Minneapolis police officers resign after George Floyd protests. | Pixabay
Minneapolis police officers resign after George Floyd protests. | Pixabay
At least seven Minneapolis police officers have quit and another seven are in the process of resigning in the wake of escalating protests over the death of George Floyd.
Officers told The Star Tribune that they are upset over Mayor Jacob Frey's decision to abandon the Third Precinct station during the protests. The building was set on fire after officers left.
Officers and protesters have also been injured by debris and insults hurled at them by demonstrators, according to the Associated Press.
A civil rights investigation has been launched by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to see whether the police department willfully deprived Floyd of his civil rights.
This is not the department's first allegations of brutality and mistreatment against minorities. A majority of the city council is in support of dismantling or defunding the police department.
Some officers have walked off the job, but department spokesman John Elder said there is no cause for concern at this time.
Floyd's death has sparked protests around the world and ignited a conversation about race and police brutality.