George Floyd Protests: Looting, Fires Set In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS — Chaos and violence escalated in the second night of Minneapolis protests over the death of George Floyd. The Lake Street Target store, located near the Minneapolis Police Department's third precinct office, will be closed indefinitely after looters were seen leaving it with TVs, clothes, and more during protests Wednesday.

"We are heartbroken by the death of George Floyd and the pain it is causing our community," Target spokesman Joshua Thomas said in a statement.

"We decided to close our Lake Street earlier today and worked to ensure all of our team members were accounted for and safe. Our focus will remain on our team members’ safety and helping our community heal."

Just after 10:30 p.m., Gov. Tim Walz asked protesters to leave the area.

FOX 9 reporter Karen Scullin documented the looting and chaos on Twitter before she was pulled from the scene. "Target is getting cleaned out," she captioned one of her videos.

Other reporters were also pulled from the scene for their safety.

Star Tribune reporter Ricardo Lopez recorded video from inside Target, showing the destroyed, smoke-filled store.

Protesters threw rocks at officers and shattered windows at the third precinct. Police responded with tear gas and flash grenades, the Star Tribune reported.

An Auto Zone store in the same area was set afire.

Read more: Buildings Trashed, Burned Down Across Minneapolis Overnight