Videos have surfaced showing law enforcement in Minneapolis firing paint rounds at residents on their own property. Over the weekend, protests erupted nationwide as people rallied in memory of George Floyd, advocating against racial injustice and police violence. Amid rising tensions and escalating violence, state officials summoned the National Guard to assist. However, the effectiveness of their presence remains questionable, as one widely shared video depicts National Guard members running down a quiet street in Minneapolis, directing paint rounds at individuals peacefully standing on their porches.
“Please share this: The National Guard and police are sweeping our residential area, shooting paint canisters at us while we stand on our own front porch and yelling ‘light em up,’” tweeted Kelly Thompson, who recorded the incident. This occurred in the Whittier neighborhood, close to the site of Floyd’s tragic death at the hands of former officer Derek Chauvin.
Some social media users contended that the residents deserved such treatment for allegedly violating curfew rules. However, according to the official Minneapolis curfew, which began at 8 p.m., the incident took place just before that at 7:37 p.m. Moreover, the curfew specifically prohibits “travel on public streets or in any public place,” meaning the residents were within their rights on their porches.
In a troubling turn, a journalist covering the protests was struck by a paint projectile, resulting in a severe injury that required surgery, potentially jeopardizing her eyesight. “It was police who shot me, not the protesters,” she later tweeted. “It was the protesters who rushed me to the hospital, provided medical aid, and guided me when I couldn’t see through the blood and swelling.”
Numerous cities, including Minneapolis and Atlanta, have called in National Guard support to manage the unrest. Yet, one Minnesota Guard member remarked anonymously to The Nation that their training does not prepare them for handling civilian unrest. “We’re a combat unit, not trained in riot control or civilian safety in these situations. Many soldiers are anxious about causing harm, and there’s concern among leaders about potential liabilities,” he explained.
When learning that a city has summoned the National Guard, it is crucial to critically evaluate whether their presence is beneficial or detrimental to the community. For those interested in furthering their understanding of these topics, check out this blog post on home insemination, which offers insights into related issues. For more information about the broader implications of artificial insemination, visit this excellent resource.
In summary, the events in Minneapolis highlight the complex dynamics between law enforcement and citizens during times of civil unrest. As communities navigate these challenges, questions about the appropriateness of military intervention and the treatment of residents in their own neighborhoods remain vital discussions.