Breaking News
Target Temporarily Closes 175 Stores Following Protests
Target announced on Saturday that it is temporarily closing 175 stores in 13 states. This comes after online videos surfaced, showing looters robbing the stores in Minneapolis amid a protest. These lootings happen as some protests calling for justice for George Floyd continues, Fox Business reported.
The protests have also caused the destruction of some commercial properties.
The Effects of Violent Protests
Target closes 175 stores nationwide after Minneapolis protests – Fox Business. Michigan has so few stores open now, then the criminals had to loot the stores. @wxyzdetroit @RashidaTlaib @DebDingell @freep @nytimes https://t.co/WyahLOdMFk
— Michelle Leake (@leake_michelle) May 31, 2020
“We are heartbroken by the death of George Floyd and the pain it is causing communities across the country. At this time, we have made the decision to close a number of our stores. We anticipate most stores will be closed temporarily,” company then said in a statement. “Our focus will remain on our team members’ safety and helping our community heal,” it also said.
Target added that team members “impacted by store closures will be paid for up to 14 days of scheduled hours during store closures, including COVID-19 premium pay. They will also be able to work at other nearby Target locations.”
Target CEO Brian Cornell wrote in a statement: “We are a community in pain. That pain is not unique to the Twin Cities—it extends across America. The murder of George Floyd has unleashed the pent-up pain of years. The same can be said with the killings of Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor. We say their names and hold a too-long list of others in our hearts. As a Target team, we’ve huddled, we’ve consoled, we’ve witnessed horrific scenes similar to what’s playing out now and wept that not enough is changing. And as a team we’ve vowed to face pain with purpose.”
“It’s hard to see now, but the day will come for healing—and our team will join our hearts, hands and resources in that journey. Even now, Target leaders are assembling community members, partners and local officials to help identify what more we can do together and what resources are required to help families, starting right here in Minnesota,” Cornell then added.
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