January 2021 | Chad Davis Photography

Speedway Gas Station Reopening on Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis

Speedway gas station preparing to reopen following a rebuilt after being burned down in May 2020.

Gas Station, Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Riot, Riot Damage, Speedway, Uptown Minneapolis

Protesters march in St. Paul, Minnesota, holding a banner that reads "We want SOUP FOR MY FAMILY and YOURS." The banner features stylized figures and a vibrant color scheme, contrasting with the overcast sky and urban backdrop. This protest likely relates to social justice issues, possibly advocating for food security or economic relief, as suggested by the slogan. The presence of the Minneapolis Uprising keywords indicates a connection to broader social movements in the region.

St. Paul Protest: “We want soup for my family and yours” banner

Protesters march in St. Paul holding up a sign reading “We want soup for my family and yours”.

March, Minnesota, Protest, Protest Sign, Rally

The AutoZone on W. Lake Street in Minneapolis is shown under winter construction cover, signifying its rebuilding after damage sustained during the 2020 civil unrest. While another AutoZone location on East Lake Street was the first building to burn, this W. Lake Street store represents the initial complete reconstruction effort in the area. The rebuilding of businesses like this AutoZone is a key aspect of the ongoing redevelopment and recovery of the Lake Street corridor.

Rebuilt AutoZone on W. Lake Street, Minneapolis, Under Winter Cover

While the Autozone on East Lake was the first building to burn during unrest, the Autozone on W. Lake is the first building to be completely rebuilt.

Autozone, Lake Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Redevelopment, Retail Store, Riot, Riot Damage

Barricades at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on January 23, 2021, during a snowfall. This area became a protest zone following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The barricades, adorned with messages such as "RESPECT ONE ANOTHER" and "YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE FREE STATE OF GEORGE FLOYD," signify the community's assertion of control and memorialization of the event. The "RESIDENTS ONLY" signs indicate restricted access, reflecting the self-governance established by protesters.

George Floyd Square Barricades in Snow, Minneapolis

Barricades at George Floyd Square on January 23, 2021. The area has been a protest zone since the May 2020 murder of George Floyd.

Barricade, George Floyd, George Floyd Square, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Protest, South Minneapolis

A sign marking George Floyd Square stands in the snow at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and East 38th Street in Minneapolis. This location became a focal point for protests and activism following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The square, initially an occupied protest zone, has since been transformed into a memorial and community space, reflecting ongoing efforts to address racial injustice and police brutality. The repurposed Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board sign signifies the area's transition and its enduring importance as a site of remembrance and civic engagement.

Minneapolis Park & Rec Sign at George Floyd Square in Snow

A repurposed Minneapolis Park & Recreation sign at George Floyd Square.

Chicago Ave, E 38th St, George Floyd, George Floyd Square, Memorial, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Protest, Sign, South Minneapolis

George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 23, 2021, during a snowfall. This site, located at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The area, often referred to as the George Floyd Memorial, has been maintained by activists and community members as a space for remembrance and continued activism. The memorial features numerous tributes, including flowers, signs, and personal items, placed amidst the snow.

George Floyd Memorial in Minneapolis Under Snow

George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on a snowy January 23, 2021. The area has been a protest zone since May 2020.

E 38th St, George Floyd, George Floyd Memorial, George Floyd Square, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Protest, Protest Zone

The former Speedway gas station at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, now known as George Floyd Square, served as a focal point for protests following George Floyd's murder in May 2020. The sign displays "GEORGE FLOYD TRIAL IN 44 DAYS," indicating the proximity to the Derek Chauvin trial. This location became a symbol of the Minneapolis Uprising and a community-organized space, referred to as "The People's Way," where residents asserted their presence and demands for justice. The "BLACK JOY" banner visible in the image reflects the ongoing cultural and social significance of the square amidst the backdrop of legal proceedings and community activism.

George Floyd Trial Countdown at 38th and Chicago, Minneapolis

Countdown to the Derek Chauvin trial on the former Speedway Gas station at 38th and Chicago, George Floyd Square.

