Rochester Man Facing Rioting Charges

His family seeking legal action

A rochester man is facing charges of rioting in the twin cities following the death of george floyd.

Authorities say junior smith was involved with the riots in the early morning hours of may 31st.

Smith and three others were found in an area where structures were burned... businesses looted and violence took place.

Smith was pulled over in a darkened vehicle without license plates.

Officers ordered the vehicle to stop ?

"* with guns drawn.

Court documents say smith had a gun and backpack with a hammer and spray paint.

Kimt news 3's isabella basco joins us live with more on why junior smith was up there.

Isabella?

Earlier today i spoke with junior smith's mother.

She tells me her son is still in the twin cities but is out of custody.

She says her son is trying to regain possesion of his car and other items. the family is looking into getting an attorney.

Junior smith did give a brief interview with cnn in the twin cities.

Take a listen.

"what we're trying to do is stand up for the basic rights of humanity.

That's what we're trying to do.

We're trying to do it in a peaceful way.

We do not want to do this anymore.

I want to be able to go to a white neighborhood and be safe.

I want to be able to when a cop is driving behind me i don't have to clench and be tense."

Smith went on to say that if you cannot stand up and fight the good fight... something is wrong with you.

Live in rochester ib kimt news 3.

Thanks isabella.

His hearing is set for august.