Protests Erupt in Minneapolis Over Man Fatally Shot by Deputies

By Associated Press

05 June 21

Nine arrested on possible charges including suspicion of riot and arson after Thursday shooting of Winston Boogie Smith Jr

rotesters faced off with police officers in Minneapolis early on Saturday over the shooting of a man by members of a US Marshals taskforce.

It was the second night of protests in response to the fatal shooting on Thursday in the Uptown neighborhood.

Photos from the scene following a vigil for Winston Boogie Smith Jr, who was 32, showed dumpster fires in the street and a line of officers standing guard.

Members of the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force were trying to arrest Smith on a warrant for allegedly being a felon in possession of a gun.

Authorities said Smith fired a gun before two deputies shot him while he was inside a parked vehicle.

Family and friends described Smith as a father of three often harassed by police. They demanded transparency in the investigation and asked that anyone who might have video footage should come forward.

Police said some people vandalized buildings and stole from businesses after the shooting on Thursday. Nine people were arrested on possible charges including suspicion of riot, assault, arson and damage to property.

Minneapolis has been on edge since the killing of George Floyd just over a year ago, and the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright by an officer in nearby Brooklyn Center in April.

Wright was killed as the city awaited a verdict in the trial of the officer who killed Floyd when he knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes.

Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder.