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USA TODAY

'Light 'em up': Minneapolis officers seen firing paint rounds at people on their porch

Joshua Bote, USA TODAY
2 min read

A video shared on social media appears to show Minneapolis law enforcement shooting marking rounds at people standing on their front porch this weekend.

During the video, which was shared by Minneapolis resident Tanya Kerssen on Saturday evening, a Humvee and an officer dressed in riot gear can be seen passing by her home to enforce curfew.

"Look at this," one unidentified woman says in the video clip. "They just keep coming."

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A group of around 15 to 20 police officers and National Guardsmen then approach the front of the house, shouting "go inside!" five or six times and "get in your house now!" After around 10 seconds of commands, one officer yells, "light 'em up," and starts shooting green paint bullets at Kerssen and other unidentified people, according to the video.

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The group on the porch runs inside. One person was hit with a bullet to their thigh, the video shows.

Paint rounds, or marking rounds, are used by police and military. They are for close-range training, counter-terrorism and urban warfare, among other purposes, according to one munitions vendor, Simunition,

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It is unclear if the video was taken before or after curfew. A FAQ document posted by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety says that individuals can be on their porch during curfew but says people must listen to officers' orders.

"If a law enforcement officer or other public safety official asks you to go inside, or take any other action, you must follow the instruction," the document said.

The curfew for Minneapolis and Saint Paul is in place starting at 10 p.m. Tuesday until 4 a.m. Wednesday. Tuesday from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Neither Kerssen nor the police department immediately responded to a request for comment from USA TODAY.

Follow Joshua Bote on Twitter: @joshua_bote

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: George Floyd protest: Minneapolis cops shoot paint at people on porch

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