Racists ‘starting riot fires’
Governor fears white groups are exploiting demos Bid to identify organisations as unrest rages on
MANY of the riots sending US cities up in flames are feared to have been sparked and fuelled by white provocateurs, the Mirror can reveal.
The death of 46-year-old black man George Floyd in Minneapolis, after a white police officer was filmed kneeling on his neck for nine minutes, has ignited a powder keg in the nation.
And the anger of the black community, rocked by more horrific police brutality after cases like Michael Brown and Rodney King, is understandable.
Protests have been held in at least 75 cities as peaceful marchers call for justice and police reform.
But racist and white supremacist groups are believed to be hijacking events to push their own vile agendas.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said he suspects white supremacist groups and drug cartels are behind some of the violence in Minneapolis – but he could not confirm it. Asked if he was aware of rumours that racist groups had joined lootings, he said based on “my suspicions and what I’ve seen on this, yes”.
Mr Walz said he is working with the government to collect intelligence on who is driving the carnage and whether they belong to organised groups.
The Mirror has seen many rioters showing the hallmarks of group membership, including telltale tattoos.
And notorious white supremacy chat sites are full of calls to travel to Minneapolis.
Anti-fascist group Antifa, vehemently opposed to racism and Donald Trump, has also flooded the streets to make its own intervention – only to be accused of sparking further chaos. On Saturday, I was confronted by 12 or so in trademark black, only their eyes showing between hats and masks.
And local leaders in Minneapolis have accused white Antifa members of starting riots and destroying their area.
In footage viewed by 1.3 million, one man told them: “Look at the reality of what we are dealing with right now. Like I said to all my white brothers and sisters, we appreciate y’all being out here and supporting us but this is not your space. Period.” Pointing to police behind him, he adds: “We don’t need this armed bulls*** because our reality is when this s*** is all done, we still going to wake up black in America. That’s nothing against y’all. But we are not going to allow y’all to start causing chaos and confusion.” Jimmie Perry, 26, said he almost came to blows with white people he watched
torch a booze store in Minneapolis. He said: “We are being exploited. I’ve walked shoulder to shoulder with blacks and whites in solidarity to try and bring about change. They are good people.
“But increasingly we see a lot of white folk – agitators and instigators – hijacking our movement.”
President Trump has blamed the violence on those who oppose him. He has repeatedly questioned the motives of protesters, insisting there were “organised groups that have nothing to do with George Floyd”.
He singled out Antifa and the “radical left” – and yesterday said his regime will classify Antifa “as a terrorist organisation”. Mr Trump’s tone-deaf response has led to clashes between Secret Service agents and protesters outside the White House.
The unrest has hit cities from New York to Los Angeles, with hundreds arrested after buildings were torched.
A state of emergency was declared in California and one policeman was run over by looters in Philadelphia, while officers in Richmond, Virginia, ended up in hospital.
At least one person was killed in Indianapolis, where a deputy police chief said the department had taken so many reports of guns being fired they had lost count. And in Atlanta, an officer suffered “significant injuries” when they were hit by a car.
Police have responded with tear gas, flash bangs and rubber bullets. In Minneapolis, authorities began taking back control of the smouldering city with 10,800 National Guards.
By contrast, in Denver protesters lay face-down with their arms behind their back for nine minutes, shouting: “I can’t breathe.” They were re-enacting the final minutes of Mr Floyd as he pleaded with Derek Chauvin, who is now charged with his murder.
But as the riots rage on, such images of peaceful protest are pushed out of
the spotlight by the flames and violence. In Minneapolis, officials, church leaders, the community and Mr Floyd’s friends and family grow increasingly upset at the hijacking of their cause.
This is not to say black gangs have not been involved in the violence. But anyone walking down or near Lake Street – the epicentre of the violence – can see who the real instigators continue to be.
Among incidents filmed is a white man calmly destroying a car parts
store. Oddly, he wrecks it with a large hammer while dressed in black, his face obscured by a full gas mask and holding an open black umbrella. He is confronted by a black man, who tries to stop him before he turns and walks quickly away.
And as the rioting entered another day yesterday with no sign of calming, the clip sums up the bizarre and unsettling story you uncover when you scratch the surface.