The United States Embassy in Zagreb released a statement on Thursday regarding the protests that have erupted across the US after an African-American man, George Floyd, was killed by the police in the city of Minneapolis last week.

“The United States remains a nation that seeks to support and advance the rule of law and equality inside and outside of our borders. The tragic death of Mr. George Floyd is a heartbreaking reminder of America’s struggle to live up to these principles. It is critical that the voices of peaceful protesters are not overshadowed by those who are using this tragedy to engage in criminal behavior,” the Embassy said. 

Last Monday, George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man, died after a white police officer pressed his knee against his neck for more than eight minutes as he was arresting Floyd for allegedly passing counterfeit money. Three other police officers at the scene restrained Floyd and prevented the bystanders, who took videos of the incident, from intervening.

Floyd’s death sparked widespread protests and demostrations against police violence across all 50 US states, as well as around the world. Initially peaceful, demostrations in some cities became violent as property was damaged and looted and the police were using rubber bullets and tear gas on the protesters. 

As protests continue all across America, all four police officers involved in Floyd’s death were fired and subsequently arrested. Derek Chauvin, the officer who killed Floyd, was charged with second-degree murder while the other three were charged with aiding and abetting. 

“Our support of the fundamental freedoms of speech, press, and peaceful assembly ensures that America remains a place where open debate can take place. Transparent and honest public debate about our struggles, as difficult as it may be, will allow us to move forward as a better and stronger nation,” the US Embassy in Zagreb said.