Minnesota governor activates national guard to respond to violence over George Floyd protests

The governor of Minnesota has activated the National Guard following a night of violent riots over the death of George Floyd while in police custody.

It comes after Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey made the official request on Thursday following riots that left 16 structures ablaze and grocery stores and pharmacies looted across the city.

Governor Tim Walz said in a statement that it was time to rebuild the relationship between law enforcement and those they're charged to protect as he activated the Minnesota National Guard to help keep the peace.

"George Floyd's death should lead to justice and systemic change, not more death and destruction. As George Floyd's family has said, 'Floyd would not want people to get hurt. He lived his life protecting people.' Let's come together to rebuild, remember, and seek justice for George Floyd," he said.

The National Guard Adjutant General will work with local government to provide personnel, equipment and facilities to respond to the emergency.

Minnesota State Patrol, meanwhile, will also assist in efforts to maintain the peace over the next several days with about 200 troopers working alongside state, county and local law enforcement.

State Patrol helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft will also be made available to work with personnel on the ground.

Mr Walz said he would always defend the right to protest, but to do so peacefully.

"It is how we express pain, process tragedy, and create change. That is why I am answering our local leaders' request for Minnesota National Guard assistance to protect peaceful demonstrators, neighbours, and small businesses in Minnesota."

Minnesota National Guard Major General Jon Jensen said they were in the process of assigning and preparing units to respond.

"We are ready and prepared to answer the Governor's request," Mr Jensen said.

The Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota, Peggy Flanagan, said the anger and grief of the moment are unbearable and people deserved to be seen, heard and safe in response.

"While many Minnesotans are taking extensive safety precautions while exercising their right to protest, the demonstration last night became incredibly unsafe for all involved," she said.

"The purpose of the National Guard is to protect people, to protect people safely demonstrating, and to protect small business owners."

While Wednesday night's protests began peacefully, the "tenor" changed according to Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo.

"There was a core group of people who had really been focused on causing destruction," Mr Arradondo said at a press conference on Thursday morning. "We were certainly prepared in terms of (the 3rd Precinct) to provide for safety, but the crowds got larger and they became more mobile."

Holding back tears at the press conference, the mayor said he requested the National Guard after the widespread damage across Lake Street and into St Paul.

"If you're feeling that sadness, that anger, it's not only understandable, it's right. It's a reflection of the truth that our black community has lived," Mr Frey said.

"We must believe that we can be better than we have been."