Protests over fatal police shootings of two black men

Protesters took to the streets of New York, Chicago and St. Paul, Minnesota on Thursday to express outrage after the second fatal police shooting of a black man in the United States in as many days.

The protests were peaceful but tension was evident after the shootings of Philando Castile, 32, by police near St. Paul on Wednesday and Alton Sterling, 37, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Philando Castile's girlfriend posted live video on the internet of the scene minutes afterward, which was widely viewed.

Graphic video of the death of Alton Sterling's death also caused an outcry on social media.

Protesters held up placards saying 'racism is the disease, revolution is the cure' Credit: Reuters
Huge crowds gather in St. Paul, Minnesota in protest Credit: NBC
In New York, several hundred protesters blocked traffic in Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. Credit: Reuters
The deaths of two black men in police shootings has caused outrage in New York. Credit: Reuters
The protest in St. Paul, Minnesota was peaceful but tension was evident. Credit: NBC