America Rioting Over the Death of George Floyd

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 27: People look on as a construction site burns in a large fire near the Third Police Precinct on May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A number of businesses and homes were damaged as the area has become the site of an ongoing protest after the police killing of George Floyd. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired after a video taken by a bystander was posted on social media showing Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by an officer as he repeatedly said, — Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

In the wake of a horrific police brutality incident, America is rioting. A police officer put his knee into the neck of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, killing him.

“Two deadly viruses are killing America; Covid-19 and racism.”
CNN headline

Police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd by pressing his knee against his neck while George repeatedly said “I can’t breathe.” Now, America is demanding change.

Yesterday, Chauvin was charged with 3rd degree murder. 3rd degree murder is defined as, “whoever, without the intent to effect the death of any person, causes the death of another by perpetrating an act eminently dangerous to others.”

Imprisonment for 3rd degree murder can not exceed 25 years.

The three other responding officers were fired by the Minneapolis Police Department, although they are not currently in custody. Chauvin’s bail has since been set at $500,000.

Kellie Chauvin, the wife of Derek Chauvin, has also filed for divorce.

Riots Everywhere

Since Floyd’s murder, riots have broken out across the country. On Thursday, riots were all over Minneapolis as protestors lit buildings and precincts on fire, as well as destroyed and looted stores. Yesterday, protests turned quite violent as protestors confronted police outside CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta.

The front of CNN Center in Atlanta was the scene of violent protests on Friday evening that resulted in damage to the front of the building and inside https://t.co/Uz5PsPdoND pic.twitter.com/TsIsu9LCbn
— CNN (@CNN) May 30, 2020

In light of the rioting in Minneapolis, President Donald Trump called in the National Guard to assist in controlling the situation. Trump also added in a tweet, “when the looting starts, the shooting starts.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau weighed in on the situation. He said Canadians are watching “with shock and with horror”.

These protests and riots are happening while the deadly coronavirus is still very much alive and rampant throughout the United States. It doesn’t seem like the protestors are concerned about social distancing. How this affects virus spread remains unknown, as the onset of COVID-19 usually happens 14 days after transmission. Two weeks from now will we see a spike in these protesting cities? Only time will tell.