Target Announces Temporary Closure of 24 Stores in Response to Minneapolis Riots

 

Target Corporation announced Thursday that it will temporarily close 24 stores throughout the Metro area in the wake of mass looting and rioting in Minneapolis.

Wednesday night’s riots in response to the death of George Floyd left one Target store in south Minneapolis completely demolished.

https://twitter.com/KyleHooten2/status/1265946624217546752

Rioters then made their way to a Target in St. Paul Thursday afternoon, smashing the windows of several police vehicles forming a barricade around the store. With the help of state troopers, law enforcement officers were able to successfully prevent the instigators from ransacking another store.

So I’ve been at the scene in front of Super Target in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood since around 12:30. It’s been gradually escalating/ degrading. pic.twitter.com/EjFTceoD4c

— Dave Orrick (@DaveOrrick) May 28, 2020

“We are heartbroken by the death of George Floyd and the pain it is causing our community. At this time, we have made the decision to close a number of our stores until further notice,” Target said in a statement. “Our focus will remain on our team members’ safety and helping our community heal.”

Stores that are currently closed include:

• North St. Paul
• West St. Paul
• East St. Paul
• St. Paul Highland Park
• St. Paul Midway
• Minneapolis Northeast
• Minneapolis Nicollet Mall
• Minneapolis Lake Street
• Minneapolis Dinkytown
• Minneapolis Uptown
• Oakdale
• Roseville
• Brooklyn Park
• Knollwood
• St. Louis Park
• Crystal
• Eden Prairie
• Shoreview
• Fridley
• Richfield
• Burnsville
• Bloomington
• Apple Valley
• Apple Valley South

Gov. Tim Walz announced Thursday that he has activated the Minnesota National Guard to help respond to the evolving situation.

– – –

Anthony Gockowski is managing editor of The Minnesota Sun and The Ohio Star. Follow Anthony on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Target Destruction” by Lorie Shaull. CC BY-SA 2.0.