Protests and riots are spreading in cities across America over the police-custody death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The protests began in Minneapolis following Floyd's death after a police officer was seen on video pressing a knee on his neck while he was handcuffed for more than eight minutes. The protests have since left parts of that city a grid of broken windows, burned-out buildings and ransacked stores -- and the unrest has become a national phenomenon as protesters decry years of deaths at police hands.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says the looting, the fires and the violence are going too far.

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"Let's be very clear, the situation in Minneapolis is no longer in anyway about the murder of George Floyd. It is about attacking civil society and instilling fear and disrupting our great cities," he said.

Fred Brewington, a civil rights attorney, says there is no place for violence in these protests.

"No one is saying that you should go out and burn down a store, particularly in your own community," he told News 12.

 

Brewington says many people are outraged over decades of brutality and injustice. He says protesting Floyd's death is an outlet to vent those frustrations.

"The pain that is being exhibited at this point is not unbelievable, that people continue to feel devalued as a human being,” he said.

Brewington says it's important for the public to let their voices be heard peacefully.

"Dr. King taught us an important lesson, that there is no place for violence in protests,” said Brewington. He added that he thinks the government should have more of a role in looking into complaints against police officers.