2020 Stories of the Year graphic
SIOUX FALLS, SD, (KELO.com) — With 2020 finally coming to an end, COVID-19 wasn’t the only thing that made the year what it was.
No one will forget the night of the Empire Mall riots that broke out in May.
A peaceful protest was held downtown in response to the murder of George Floyd, but later that night, police had to surround the Empire Mall to protect it from violent rioters and looters.
Days before, Minneapolis broke out in violence, causing structure fires and shutting down businesses.
The Sioux Falls Police did not want that same thing to occur.
Rioters threw rocks and became violent. Police threw teargas.
Some businesses, like Riddles Jewelry, were robbed and had broken windows.
Gov. Noem activated the National Guard once the violence started.
In the State of Emergency, the City was shut down until morning to keep civilians safe.
