Posted on April 12, 2021

Brooklyn Center Looting, Rioting Sees Several Businesses ‘Completely Destroyed’

Soo Kim, Newsweek, April 12, 2021

Looting and rioting erupted in Minnesota’s Brooklyn Center area after an officer shot a man during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, who then crashed his vehicle and died.

The man, identified as 20-year-old Daunte Wright, died after he was pulled over for an alleged traffic violation shortly before 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Several businesses in the area have been “completely destroyed,” while rioters clashed with police, according to videos shared on social media.

The National Guard has been activated and around 20 businesses have reportedly broken into in the Brooklyn Park area, John Harrington, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, said at a press briefing.

A reporter for Minnesota’s Star Tribune, Liz Sawyer, tweeted: “Several businesses around the Brooklyn Center Walmart are completely destroyed. Police rolled up and made some arrests as young men ran from buildings carrying stolen goods. Foot Locker, T Mobile, and a New York men’s clothing store all completely destroyed.”

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A reporter for The Blaze, Elijah Schaffer, tweeted: “BREAKING: looting has begun in Minneapolis at a @littlecaesars. Looting also taking place at a foot locker and several other businesses. Because #blacklivesmatter,” shared footage of the scene.

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Several videos shared by Rebecca Brannon, a Minnesota-based photojournalist, captured looting at different stores including Footlocker, Family Dollar and Sally Beauty.

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{snip} According to Commissioner Harrington, rocks and other objects were thrown at the Brooklyn Center Police Department. The front door of the Brooklyn Park Police Department, which is located next to Brooklyn Center, was struck by gunfire, according to police.

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Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott has imposed a curfew on the Minnesota city until 6 a.m. on Monday, following the protests and unrest.

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