US IN CHAOS: Fiery protests continue into fourth night over George Floyd's death

Protesters have continued rioting over George Floyd’s death into a fourth night of protests in 12 cities across the United States showing no sign of letting up.

An 8pm curfew imposed by authorities in Minneapolis, Minnesota – where Mr Floyd’s death happened – has been defied by angry crowds who have continued marching into Friday night (local time).

There has been an outpouring of outrage over the death of the black man, who uttered the words, “I can’t breath”, while handcuffed and pinned at the neck under the knee of white Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

Chauvin, 44, was charged on Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the case.

Cars were set on fire during protests in Atlanta as tensions continue to rise over the death of George Floyd.
Vehicles are set ablaze during protests in Atlanta on Friday. Source: AAP
George Floyd protesters, holding up signs, block Las Vegan Boulevard.
People protesting the death of Mr Floyd block traffic along Las Vegas Boulevard. Source: AAP

His wife, Kellie Chauvin, has since filed for a divorce, according to a statement issued by her lawyer.

But the police officer’s arrest has done little to quell unrest across the country as tensions have seemingly become more violent, and police retaliation has been just as forceful.

Demonstrators have clashed with officers in New York, and blocked traffic in Houston, Texas, and San Jose, California.

Hundreds of people fill the streets next to the Colorado state capitol to protest in Denver, Colorado. Source: Getty Images
Hundreds of people fill the streets next to the Colorado state capitol to protest in Denver, Colorado. Source: Getty Images
Demonstrators kneel before police early Saturday morning in Minneapolis.  Source: AP
Demonstrators kneel before police early Saturday morning in Minneapolis. Source: AP

In Atlanta, demonstrators jumped on police cruisers, set at least one police car ablaze and broke windows at CNN's headquarters, where hundreds were confronting police.

Police cars were also attacked during protests in downtown Los Angeles on Friday evening, and protesters in Virginia shouted, “I can't breathe”, as they blocked a major highway.

Footage has been shared online by protesters in Dallas, Texas, who say it shows officers with snipers hidden on building rooftops above gathered crowds, sparking warnings to the public to be careful.

The White House in Washington DC was placed into lockdown on Friday afternoon as protesters descended on a building nearby where they chanted and graffitied Trump-related expletives.

A White House reporter shared an image from inside the locked briefing room to Twitter during the “intense protest across the street”, saying she was “stuck inside with many of the press corps finest”.

A highway in San Jose was shut down after more than 100 people blocked traffic to march towards the city, where they faced the wrath of tear gas and rubber bullets from police.

Police cars have been set alight, including a van in Fort Greene in New York City, in a show of intense anger from the public towards police.

Tens of thousands of people in Minneapolis have continued protesting, some holding up burning sage, and others banners saying “arrest them now” and “killer cops walk free”.

Crowds have been filmed yelling “black lives matter” and “I can’t breath” in an immense show of unity.

Footage of police clad in riot gear using force to push back crowds has emerged from several states, including in Columbus, Ohio, where pepper spray was used by an officer on a man shouting from behind railing.

In Minneapolis, a black CNN reporter was arrested live on air along with his production team for allegedly not adhering to directions requiring them to move. The crew has since been released.

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