Protests turn dangerous, deadly with five police officers reportedly shot in overnight violence

The protests across the country over George Floyd's death have become increasingly violent and deadly – including at least five police officers who were shot Monday night. 

Four police officers were reportedly hit by gunfire in St. Louis where peaceful protests turned violent in the city’s downtown. Additionally, an officer in Las Vegas was shot amid protests, reportedly outside a casino, according to the Associated Press.

On Friday night, a Federal Protective Service officer was fatally shot guarding a government building in Oakland, California. The officer has now been identified as Patrick Underwood, 53, of Pinole, Calif. Underwood was reportedly killed by gunfire from a vehicle. A fellow officer was critically injured in the attack.

Early Tuesday, a New York police officer in the Bronx borough of the ravaged city was hit by a vehicle in an apparent hit-an-run. In Buffalo, New York, two officers were also reportedly injured when hit by an SUV. 

The violent protests are happening in at least 39 U.S. cities. TV images and videos of people attacked in the protests have underscored the violence. 

The exact number of injuries and deaths is unclear, as officials sort through police and emergency-response reports. 

However, the wire service has recorded several protest-related deaths including a Louisville restaurant owner hit during the crossfire between police and protesters. The mayor fired the city’s police chief because officers failed to activate their body cameras. 

In Indianapolis, two people were reportedly killed over the weekend including Chris Beaty, a former Indiana University football player. The other victim was reportedly an 18-year-old man shot during protests. 

The wire service also reports separate deaths in Minneapolis, where Floyd died after being arrested on May 25 by police, and in Detroit, suburban Chicago and Omaha, Nebraska.