TAMPA, Fla. — A peaceful day of protesting the death of George Floyd turned violent in the Tampa Bay area Saturday night.
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets Saturday evening as roadways were blocked, several stores looted and some even set on fire.
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- Hundreds of people gather across Tampa Bay to protest after death of George Floyd
- Tampa Bay area LEOS condemn actions of all four Minneapolis officers involved in death of George Floyd
This comes after the death of George Floyd. Floyd was a 46-year-old man who died Monday night after Derek Chauvin, a now-fired Minneapolis police officer who was charged with third-degree murder on Friday, knelt on his neck for several minutes, despite pleas from Floyd and bystanders.
Sunday, May 31
1:04 AM | Second HCSO deputy injured at University Mall.
Update: Second HCSO deputy injured at University Mall. Deputy’s helmet was struck by a firework. It injured his arm as well. He is being transported to hospital by HCSO. #SheriffChadChronister #teamhcso #universitymall pic.twitter.com/YlBS0bERcK
— HCSO #teamhcso (@HCSOSheriff) May 31, 2020
12:49 AM | Champs Sports store set on fire as chaos and looting continues in the streets of Tampa near University Mall.
12:21 AM | Chaos and looting continues in the streets of Tampa near University Mall.
Saturday, May 30
11:35 PM | Hillsborough County deputy rushed to hospital after being hit in head with object at University Mall by protester
UPDATE: An HCSO deputy is en route to the hospital after being hit in the back of the head with a hard object at University Square Mall. Protesters: Violence, looting and vandalism are unacceptable. You WILL be arrested. #SheriffChadChronister #TeamHCSO #universitymall
— HCSO #teamhcso (@HCSOSheriff) May 31, 2020
11:20 PM |Protests for George Floyd in Tampa turn violent in the University Mall area.
11:10 PM | Three protesters arrested, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office says.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said, in a press release, that they arrested three protesters thus far at the University Mall. One person was found to have a gun.
“While we support everyone’s right to assemble, rioting, looting and vandalizing is unacceptable. We will be on the streets as long as needed in order to keep the protesters and those around them safe, however, we are asking that everyone respect their fellow citizens and the property of others. Anything less is unacceptable.”
11:10 PM | Several people are seen breaking into the K & G Fashion Superstore in the University Mall area.
11:09 PM | TPD makes multiple arrests.
Multiple arrests made in connection to looting and vandalism along Busch Boulevard, according to the Tampa Police Department.
"A number of those who used the protest as an opportunity to commit criminal acts were arrested for looting businesses including the CVS, AT&T, and Cricket stores," TPD said in a release. "Even under the attack of rocks, bottles, and fireworks being thrown at them, Tampa Police officers remained on scene to ensure the safety of those who wished to protest peacefully and worked to apprehend those with criminal intent."
No officers or peaceful protesters have been injured.
11 PM | A fire was ignited by protesters in the area of University Mall in Tampa.
10:10 PM | Deputies deployed canisters of gas in an effort to prevent protesters from getting into the University Mall, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
10:10 PM | Reporter Michael Paluska was outside University Mall where deputies deployed canisters of gas.
10 PM | Officials were outside of the Walmart on Fletcher Ave. after a large protest dispersed.
9:33 PM | Reporter Michael Paluska was outside the University Mall where approximately 300 protesters gathered.
8:40 PM | The Mobil gas station convenience store on 3003 East Busch Boulevard in Tampa was set on fire. Firefighters were able to quickly get the fire under control inside the store and on the roof by 9 p.m. and prevent it from reaching the gas pumps.
8:40 PM | The Gold N Diamonds store on E Fowler Avenue was looted by protesters.
8:40 PM | Protesters were seen breaking into and looting an AT&T store near Busch Gardens.
