Peaceful rallies gave way to a third night of arson, looting and vandalism in Minneapolis on Thursday as protesters vented their rage over the death of George Floyd seen on video gasping for breath while a white police officer knelt on his neck.

The latest spasm of unrest in Minnesota’s largest city went largely unchecked, despite Governor Tim Walz ordering the National Guard in to help restore order following the first two days of disturbances sparked by Monday night"s fatal arrest of George Floyd, 46.

President Donald Trump on Twitter said that he will send the National Guard troops and “get the job done right” if Mayor Jacob Frey failed to bring the city under control”.

“Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts”, - twitted the President.