ATLANTA - The College Football Hallf of Fame was damaged and broken into during protests Friday night over the death of George Floyd, a Minneapolis man who died in police custody.
Video obtained by FOX 5 shows people breaking glass and entering the hall of fame building while others are seen exiting with various items.
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College Football Hall of Fame vandalized and looted during protests
The College Football Hall of Fame had its windows broken in and various items taken as demonstrations Friday May 29, 2020 turned violent.
Kimberly Beaudin, CEO of the College Football Hall of Fame, released the following statement:
"First and foremost, our hearts go out to the friends and family of George Floyd. We support the peaceful protests that honor his memory but unfortunately they deteriorated into chaos and disorder. We are heartbroken to see the damage to our city and the Hall of Fame. As our Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said… We are better than this, better than this as a city, and better than this as a country. In the coming days and weeks, we’ll work to pick up the pieces, to build back the sacred walls that housed memories and honored those who played the game many of whom fought these same injustices throughout their storied careers."
Atlanta police confirmed that protestors gathered in the area of Peachtree Road and Lenox Road and had begun looting and damaging businesses in the area. Damage and looting was also reported in the area of Centennial Olympic Park Drive and Marietta Street.
CNN CENTER HEAVILY VANDALIZED DURING PROTEST AGAINST DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD
"There have been multiple instances of shots being fired in close proximity to our officers and shots were fired at an officer in a patrol vehicle on Peachtree Road at Lenox Road," Atlanta Police told FOX 5. "We continue our efforts at restoring peace in our city."
Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in Fulton County, allowing 500 National Guard troops to be sent in to assist police in restoring order.
The incident involving Floyd sparked oputrage across wth country after video showed a Minneapolis police officer pressing his knee on Floyd's neck while Floyd said he couldn't breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead at a hospital after being detained by police.
FULL COVERAGE ON DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD
Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced charges Friday against Derek Chauvin, one of the officers involved in Floyd's death. He has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.