Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has activated the state’s National Guard to maintain peace in Minneapolis where protests over the death of George Floyd have become violent and destructive.

“It is time to rebuild. Rebuild the city, rebuild our justice system, and rebuild the relationship between law enforcement and those they’re charged to protect,” Walz said in a statement. “George Floyd’s death should lead to justice and systemic change, not more death and destruction.”

Walz signed an executive order Thursday activating the Minnesota National Guard, saying the troops would “protect peaceful demonstrations” in a city where enraged protestors have set a number of buildings ablaze during two days of riots.

“As Governor, I will always defend the right to protest,” Walz added. “It is how we express pain, process tragedy, and create change.”

Floyd, a black man, is seen in a viral video being pinned down by a white Minneapolis police officer with the help of three other cops, and yelling, “I can’t breathe” before he died in police custody Monday.

All four officers involved have been fired. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has called for the prosecution of the officer filmed pinning Floyd down by the neck, Derek Chauvin, while also pleading for the city’s residents to keep the peace.

Floyd’s brother, Philonise Floyd, said he understood the anger among protesters earlier Thursday, though the family has advocated for peaceful demonstrations.

“People are torn and hurt because they’re tired of seeing black men die constantly, over and over again,” he said during a CNN interview.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan added that the troops were needed after Wednesday night’s demonstration “became incredibly unsafe for all involved.”