. I want to be able, when a cop is driving behind me, I don’t have to clench, and be safe,” he said. “I want to be able to just be free and not have to think about every step I take.”
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