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George Floyd protests
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Explainer | George Floyd protests: what weapons are US police using to tackle demonstrators?

  • From pepper balls to wooden bullets, officers are using a variety of weapons on protesters during demonstrations against the death of Floyd in police custody
  • Described as non-lethal, these weapons can seriously injure, disable and even kill

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Protesters disperse as tear gas, pepper spray and flash bang devices are deployed by Seattle police during a demonstration over the death of George Floyd. Photo: Reuters
Reuters

Police across the United States are using a variety of weapons on protesters during demonstrations against the death of an unarmed black man in police custody.

George Floyd died as a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes, and his death has triggered a wave of protests across the country and around the world.

While many of the US events have been peaceful, some have turned violent, with scenes of arson, looting and clashes with police.

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Police have used a range of weapons against peaceful protesters as well as members of the press during the demonstrations. Described as non-lethal, these weapons can seriously injure, disable and even kill.

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