Philly Under Curfew As Protesters Start Fires, Damage Buildings

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia mayor has set a mandatory curfew after people protesting the death of George Floyd damaged property, started fires, and looted businesses Saturday.

Philadelphia has implemented a mandatory city-wide curfew from 8 p.m. Saturday through 6 a.m. Sunday. "Only persons with essential duties will be permitted outdoors," Philadelphia Police said.

"The peaceful protests earlier were touching showings of our collective grief. The anger being displayed now cannot continue. Please have respect and dignity for each other and return home," Mayor Jim Kenney tweeted.

Floyd, 46, died Monday after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin, who pressed his knee on his neck for several minutes while three other officers looked on.

Video footage of the arrest, in which Floyd is heard saying "I can't breathe," spread widely online, and all four officers were fired. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on Friday.

NBC10 reports there were "heated" interactions between protesters and the police during the protests. Multiple vehicles as well as a Starbucks were set on fire in the area of City Hall and looters targeted stores along Chestnut and Walnut.

"The demonstrators exercising their first amendment rights at City Hall and the Art Museum did so peacefully. We appreciate their voice and their manner of expression. However, since that time, others have convened in Center City and are committing criminal acts, including vandalism," police tweeted.

The incident has set off rioting nationwide Saturday, including in Pittsburgh.