Governor says sorry after black TV reporter arrested while covering George Floyd riots

United State Governor Tim Walz apologised to CNN journalist Omar Jimenez and his two team members, after they were arrested live on television while reporting on violent protests sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of police.

CNN reporter Omar Jimenez is arrested during a live broadcast. Source: CNN, Twitter

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called for an end to the violent protests that have rocked Minneapolis following the death of an unarmed black man in police custody and said he expected "swift" justice for all police officers involved.

All four officers involved in George Floyd's death were fired from the police force after the incident, however only officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on the neck of Mr Floyd for several minutes during the arrest, has been charged.

A supporter holds a photo of George Floyd on the site where the 46-year-old died in police custody. Source: Star Tribune

Mr Walz has promised a reckoning with the racial inequities behind the unrest, but said first the state's National Guard would work to restore order following three nights of arson, looting and vandalism in Minneapolis.

"We have to restore order to our society before we can start addressing the issue," Mr Walz told a briefing, referring to decades of racial divide across the United States. 

"We cannot have the looting and recklessness that went on."

Mr Waltz also apologised to CNN reporter Omar Jimenez and his crew - who were arrested and led off in handcuffs while reporting live on television early on Friday close to a police precinct that was burned overnight.

"This is a very public apology to that team," Mr Walz said.

The crew had just shown a protester being taken into custody when about half a dozen police officers in gas masks surrounded them and began hand cuffing each of them one by one. 

Officers gave no explanation as they escorted Mr Jimenez, his producer and camera operator away, all of which was filmed and streamed live on CNN.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz apologises for CNN crews arrest Source: CNN

The broadcaster tweeted a statement in which it said the crew's arrests was "a clear violation of their First Amendment rights".

"A CNN reporter & his production team were arrested this morning in Minneapolis for doing their jobs, despite identifying themselves - a clear violation of their First Amendment rights. The authorities in Minnesota, incl. the Governor, must release the 3 CNN employees immediately," CNN wrote in a tweet.

The trio were released about an hour after being arrested.