Peaceful protests in dozens of cities turned violent on Saturday (May 30) night as anger and unrest continued to spread in the wake of the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. The riots left many cities looking like warzones, after protesters burned buildings, smashed cars, and clashed with law enforcement.

Mayors in more than two dozen instituted curfews as they tried to clamp down on the riots. In Minneapolis, protesters ignored the 8 p.m. curfew, forcing the police to move in and disperse the crowds using tear gas. Police arrested 55 people during the protests.

In New York City, 345 people were arrested during violent clashes with the police. Authorities said that 33 officers suffered injuries, and rioters damaged 47 police vehicles.

Rioters in Nashville defied a 10 p.m. protest and burned down the city's historic courthouse. Police officers had to secure the scene with tear gas and rubber bullets as the crowd refused to leave.

Three police officers were injured in Denver when a vehicle rammed into a police car as heavily armed rioters attacked officers and peaceful protesters.

In Philadelphia, 13 police officers were hurt as they fought with rioters who were burning buildings and cars as they made their way through the streets.

The protests were sparked by the killing of George Floyd on My 25. Floyd was suspected of using a counterfeit bill when officers confronted him in his car. They took him into custody, and former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was filmed putting his knee on Floyd's neck for nearly eight minutes. He held Floyd down and refuse to lift his knee, despite the man's pleas for help.

Chauvin and the three other officers involved were fired the next day. Chauvin was also taken into custody and is facing murder charges.

Photo: Getty Images

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