#JusticeforGeorge

Minneapolis, Minnesota's third precinct is a blaze this week.  The people are hurting, and angry after a black man, George Floyd, was murdered in plain site after being arrested for supposedly passing a bogus twenty dollar bill.  A crime that is only a misdemeanor and certainly doesn't warrant the death penalty, which is what George Floyd got after the police officer killed him with forceful tactics.  This event was recorded and went viral thanks to technology and social media.

Leading up to the destruction of Thursday night, there had been two days of protest, relatively peaceful, with events becoming escalated after dark.  It seemed like the situation was under control on Wednesday when the local police held their ground using tear gas and flash bangs while the fire department put out over thirty fires.

"Multiple fire department apparatus suffered damage from rocks and other projectiles thrown at the responding vehicles" -Minneapolis Fire Department-

On Thursday, the event shifted from peaceful protests to destructive riots.  The third precinct was taken over by the protesters and the police were evacuated.  A local Target, liquor store, police station and other buildings were lit on fire as there were no police presence.  Mayor, Jacob Frey requested the support of the national guard but they were nowhere to be found as the protesters raged on.  By Friday, the 29th, the national guard had moved in and the police were present but the protests were still active while fires still burned and the protests reached nation wide.

Who is accountable for what is going on in Minneapolis?  The elected officials are failing the community.  Officials who have been either elected by the people or appointed by officials who are elected by the people.  Either way, these are supposed to by the agencies and officials that are trusted to protect and serve.  

As of Thursday, Hennepin County District Attorney Mike Freeman had yet to bring charges and says, "I will not rush to justice. I’m going to do this right."  Is this answer good enough?  Apparently more thought was put into this decision when ex-officer, Derek Chauvin was arrested for 3rd degree murder on Friday, the 29th.  Mayor Frey had no acceptable answer when a reporter asked him what was next.  He seemed frustrated and concerned with protecting local establishments, like banks and grocery stores, amidst the Corona Virus pandemic.  A concern that obviously wasn't effectively enacted because on Friday night Wells Fargo Bank was lit on fire.  Even our fearless leader, Donald Trump, tweeted, "When the looting starts, the shooting starts," adding that Frey is a weak radical leftist.

The events that are happening right now are important to remember during this hectic and tense election year.  It is crucial that you voice your opinions and vote on matters that are important to you.  Keep George Floyd in the forefront of your mind.  This is not about looting or protesting, but instead about how the system is failing disenfranchised people of color.  Systemic racism and racial inequality are spearheading this movement while Minneapolis feels the pain of losing a member of their community to a senseless act of violence.  A senseless act of violence that could have been prevented by having strong leadership, laws that protect the people and policies in place that promote equality instead of hatred and racism.  

Find more information on how you can get involved and make a difference