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Drop the mic, you're going to jail.

That's exactly what happened to CNN reporter Omar Jimenez right in the middle of covering the Minneapolis riots over George Floyd's killing ... but the cops are now saying, oops.

Jimenez was live on the air, just after 5 AM Central Time, when 2 Minnesota State Police officers in riot gear took the mic out of his hands, placed zip ties around his wrists and took him into custody.

At the time, he was standing on the mostly empty street in front of Minneapolis PD's 3rd Precinct which went up in flames Thursday night. State troopers had just arrived on the scene to clear the area, and you could hear Jimenez clearly identify himself as a CNN reporter ... and he also said he and his crew would move wherever cops needed them to go.

The cops weren't in the mood to talk, clearly, and arrested Jimenez and his crew -- but a couple hours later, they were released.

The Minnesota State Patrol says 3 CNN staffers were arrested because officers were "clearing the streets and restoring order." They say all 3 were released "once they were confirmed to be members of the media."

The irony here is pretty obvious -- a black reporter gets arrested while covering riots sparked by the fact a police officer has NOT been arrested for killing a black man, on camera.

CNN's pissed because Jimenez and his crew identified themselves as media while ON THE AIR, mind you. The network says Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz had to step in to expedite the release of their staffers.

It's getting heavy.

The George Floyd killing is sparking massive protests in Minneapolis, and the local NAACP is helping protesters ... by distributing face masks and tips for coping with the danger.

The Minneapolis NAACP plans to help protesters in the city by not only providing face coverings so they can stay safe in the age of COVID-19 but also by teaching techniques on meditation and deep breathing to help relax and cope with Floyd's death ... Leslie Redmond, president of the Minneapolis NAACP tells TMZ.

Leslie says folks in Minneapolis are so upset by Floyd's killing, there is no end in sight to the protests ... so the NAACP is stepping up with face masks, which will come in handy in the face of a respiratory pandemic posing danger to large gatherings.

As for those coping mechanisms ... the Minneapolis NAACP is holding health and wellness Facebook Live sessions aimed at young people, where they can learn to meditate and breathe deeper to relieve stress.

The deep breathing lessons are a case of tragic irony ... Floyd's slow death came at the hands of a cop kneeling on his carotid artery, while witnesses filmed and George told the officer he couldn't breathe.

As we reported ... the protests and riots in Minneapolis have seen violence and looting.

The Minneapolis NAACP says the riots are a byproduct of years of neglect from the city and businesses, coupled with the pandemic.

Leslie says folks in Minny are starving, literally and figuratively, and Floyd's killing is the straw that broke the camels back. She says the NAACP has been trying to sound the alarm for years that something like this could happen, and while she's sad it's descended to this point, she's not surprised.

Redmond says the NAACP looks at the riots and protests "as an uprising of oppressed and hurt people" ... and she says the solution is simple -- police need to stop killing black people.

The NAACP is hoping folks take their messaging to heart ... Leslie says a lot of the protesters in the streets are kids who don't mean harm, and they're just frustrated and need someone to provide guidance.

Madonna tried to honor George Floyd by sharing a video of her teenage son dancing to a Michael Jackson song, but social media is a merciless universe ... especially for Madge, these days.

Thursday, before a third night of protests over Floyd's killing was beginning, Madonna released a 3 and a half-minute clip of her son, David Banda, busting moves to MJ's "They Don't Care About Us."

She wrote ... "As news of George Floyds brutal murder travels around the world my son David Dances to honor and pay tribute to George and His Family and all Acts of Racism and Discrimination that happen on a daily basis in America."

While supportive Madge fans applauded the post and were impressed by David's dancing -- the kid is good -- it didn't go over well with a lot of other people ... who blasted her response to the hot-button issue as insensitive and clueless.

April Reign, the activist who created the #OscarsSoWhite campaign, wrote ... "Nobody asked Madonna to weigh in today. Not a soul. Unforced errors among public figures have been rampant this month." Others sarcastically thanked Madonna for "ending racism."

We'll say this ... Madonna's timing was not good. She posted the vid right around the time federal and local prosecutors held their news conference to say they were NOT arresting officer Derek Chauvin yet for Floyd's death. That non-announcement clearly fueled the rage that turned protests into fiery riots Thursday night.

Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler has apologized for wearing a Blue Lives Matter mask in the wake of George Floyd's tragic death ... saying he "had no idea that the mask had any underlying inferences."

The 27-year-old MLB player posted a picture of himself in a mask featuring a Blue Lives Matter flag ... just days after people accused a Minneapolis cop of killing Floyd by putting his knee to the man's neck.

The mask -- which had a black and grey American flag with a blue stripe in it -- caused tremendous online backlash for Kepler ... but the Berlin, Germany native brushed off the criticism.

"✌️wasn’t aware what the mask supported. still not into politics" Max wrote.

But, that only caused MORE criticism for the MLB player ... and he finally addressed the issue formally in a lengthy statement on his social media page Thursday.

"Earlier, I posted a photo of me in a mask that was sent to me by a company, to wear during the pandemic," Kepler said. "I had no idea that the mask had any underlying inferences -- I simply thought it looked good."

"After I was informed, I immediately took down the post. I take complete responsibility for not knowing what I was wearing. I am truly sorry for the hurt and pain my actions have caused, especially now."

Kepler continued, "Racism has no place in our world and I do not in any way support the actions that we all witnessed that led to George Floyd’s passing. My sympathies are with the Floyd family."

The Twins have not addressed Kepler's picture directly ... but did release a statement of their own Thursday, saying, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless death of George Floyd Monday night in Minneapolis."

"The Minnesota Twins send our deepest sympathies to the Floyd family, and join our Twin Cities community in mourning."

Steve Harvey is moving into Madea's old house ... we've learned the legendary comedian/host and his wife just scooped up Tyler Perry's former Atlanta digs.

The Buckhead mansion once owned by Tyler just sold for a cool $15 million ... and we've learned the buyers are Steve and his wife, Marjorie.

A source connected to Tyler tells TMZ ... "Tyler has a lot of great memories from the house and is happy his friends Steve and Marjorie will be calling it home."

The gated estate rests on 17 acres and is nearly 35,000 square feet. The 7-bedroom mansion is decked out with an underground ballroom, a massive infinity pool with a bar, lighted tennis court, gym, spa, theater, indoor resistance pool, wine cellar and a guest house.

Oh, and get this ... the place even comes with a runway for remote control airplanes!!!

Tyler bought the sprawling property way back in 2007 for $9 million and poured in millions to completely renovate the estate, eventually selling it to evangelist and entrepreneur David Turner in 2016 for $17.5 mil.

Perry's places are a hot commodity among celebs ... Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are staying at Tyler's L.A. mansion while they search for a place of their own.

Kofi Kingston, Chavo Guerrero, Chuck Liddell -- just some of the stars who gathered in Venice, CA on Thursday to remember their friend, Shad Gaspard.

Pro wrestlers like Shelton Benjamin, Lilian Garcia, Chris Masters, Mickie James, John Morrison and Montel Vontavious Porter (aka MVP) stood side by side with MMA stars like Chuck and Josh Barnett.

The event appeared to be a celebration of Shad's life -- the attendees were smiling and flexing afterward.

Of course, Shad passed away on March 17 when he was caught in a riptide while swimming with his 10-year-old son.

Lifeguards rushed out to help them -- but Shad directed them to rescue his son first. Moments later, a giant wave crashed on Gaspard, pulling him under.

Shad has been praised as a hero by superstars like The Rock and Arnold Schwarzenegger ... and a makeshift memorial was erected at the Gold's Gym in Venice where Shad often worked out.

RIP.

The George Floyd demonstrations are at a flashpoint -- some of the people protesting his death, at the hands of a police officer, have set fire to a Minneapolis police station

A massive fire broke out Thursday night at Minneapolis PD's 3rd Precinct ... about 3 miles away from where Floyd was killed. Rioters were seen cheering and setting off fireworks as the building was engulfed in flames.

The police station fire is just one of many that have broken out across the city during the third straight night of protests, looting and riots.

Reports say protestors forcibly entered the building and lit several fires inside. The Minnesota National Guard has been activated and 500 soldiers are on their way to the city. The police department appears to have evacuated the building, and the fire department has not responded.

Again, there are hundreds -- if not thousands -- of people clogging the surrounding streets.

Many people across the city expressed their anger after a news conference held by federal and Hennepin County prosecutors, where they did not announce any charges against the police officers involved in Floyd's death.

