Misinformation about a police shooting sparked riots in Minneapolis, resulting in mass arrests, property damage, and National Guard deployment.
Key Facts
- People arrested (Aug 26)
- At least 132
- Properties damaged
- 77
- Buildings set on fire
- 5
- Law enforcement mobilized
- Nearly 1,000 officers
- National Guard troops deployed
- 400 troops
- Curfew arrests (Aug 27–28)
- Over 100
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
On August 26, 2020, Eddie Sole Jr., a 38-year-old Black man being pursued by Minneapolis police for alleged involvement in a homicide, died by suicide by shooting himself. False rumors spread rapidly on social media claiming police had fatally shot him, igniting public anger in a city still tense from the George Floyd protests three months earlier.
From August 26 to 28, 2020, Minneapolis experienced rioting, arson, and looting fueled by the misinformation. At least 132 people were arrested on the first night, 77 properties were damaged, and five buildings were set ablaze. An 8 p.m. curfew was imposed on August 27, with over 100 additional arrests before it expired on August 28.
Minnesota officials declared a state of emergency and deployed nearly 1,000 law enforcement personnel and 400 National Guard troops. The state of emergency and curfew orders expired August 31. Three residents were later convicted on federal arson charges for attacking the Target Corporation headquarters, and one man pleaded guilty to assaulting an officer.
Political Outcome
State of emergency and curfew expired August 31; several rioters convicted on federal and state charges; police released surveillance footage confirming Sole's suicide to counter misinformation.