Report finds 'shortcomings,' no misconduct on DC National Guard helicopter at George Floyd protests

An Army investigation has found the D.C. National Guard's use of helicopters during the protests last summer in the nation's capital after George Floyd's death several "shortcomings" but found no evidence of misconduct. 

The report released Wednesday found several "organizational, resources and oversight shortcomings" in how helicopters were implemented. The report cited incidents of helicopters flying as low as 100 feet above protesters, kicked up wind and debris while shining glaring light on city streets.

"The decisions to use the helicopters in support of the civil disturbance operations were reasonable given the emergent nature of the situation," according to the investigation finding.

While the report, obtained by the news website DCist, conclude the troops did not engage in misconduct but had "a systemic lack of understanding" on the situation. 

The protests, among many around the world after Floyd was killed in Minneapolis police custody, were mostly peaceful but included vandalism and damage to businesses and other properties, many of which still remained boarded up and closed.