YouTube star Jake Paul denies looting mall in Arizona during George Floyd protests

As a video of Jake Paul standing inside a looted mall in Scottsdale emerged on social media, YouTube star took to Twitter to deny taking part in looting. Amid protests over George Floyd’s death, looting was reportedly rampant in downtown Washington and elsewhere in country. As per reports, protesters broke into malls, Capital Bank, coffee shops and jewellery shops. A video of protesters looting and vandalising a mall also went viral after which people pointed out that Jake Paul was also involved in one such incident. 

READ: George Floyd's Death: More Than 15 People Arrested During Charlotte Protests

Paul denies involvement in looting

However, Paul, who has nearly 20 million scribers on YouTube said that he had been protesting against police killing of Floyd in Minneapolis earlier. In a statement posted on Twitter, 23-year-old said that he r anyone in his group was engd in any looting or vandalism. He furr also mentioned that he and his companions were tear-gassed by police was filming ‘events and brutality’ that were being unfolded in Arizona. 

In his statement, he said, “We were gassed and forced to keep moving on foot. We filmed everything we saw in an effort to share out experience and bring more attention to anger felt in every neighbourhood we travelled through; we were strictly documenting, t engaging”. 

He added, “I do t condone violence, looting or breaking law. However, I understand anger and frustration that led to destruction we witnessed, and while it’s t answer, it’s important that people see it, and collectively figure out how to move forward in a healthy way”. 

READ: Looting Rampant In Downtown Washington Amid Protests Over George Floyd's Death

Meanwhile, protest over death of George Floyd continue in United States. George Floyd died in police custody and his tragic death has angered millions across world. Demonstrators reportedly said that focus of protests is alleged institutional bigotry in American police forces. In viral foot, police officer, who has w been arrested, could be seen kneeling over Floyd’s neck while he was struggling for breath while being handcuffed. All four police officers involved in 46-year-old’s arrest have been fired and Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a federal civil rights inquiry.

READ: Lewis Hamilton Lashes Out At F1 Community For Silence Over George Floyd's Death

READ: George Floyd Protests Live Updates: 'Will Always Stand Against Violence & Disorder': Trump