Protests in Minneapolis over the in-custody death of George Floyd escalated into violence Wednesday night, with a fatal shooting near the site of the demonstrations, widespread looting, multiple fires and the deployment of tear gas.

It was the second night of conflict during rallies by thousands enraged by Floyd’s death.

The demonstrations in the southern part of the city near the site of Floyd’s death began peacefully but grew more violent as the night went on. Governor Tim Walz late Wednesday called it an “extremely dangerous situation” and urged residents to leave the area.

Floyd died shortly after officers arrested him for an alleged forgery in progress. Footage of the incident shows one cop pressing his knee down on George"s neck for several minutes - ignoring his pleas that he couldn"t breathe -- while witnesses shouted that he was being killed.