#BlackLivesMatter protests exploited by looters, rioters in New York

Photos have shown the destruction in New York City as opportunistic looters exploit protests to rampage.

While protests against police violence and systemic racism spurred by the police involved deaths of African-Americans continue across the United States, some are capitalising on the opportunity.

Dozens of people have been caught on camera looting from stores, smashing windows and taking off with stolen property in New York City, even as the family of George Floyd calls for calm and peaceful protests.

“I understand y’all are upset. But I doubt y’all are half as upset as I am,” George Floyd’s brother Terrence said.

“So if I’m not over here wilding out, if I’m not over here blowing up stuff, if I’m not over here messing with my community, then what are y’all doing? Y’all doing nothing, but that’s not going to bring my brother back at all.”

“Let’s switch it up, y’all, let’s switch it up, and do this peacefully, please,” he said, adding that his brother “would not want y’all to be doing this”.

Photos from Manhattan have shown the chaos unfolding in America’s most populous city.

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A man kicks the window of a Zumiez skate store on Monday. Picture: Stephen Yang / MEGA

An alleged looter tries to fit an Apple iMac in his bag. Picture: Stephen Yang / MEGA

Shop windows are smashed as photographers look on. Picture: Stephen Yang / MEGA

Baseball bats, crowbars and even loose bits of wood become tools. Picture: Stephen Yang / MEGA

A looter picks up some new getaway vehicles. Picture: EPA/ Alba Vigaray

Not even the Lego store was safe. Picture: EPA/Alba Vigaray

Looting has broken out in many American cities. Picture: Stephen Yang

This store on Madison Avenue was ransacked. Picture: EPA/ Justin Lane

Workers assess damage at a designer clothing store. Picture: STRF/STAR MAX/IPx

A fire lit during a protest that began in Brooklyn. Picture: Braulio Jatar / SOPA Images / Sipa USA

New York City mayor Bill de Blasio has announced a curfew. Picture: Lev Radin/Sipa USA

Mannequins lie on the footpath outside a looted shop while a hooded person walks past with a new pair of shoes. Picture: Johannes Eisele / AFP

Some have feared the widespread unrest could be the beginning of the end for America as we know it. Picture: Johannes Eisele / AFP

A replica Statue of Liberty inside a smashed store. Picture: Johannes Eisele / AFP

A boarded up Macy’s department store tries to protect itself from looters. Picture: Scott Heins/Getty Images/AFP