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RESIDENTS — including children — have been filmed blocking off streets, carrying rifles, and wearing what looks like military gear in their own neighborhoods to “stop looters.”
In , peaceful protesters demonstrating against police brutality and racism following the death of were met with vigilante locals who were armed with weapons.
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Video taken on Saturday in Valparaiso and shows a line of protesters marching — as homeowners stand guard along a white picket fence nearby.
The tweet said the protesters were walking back to their cars along a bike trail, as advised by “because of the amount of people standing by the street with their bats and guns.”
The protester who posted the clip alleged the armed residents followed them, but that police were quick to protect the protesters.
“If the cops weren’t there I genuinely don’t know what would have happened,” the protester tweeted.
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In , a similar encounter between armed residents and peaceful protesters was filmed.
The vigilantes — including kids — were filmed standing next to their cars as they blocked the street.
The residents were filmed in a video by a family passing by in a car.
The group of at least a dozen people are seen holding rifles — while one man looks to be wearing a military-style helmet and combat boots.
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Residents seem to be protecting their own property and towns have been happening in the wake of Floyd’s death.
Floyd, after former Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin, a white man, during his arrest.
The 46-year-old died of asphyxiation and , along with three other officers, were fired and charged in connection with Floyd’s death.
After Floyd’s passing was , murder charges against Chauvin .
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While thousands have been peacefully protesting, some have been violently rioting — and some have been looting from stores.
Earlier this week, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd — and said it was “highly recommended” locals shoot the thieves.
“If you value your life, they probably shouldn’t do that in Polk County. Because the people of Polk County like guns.”
"They have guns, I encourage them to own guns, and they’re going to be in their homes tonight with their guns loaded.”
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"And if you try to break into their homes to steal, to set fires, I’m highly recommending they blow you back out of the house with their guns. So, leave the community alone."
In Minneapolis, — saying they support peaceful protests and want justice for Floyd, but don't agree with violence and looting.
Looting and vandalism have badly damaged stores in the US that were already hit hard by the .
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