SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A state of emergency was declared in Sioux Falls Sunday night after concerns of a protest over the death of George Floyd showed indications of turning violent.
Sioux Falls Police say a large protest group ended up at the Empire Mall and some of them were throwing rocks at police officers. One officer was struck with a rock. There were also reports of some businesses damaged at the mall.
In a tweet, police also reported gunshots near the T.J. Maxx store, but no injuries had been reported.
Governor Noem has activated the National Guard to assist with the riots in Sioux Falls. In a statement Sunday night, the governor said:
“South Dakota hoped for the best but prepared for the worst. We activated the National Guard the minute things turned violent in Sioux Falls,” said Governor Noem. “This is a specialized unit that is prepared for situations like this. We take protection of rights very seriously, including the right to peacefully protest, but rioting and looting will not be tolerated in South Dakota. Make no mistake, mob rule and violence do nothing to honor the memory of victims.”
The governor’s office said the Guard was staged and ready, deployed within minutes of the order being given, and were already on the ground.
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken said such lawlessness in his city would not stand. In a news conference, he said “This is not a joke. We will not stand for this level of lawlessness in our city. … This is not the event the organizers envisioned.”
TenHaken quickly distinguished two different events in Sioux Falls Sunday — one a peaceful protest in Downtown Sioux Falls and one caused by what the mayor called “bad actors.”
TenHaken confirmed Sioux Falls police have used chemical agents like tear gas to try and disperse crowds. Police reported rocks have been thrown at officers and windows on police cars have been broken.
TenHaken did say there was some evidence of outside groups, but he also said he saw many Minnehaha County and Lincoln County license plates. He said many of the people at the mall were wearing T-shirts from local high schools. He called on parents to get kids who are out home.
