More protests associated with the death of Minneapolis, Minnesota, resident George Floyd while he was in police custody are taking place today in California. Demonstrators from Sacramento to Oakland and Los Angeles are demanding justice for Floyd and the immediate prosecution of fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. He was was one of four officers involved in Floyd's arrest for allegedly trying to use counterfeit money at a store. He was caught on video with his knee pressing down on Floyd's neck, while the other three officers watch. Chauvin was eventually arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd's death. The other officers were also fired, but they were not immediately taken into custody or charged.
Some of the California protestors have become violent, attacked police, and destroyed property.
In Oakland investigators said two Federal Protective Service officers from Homeland Security were shot on Friday night during a riot that broke out. One of the officers died and the other was seriously hurt. Police in Oakland say nearly 8,000 people were in the streets when things began to get out of control with not only the shootings but also acts of property vandalism, arson and looting.
L.A.'s Chief of Police,Michel Moore, says 533 people were arrested during Friday night's protest in downtown Los Angeles for burglary, looting, attempted murder, and battery on a police officer. Looters targeted jewelry stores, a Starbucks, a Rite Aid, and a Target store just before midnight. A half-dozen LAPD officers reportedly suffered injuries.
In Sacramento protesters throwing rocks and bricks are said to have injured seven police officers during a demonstration that started in Oak Park and eventually moved to a nearby police station. People in the crowd shouted at officer for hours before finally dispersing around 1:00 a.m. on Saturday, as reported by KOVR-TV.
Governor Gavin Newsom issued a written statement about the protests on Saturday afternoon in which he praised those who demonstrated peacefully and the officers who showed restraint during challenging moments, but he also issued a warning to others involved.
"In California and across the country, there are indications that violent actors may be attempting to use these protests for their own agendas. We are closely monitoring organizing by violent extremist organizations ahead of (Saturday night), wrote the Governor. "To those who seek to exploit Californians' pain to sow chaos and destruction, you are not welcome. Our state and nation must build from this moment united and more resolved than ever to address racism and its root causes."
Newsom also expressed sympathy for those who are angered by Floyd's death and taking to the streets to express themselves. He said people of color are disadvantaged and discriminated against daily, and that black and Latino men in particular face "mortal danger" simply because of the color of their skin.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg also addressed the demonstrations in a video release on social media.
"Last night’s protest in Sacramento, for the most part, and for most of the evening, was a model of strength, justice and peace. The last minutes were not," he said.
"I hope that the numerous officers hurt in last night's demonstration are recovering from their injuries. Let me be clear, there is no moral equivalence between the death, the killing, of George Floyd and what happened last night in our community. But violence of any kind is wrong and unacceptable," insisted the Mayor.
"We will not let a few detract and derail the strength of our ability to come together for change. The trauma that people feel is real. Acknowledge it. Let us acknowledge it, let us respect it, let us demand change. Let us demand an end to systemic racism. No violence against anyone ever!"