Minneapolis police station torched amid George Floyd protest

Protesters angered by the death of a black man who died while pleading for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck have torched a Minneapolis police station that the department abandoned.

Thursday marked a third night of violent protests following the death of George Floyd, who died in a confrontation with officers outside a grocery store. Fires burned Friday morning in Minneapolis and nearby St. Paul.

National Guard members were being stationed in locations to help stem looting.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's defended the city's mostly hands-off approach with protesters.

He said it was his decision to evacuate the police precinct because officers were at risk.

Protests over the death of George Floyd have spread to other cities across the United States.

In New York City, protesters defied New York's coronavirus prohibition on public gatherings Thursday, clashing with police, while demonstrators blocked traffic in downtown Denver and downtown Columbus.

A day earlier, demonstrators had taken to the streets in Los Angeles and Memphis.