MINNEAPOLIS: Prosecutors have leveled new criminal charges against four policemen in Minneapolis who have been implicated in the death of George Floyd, a black man, pinned by his neck to the street by a policeman in custody that sparked nationwide protest and civil strife in the US.

The new charge filed against one officer and the arrest of three others accused of playing a role in the killing of Floyd came as nights of escalating unrest gave way to peaceful protests.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered near the White House lit up their mobile phone flashlights and sang along to the 1970s soul tune “Lean on Me”.

A number of demonstrators also urged some of their provocative cohorts to stop taunting police and leave.

Several cities in the US lifted curfews imposed for the past few days.

Meanwhile, in New York City’s Brooklyn, police charged into a crowd defying a local curfew.

(With inputs from Agencies)