Protests in Albany turn violent, businesses damaged

ALBANY -- Earlier peaceful protests quickly escalated to violent protests Saturday night in the city's south end.

This, just days after the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis police custody. There is outrage after a video surfaced showing Officer Derek Chauvin, now facing third degree murder and manslaughter charges, pinning Floyd to the ground with a knee to his neck for nearly nine minutes.

Fires were set in Albany, looting occurred, and police cars were smashed Saturday night. Numerous videos show violence across the city overnight.

At the Albany County Board of Elections building on South Pearl Street, windows were broken. Police warned people to stay away from the area overnight.

A police presence was also seen outside the Department of Probation. This building also has broken windows. The windows of many businesses on South Pearl Street were smashed.

There was also looting throughout these protests at businesses downtown off Central Avenue.


Read more, includes videos: https://wnyt.com/albany-new-york-news/albany-protests-turn-violent-businesses-damaged-south-pearl-street-arch-street-albany-police-south-station-colonie-center-mandt-bank-park-avenue-wine-and-liquor-berkshire-bank-/5747018/