On Wednesday, several stores, including a Target and grocery story were hit by rioters and looters.

The adorable, loyal dog that was found standing guard by his dead sister is heading for a much happier ending, hopefully ... a family's coming to adopt him.

As we reported ... the Catahoula mix was found in Texas last week by Kingsville-Kleberg Health Department Animal Control & Care Center officials when they responded to a call of a dog carcass along a stretch of highway.

The little guy refused to leave the side of the deceased pup, believed to be his sister, seemingly to protect her, before being rescued himself. He was appropriately named Guardian.

Since then, Guardian -- who's just 6-12 months old -- has been in the care of the Kingsville-Kleberg animal control workers, who tell TMZ they've received more than 100 inquiries from people and rescue groups about wanting to adopt the viral pooch.

We're told the first person who called expressing interest in giving Guardian a loving home was a woman who said she's had dogs her whole life and can provide him all he needs ... including other pet dogs so Guardian can have some lifelong pals.

The animal control staff says the woman has an appointment to come meet Guardian Friday at 8 AM, and fully intends to pay for his shots and the adoption fee ... and take him home with her.

If it doesn't work out for some reason, we're told there's another potential adopter who can also meet him Friday morning, and clearly ... a lot more dog lovers who'd love to have him in their home, as well.

Here's wishing Guardian -- and his new family -- the very best.

It seems like a long time ago when Kylie Jenner bought and sold her starter home ... but my how time flies cause her old crib's back on the market.

The home that once belonged to the soon-to-be youngest self-made billionaire is on the market again for a cool $3,599,000. Kylie bought the Tuscan villa back in 2015 when she was just 17 years old. The house got a complete makeover and it's a beaut.

The 5-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom house is inside the exclusive gated community of The Oaks in Calabasas. You may recall ... Kylie paid $2.7M in 2015 and sold it 2 years later for $3.15M. It's got all the bells and whistles a future billionaire would want and need.

It's got a media room and detached casita ... plus a white stone fireplace and French doors that open up to the sprawling pool grounds. There's also a gourmet chef's kitchen with Viking appliances that would make any celeb chef go wild. And, if you're into Kylie Cosmetics ... enjoy the optional ensuite bedroom, which was transformed into an ultra-luxe glam room with lighted vanity, mirrored walls and custom drawers.

April Lopez and Jay Ravnikar of The Agency rep the seller.

For Kylie ... buying cribs in the single-digit millions is kind of in her past. As we've reported ... her latest acquisition is a huge lot for a record $15 million in Hidden Hills. There's also the whopping $36.5 million Holmby Hills estate she scooped up earlier this year. Not to mention the other properties in Hidden Hills.

"The Vampire Diaries" star Zach Roerig was allegedly a mess in more ways than one over Memorial Day weekend -- when he got busted for DUI, cops say he urinated in his jail cell.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Zach was busted Sunday around 2:30 AM in Montpelier, Ohio. Police tell us, officers noticed Zach's pickup truck did not have a front license plate, so they pulled him over.

Our sources say when the officer went up to the driver's side window, cops noticed Zach's slurred speech and bloodshot eyes and say he reeked of booze.

We're told police conducted several field sobriety tests during which Zach told the officer, "This is very hard, I can't do this when I'm f***ing ..." and his voice trailed off. The cop asked what he meant, and we're told Zach replied, "When I can't have a beer."

Cops arrested Zach for misdemeanor DUI. When they took him to the station, our sources say he was placed in a holding cell, where he ended up peeing. Long night.

Mackenzie Dern refuses to blame her first UFC loss on the fact she fought just 4 MONTHS after giving birth ... telling TMZ Sports, "I don't regret coming back."

Dern gave birth to her daughter, Moa, on June 9, 2019 -- and somehow managed to get back into fighting shape to take on Amanda Ribas on October 12.

27-year-old Dern (7-1) ultimately lost the fight via unanimous decision -- but now that she's had time to reflect, we asked if she thinks she came back too soon.

"No, definitely not," Dern says ... "I felt good for the fight. I was prepared."

"I lost but ya know I don't think it was because it was too soon. I think Amanda was just better than me that night and she came out with the win and I came out with the loss and that's it."

