Why Demonstrators Protesting the Death of George Floyd in Minneapolis Keyed In on Target

Locals' issues with the retailer and the communities it serves go way back

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.—The rallying cry of “no justice, no peace” continues to be heard across Minneapolis tonight, with buildings set ablaze, windows of business shattered and fireworks ignited in the street to denounce police brutality and demand accountability for the death of George Floyd.

Tension began building Tuesday, one day after a police officer kneeled on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes; that officer was finally charged today with third-degree murder. That tension escalated into aggression late Wednesday as the protest moved down Lake Street, a major commercial corridor lined with small businesses and big-name stores.

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