Protesters Damage Police Vehicle as Shots Reported During George Floyd Rally in Denver

Protesters attacked a police vehicle in Denver, Colorado, on May 28, during a demonstration sparked by the police-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis this week.

This footage shows protesters spray painting graffiti and using skateboards to smash the side of a police car on Thursday night. One man appears to puncture the front tyre. People can be heard cheering, and one person yelled: “F*ck the police.”

Local reports said the demonstration descended into chaos after gunshots were fired and police shot tear gas canisters and pepper spray to disperse hundreds of people on the Capitol lawn.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis said on Twitter that the protest had “devolved into vandalism and violence.”

“Coloradans are better than this,” he said. “I share the immense anguish we all feel about the unjust murder of George Floyd. But let me be clear, senseless violence will never be healed by more violence.”

The protests were sparked after a video circulated on social media showing Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pinning Floyd to the ground with his knee on the man’s neck. Floyd could be heard pleading for help before going still. He was later pronounced dead.

An outbreak of violent protests took over Minneapolis and St Paul on May 27, but clashes involving police and demonstrators have now spread to cities across the US. Credit: Madison Lauterbach/Ms. Mayhem magazine via Storyful