"I don't regret coming back at that time ... I wish it was a win because then I could of maybe fought sooner again but I'm just happy to be able to be fighting now."

Now, Dern is focusing her energy on Hannah Cifers (10-4) -- they face off Saturday in Las Vegas at UFC Fight Night.

Dern -- one of the top-ranked Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the world -- says her goal is to take the fight to the ground and submit Cifers quickly, "and get home to go see my daughter with no cuts or bruises!"

Before this cute kid with a drenched hairdo was making waves in the music industry with her pop song and smooth voice she was just another sweet, little lady with wet hair growing up in London, England.

This curly little kid traded in her blonde swirly hairstyle once she shot to stardom ... and now famously only rocks jet black hair with bob cuts and blunt bangs.

Although her name was super catchy as a kid (real name Jessica Ellen Cornish) she's chosen a much more abbreviated version of her beautiful birth name as a celebrity.

The family of George Floyd is outraged and crestfallen over what they believe is the same old story -- cops kill a black man, authorities drag their feet and everything gets swept under the rug.

Ben Crump, the attorney who represents the family, tells TMZ they all were optimistic federal and state prosecutors would announce the filing of criminal charges against the 4 officers, but after 2 hours of waiting, authorities announced absolutely nothing.

Crump speaks for lots of people who were incredulous when authorities at the news conference said they needed eyewitnesses and other videos. Crump asks the obvious -- what new videos do they need? They see the cop slowly torture and kill George Floyd, who was in cuffs, on the ground and not resisting ... as his fellow officers did absolutely nothing.

The 911 caller who reported George Floyd to police claimed he was drunk when he entered their store, and allegedly tried to pay with counterfeit money.

Police released the transcript of the call made Monday night around 8 PM by an employee at the Cup Foods ... across the street from where George was initially put in handcuffs. The caller said, "Someone comes our store and give us fake bills and we realize it before he left the store, and we ran back outside, they was sitting on their car."

The caller said they, along with a coworker, asked George to return some cigarettes, but, "he doesn't want to do that, and he's sitting on his car cause he is awfully drunk and he's not in control of himself."

The interaction between the employees and George was visible in the surveillance footage from the restaurant across the street from Cup Foods.

The operator then got a description of George and the blue van where police found him when they arrived on the scene. Before hanging up, the operator asked again if George was under the influence, and the caller said, "Something like that, yes. He is not acting right."

As we reported, when police arrived ... George was in the blue van, but appeared to peacefully allow an officer to put him in handcuffs. He showed no signs of resisting arrest ... for more than 6 minutes. So, even if he was under the influence, it had no visible impact on his demeanor with cops.

Suspended MLB pitcher Felipe Vazquez -- who's already behind bars and facing more than 20 felonies in a child sex case -- has been hit with a new child porn charge in St. Louis, according to reports.

Remember, 28-year-old Vazquez was arrested back in September for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 2017 ... and was also charged with sending nude pictures and videos of himself to the victim.

In docs, obtained by the Trib, Vazquez was charged with a count of "furnishing pornographic materials to a juvenile" in February ... a Class A misdemeanor.

According to the docs, the act allegedly went down from Vazquez's hotel room on July 16 ... when he sent nudes and a video of himself masturbating to a 15-year-old girl.

Worth noting ... the Pirates beat the Cardinals 3-1 that same day, and Vazquez recorded the save for Pittsburgh.

The Westmoreland County, PA Assistant DA told the Trib he believes the minor is the same girl at the center of Vazquez's other charges.

The FBI and local prosecutors in Minneapolis are about to hold a news conference to announce developments -- and possible charges -- in the George Floyd killing.

We're told the announcements will be significant, and possibly accelerated by the unrest in the City following the shocking and unjustified death of Floyd.

In fact, ahead of the news conference, Hennepin County Sheriff's deputies were lined up outside the D.A.'s Office.

The 4 officers involved have been fired, but there are cries for them to be prosecuted for murder.

The City has been gripped by 2 straight nights of protests, fires, tear gas ... and showdowns with police in riot gear.

Floyd's brother and cousin, along with the family lawyer, Ben Crump, appeared on "TMZ Live" and said there can be no justice unless criminal charges are filed. Congresswoman Maxine Waters said it's particularly appalling because she feels the officer who had his knee on George's neck for more than 5 minutes seemed to be enjoying it.