17 People Have Died in Protests, Rioting Following George Floyd’s Death

A protester in front of the burning 3rd Precinct of the Minneapolis Police Department on May 28, 2020. Julio Cortez/AP Photo

Seventeen people have been killed in nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd⁠—ranging in age from 18 to 77, media reports say.

Most of those who died were either current or former law enforcement officers, or just innocent bystanders who got caught in a violent situation.

The oldest casualty was 77-year-old David Dorn, who was shot to death while protecting Lee’s Pawn Jewelry store in St. Louis from looters on June 2. Dorn had served on the city’s police force for 38 years.

President Donald Trump shared Dorn’s story in a message on Twitter.

“Our highest respect to the family of David Dorn, a Great Police Captain from St. Louis, who was viciously shot and killed by despicable looters last night. We honor our police officers, perhaps more than ever before. Thank you!” Trump said.

Eighteen-year-old Dorian Murrell was shot dead in Indianapolis on May 31, the Indianapolis Star reported.

Murrell, who was walking around the downtown area after the protests, got into an altercation over a gas canister lying on the ground and was shot dead amid a scuffle.

Also related to the protests include:

Barry Perkins: Perkins, a 29-year-old protester, was run over by a FedEx tractor-trailer in St. Louis on May 30 after two men threatened the tractor-trailer driver with guns. Fearing for his life, the driver began driving while Perkins was stuck on the converter dolly between the two trailers. He died later in the hospital, according to 5 On Your Side.

Italia Kelly: Kelly, 22, was shot to death while she was leaving a protest in Davenport, Iowa, on May 30, reported KCRG. Her family told the media that she was a peaceful protester and got caught up in the violence.

David McAtee: McAtee shot at National Guard soldiers and local police as they fired pepper balls to clear crowds gathering in Louisville, Kentucky, after curfew on June 1. Police returned fire and struck 53-year-old McAtee in the chest. McAtee’s family said he was protecting his restaurant, Yaya’s BBQ Shack, amid the chaos, The Associated Press reported.

Others who have died include Jorge Gomez (25) in Las Vegas; Marquis M. Tousant (23) in Davenport, Iowa; Calvin L. Horton Jr. (43) in Minneapolis; Chris Beaty (38) in Indianapolis; James Scurlock (22) in Omaha, Nebraska; Victor Cazares (27) in Chicago; federal officer Patrick Underwood (53) in Oakland, California; and photographer Marvin Francois (50) in Kansas City, Missouri.

News website Disrn reported four more deaths that haven’t been identified yet, one each from Chicago and Detroit, and two from Philadelphia.