Demonstrations against police brutality and racism flared up after a video of a violent police intervention spread. In the film, a policeman is seen pressing his knee against a black man's neck until he loses consciousness. The man in the film, named George Floyd, later died the same night and the event evokes memories of several similar incidents where blacks were subjected to violence in the United States.

Now the protests, which began peacefully, in several places in Minneapolis have degenerated and during the day, protesters hit together with riot police and tear gas. In several places, damage, looting and fires are reported, Star Tribune writes.

- There was another direction yesterday. There was a core group of people who really focused on causing havoc, city police chief Medaria Arradondo told the newspaper.

"Should lead to justice - no more death and destruction"

On Thursday, local time, riots continued and the state governor of Minnesota has now called in the National Guard to keep order in the city. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey then declared a state of emergency in parts of the city that lasts for 72 hours.

- It's time for reconstruction. Reconstruction of the city, our legal system and the relationship between the government and those they are required to protect, Frey said in a statement by the Star Tribune, and continued:

- George Floyd's death should lead to fair and systematic change, not more death and destruction. As George Floyd's family has said, 'Floyd would not want people injured. He lived his life to protect people '. Let's gather and rebuild, remember and seek justice for George Floyd.