Indianapolis riots leave 2 dead after 'multiple shootings' downtown, buildings damaged
At least three people were killed after ‘multiple shootings’ were reported in downtown Indianapolis as protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis turned into violent riots; Darius Johnson reports.
Two people were killed after "multiple shootings" were reported in downtown Indianapolis Saturday night into early Sunday morning as protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis turned into violent riots.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said one of the shootings happened around 2:30 a.m. near the intersection of Talbot and Market streets, in the heart of the downtown area.
"Enough is enough," IMPD Police Chief Randal Taylor told reporters shortly before midnight. "Indianapolis, we are better than this. Downtown is not safe at this time. Residents who do not live in the downtown area, we’re asking to please vacate the area.”
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Between 11:45 p.m. and 3 a.m., five people were reportedly shot throughout the city, three of whom died. Officials clarified at a news conference Sunday morning that two of the deaths took place downtown after the protests became dangerous for a second straight night in Indianapolis.
Taylor confirmed that two people died in the downtown shootings. In addition to those who died, one officer was injured and at least 29 arrests were reported.
Earlier in the evening, the IMPD put out an advisory, telling residents to avoid the downtown area.
"We are investigating multiple shootings downtown," police tweeted. "These are NOT officer-involved incidents."
Police said officers fired no shots during the overnight hours.
The protests over the police violence against black Americans in Indianapolis started calm Saturday afternoon, as demonstrators gathered in the afternoon in the city's Monument Circle.
But after sunset, tension began to rise and the protests turned violent, with people breaking windows and setting fires, FOX59 reported.
Taylor told reporters that such behavior wouldn't be tolerated, urging everyone to go home.
“If you’re still down here tonight you are more than likely into something that you shouldn’t be and we want you to go home,” he said.
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Buildings in the city's downtown were damaged, officers deployed tear gas and at least one business was briefly on fire.
“There were several people down here who had no intention to protest. Their intention was to riot,” Deputy Chief Josh Barker told the IndyStar.
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said during a news conference on Sunday that he is signing an executive order implementing a county-wide curfew starting at 8 p.m. Sunday and ending at 6 a.m. Monday.
"These actions are necessary, but they break my heart," he told reporters.
Hogsett said that earlier in the day, the city hosted a "successful protest" that allowed hundreds to "lift up their cause and have their voices safely heard."
"Since it ended, a small group of people have chosen to diminish that activism through inexcusable violence," the mayor said. "It is unacceptable, and it must stop."
Much like Friday, Saturday’s demonstration began peacefully but turned violent as the sun began to set. Taylor said that on Friday, at least 30 businesses were damaged and 27 people were arrested during demonstrations that continued through at least 4 a.m.
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The violence in Indianapolis and many other cities were sparked by anger over Floyd’s death in Minneapolis on Monday, which was captured on cellphone video.
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It led to the firing Tuesday of the four police officers who were arresting Floyd for suspicion of passing a counterfeit bill. Third-degree murder and manslaughter charges were filed Friday against the officer who used his knee to pin Floyd down, as Floyd pleaded for air.
A sweeping number of riots and looting in major cities across the U.S. starting Friday night and lasting through Sunday morning have prompted curfews and calls for the National Guard to respond to cities and states.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
