/https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/1229146556/0x0.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,0&ssl=1 "Law Enforcement Slashed Parked Car Tires During Minneapolis Protests")
TOPLINE
Two Minnesota law enforcement agencies confirmed on Monday earlier reports that their officers slashed vehicles’ tires during two days of protests in Minneapolis after George Floyd’s death.
Minneapolis, MN May 27: Minnesota State Patrol officers stood watch outside of the Third Precinct. … [+]
Star Tribune via Getty Images
KEY FACTS
Videos and photos posted to social media from protests on May 30 and May 31 show officers knifing car tires in at least two locations, including a Kmart parking lot, with confused protestors, news crews, and medics questioning online why it was done.
“State Patrol troopers strategically deflated tires,” Department of Public Safety spokesman Bruce Gordon told The Star Tribune on Monday, “in order to stop behaviors such as vehicles driving dangerously and at high speeds in and around protesters and law enforcement.”
Gordon also said that the patrol targeted vehicles containing items used to cause harm during the protests, and admitted that this is “not a typical tactic.”
The Anoka County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Andy Knotz said that county deputies followed orders from the state’s Multiagency Command Center to join the patrol and slash tires.
Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County, and National Guard officers were not involved in the slashing.
key background
As the center of protests surrounding the death of resident George Floyd, the issue of policing in Minneapolis has received significant attention. On Sunday, the Minneapolis City Council voted to disband its police department, which had already lost much community support. Police have been criticized for their use of excessive force and less-than-lethal weapons against predominantly peaceful protestors across the U.S., serving as fodder for mounting nationwide calls to “defund the police.”
further reading
“Democrats Take A Knee For Floyd, Unveil Police Overhaul Legislation” (Forbes)
“Minneapolis To Disband Police Department” (Forbes)
“Officers slashed tires on vehicles parked amid Minneapolis protests, unrest” (Star Tribune)
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