George Floyd protests: Fires set amid US riots in Washington DC

Looters have targeted high-end stores in Manhattan as protests across America take a destructive turn after buildings and cars were set on fire.  

Looters have targeted high-end stores in Manhattan as protests across America take a destructive turn, with stores ransacked and buildings and cars set on fire.

 

Mobs of people rampaged down the sidewalks early Monday morning, smashing into numerous luxury shops to steal merchandise. Hundreds of people created chaos in the area, breaking into Rolex, Chanel and Prada boutiques as well as clothing and electronics stores.

Colombia Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered a curfew from 11pm to 6am local time, with the National Guard activated to assist police in ensuring these restrictions are met.

It comes as protests erupted in at least 30 US cities over the death of unarmed black man George Floyd at the hands of police. Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was fatally arrested in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last week. A video posted on social media of the incident allegedly showed white police officer Derek Chauvin pushing down on his neck with his knee as he yelled, "I can't breathe".

Chauvin was charged with third degree murder, and three other officers present were fired.

Our live coverage has finished for the evening, here's how a violent and destructive night played out in the US.