Australians in the US have been warned to avoid large gatherings and follow the advice of American authorities after violent protests, looting and arson erupted coast-to-coast in response to the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd.
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The mass deployment of police and National Guard troops and curfews in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Philadelphia and other major cities failed to halt lawlessness.
"There are protests taking place in a number of US cities and some have announced curfews," the Australian government's Smartraveller travel advice site warned.
"Some protests have turned violent.
"Avoid large gatherings.
"Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media."
The unrest began in Minneapolis after Mr Floyd died on Monday during an arrest on a city street and the four police officers involved were not immediately charged.
Video shot by bystanders showed Mr Floyd handcuffed, face down on the road and one officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on Mr Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes.
Mr Floyd could be heard pleading with officers he could not breathe.
Chauvin was arrested and charged on Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, but peaceful and violent rallies continued.
Police used tear gas and fired rubber bullets in some cities, but with authorities stretched looters and arsonists ran amok.
TV stations broadcast live as looters broke into shopping malls, high-end sneaker stores and other businesses and carried out goods.
Australian Associated Press
