Rioters Break Into Minneapolis Third Precinct Police Station, Sparked Fire

On Thursday night, the Third Precinct police station in Minneapolis was set on fire by rioters following violent protests. The protests are following the death of George Floyd – a black man who was killed by police.

According to Fox News, “more than 500 members of the National Guard were heading to the Twin Cities region, called in by Gov. Tim Walz, the Star Tribune of Minneapolis reported.”

“We have activated more than 500 soldiers to St. Paul, Minneapolis and surrounding communities. Our mission is to protect life, preserve property and the right to peacefully demonstrate. A key objective is to ensure fire departments are able to respond to calls,” MN National Guard said on Twitter.

At 10 p.m. local time, rioters broke into the precinct. This is reportedly after police tried to disperse a crowd using “flash bang” shots and teargas. The rioters then entered the building and sparked the fire.

Rioters were then warned by city officials that there was the risk of explosion.

“We're hearing unconfirmed reports that gas lines to the Third Precinct have been cut and other explosive materials are in the building,” City of Minneapolis tweeted.

According to Mayor Jacob Frey, police officers were evacuated from the building at his direction.

“We all need to work together to ensure the safety of our friends, family, and Minneapolis residents,” the mayor said. “And right now working together means clearing the area,” he also stated.

Fox News reported that the precinct is located only a short distance away from where Floyd died on Monday.

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