Looting and violence erupts in Minneapolis following misinformation about suspect suicide

Mayhem and looting erupted in Minneapolis late Wednesday after false rumors spread that officers had gunned down a black murder suspect – who had turned his gun on himself as police zeroed in to arrest him.

On Wednesday around 2pm the suspect and his female associate were in a parking garage where they encountered another man.

A confrontation ensued where the suspect with the woman shot the man who approached them, and the couple fled. The woman was taken into custody a short time later.

Hours later police located the male murder suspect and as they sought to arrest him, he pulled out a gun and shot himself in front of the Nicollet Mall area downtown around 6pm.

However, false rumors emerged that the man was shot police, sparking widespread looting in the city still reeling from the death of George Floyd in May.  

An immediate curfew was declared and the governor and mayor called for help from the National Guard to stop the shattering of shop windows and ransacking of stores. 

Police Chief Medaria Arradondo dispelled misinformation that his officers were involved in the suicide saying the death was not by the officers.

‘I will not allow to add more trauma to a city that’s still grieving from May 25,’ he said in reference to George Floyd’s death.

Minneapolis police shared jarring footage of the incident 90 minutes after it occured, showing the moment the suspect saw police approach, turned to get the gun, and took his own life.

That footage shows officers approach the man, wearing a white shirt, gray pants, a cap, and a black backpack, and a group of nearby people sitting raise their arms in surrender and run away. 

When the man sees the officers he turns his back towards them and takes his own life. 

Officers did not open fire, Minneapolis police spokesman John Elder said. 

Swarms of people gathered at the scene of the shooting after it happened.

In the chaos Britt’s Pub was set on fire and people broke into several stores in the downtown shopping center including a Target, Footlocker, Saks Fifth Avenue and a Nordstrom Rack. 

Police officers were quickly sent to quell the crowds and were seen macing crowds.  

An activist was seen walking through the crowd with a megaphone attempting to calm the crowd, shouting ‘We have the video. The man killed himself’, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

The unrest prompted Gov. Tim Walz to declare a peacetime emergency Wednesday night. 

He said the National Board and 150 Minnesota State Patrol troopers were being mobilized to assist local law enforcement.

‘Minneapolis, it’s time to heal. We must rebuild and recover. Dangerous, unlawful behavior will not be tolerated. The State Patrol is headed to Minneapolis to help restore order. I remain in close contact with the city and every state resource stands ready to help bring peace,’ Walz tweeted. 

Following the shooting reports of looting in the downtown business area emerged.

Police spokesman Elder didn’t provide details but said officers were arresting looters. He said one officer was injured in the incident.

Videos have emerged on social media showing people shattering windows to break into stores and running off with merchandise in their arms.

Mayor Jacob Frey pleaded for locals to go home, imposed an immediate curfew from 10pm Wednesday to 6am Thursday and requested assistance from the National Guard. 

‘What we’re calling for right now is peace. This destruction and property damage just takes away from that underlying goal,’ he said. 

If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)