Chicago Ave, E 38th St, George Floyd, George Floyd Square, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Protest, Protest Zone, South Minneapolis, Speedway, The People's Way, Trial

The George Floyd Square Memorial, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and East 38th Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota, stands as a testament to the protests and uprisings that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. This site, which was occupied by protesters for over a year, has become a permanent memorial and a gathering place for community remembrance and activism. The memorial features various tributes, including flowers, candles, and artwork, arranged around a central monument. Despite the winter snow, the site remains a significant location for reflecting on racial justice and police brutality.

George Floyd Square Memorial in Snow, Minneapolis

Snow falls over the metal fist at George Floyd Square.

Art, Chicago Ave, Cup Foods, E 38th St, George Floyd, George Floyd Memorial, George Floyd Square, Memorial, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Protest, South Minneapolis

Protesters gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul during winter. The "Stop the Steal" movement, which falsely claimed widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election, organized protests across the United States. This event at the Minnesota State Capitol, a significant government building designed by Cass Gilbert and completed in 1905, reflects the broader national unrest and challenges to democratic processes that occurred following the election. The presence of American flags and the winter setting are characteristic of the period's political climate and the geographic location.

Protesters at Minnesota State Capitol in Winter

Trump supporters continuing to gather at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Minnesota, Minnesota State Capitol, Police, Stop The Steal

The interior of a Walgreens store on E Lake Street in Minneapolis, showing extensive damage sustained during the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The unrest led to widespread protests and riots across the city, resulting in significant property destruction. This particular store became a symbol of the damage inflicted on local businesses and the community during that period. The image captures the aftermath, with debris and structural damage visible, contrasted by the illuminated street outside.

Walgreens on E Lake Street, Minneapolis, Post-Riot Damage

Inside the gutted Walgreens building that was destroyed during Minneapolis riots.

Burned Building, Lake Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Riot, Riot Damage, Walgreens

Graffiti on the exterior of the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct reads "We'll Burn This Bitch Again" and "Fuck 12." The precinct building was abandoned by police and subsequently set ablaze by protesters on May 28, 2020, during the unrest following the murder of George Floyd. The building has remained vacant and unrepaired since the incident, serving as a visual reminder of the protests and the community's response to police actions. The graffiti reflects the anger and defiance expressed by some during the period of civil unrest.

Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct Graffiti: “We’ll Burn This Bitch Again”

Graffiti on the Minneapolis Police third precinct that reads “We’ll burn this bitch again” and “Fuck 12”. The precinct has been vacant since it was abandoned by the Minneapolis Police and burned by protesters on May 28th, 2020.

Fuck 12, Graffiti, Minneapolis, Minneapolis Police, Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct, Minnesota

Graffiti and messages are displayed on concrete barricades that surrounded the Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd Precinct. The precinct was a focal point during the 2020 Minneapolis uprising, following the murder of George Floyd. The messages reflect the complex sentiments expressed during the period of unrest, with one card offering a "Merry Christmas" to the MPD, while large red spray paint reads "Fuck Your Precinct." These markings serve as a visual record of the intense public reaction and protest directed at law enforcement during that time.

Graffiti on Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct Barricades

A “Merry Christmas” message to the Minneapolis Police pasted to the side of concrete barricades surrounding the former third precinct.

Graffiti, Minneapolis, Minneapolis Police, Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct, Minnesota, Police Station

A protester holds a sign reading "THE POLICE ARE THE BIGGEST GANG IN AMERICA" attributed to Tupac, during a march on Inauguration Day in Minneapolis. The march, which began at South High School and proceeded to the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct, was organized to advocate for community control of the police and for President Biden to reverse Trump-era environmental policies. This event occurred amidst ongoing national discussions about policing and environmental justice.

Minneapolis Protest: “Police Are The Biggest Gang” Sign

100 protesters marched on Inauguration Day from South High to the 3rd precinct. Among the demands were for Biden to reverse Trump climate change & environmental policies and community control of police.

Lake Street, March, Minneapolis, Minneapolis Police, Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct, Minnesota, Police Station, Protest, Protest Sign, Protester, Rally, South Minneapolis

Protesters at 3rd Precinct on Inauguration Day

Protesters at Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct on Inauguration Day

Protesters return to the burned Minneapolis Police Third Precinct on Inauguration Day asking for community control of the police. Less than 3 weeks prior, Dolal Idd was killed by Minneapolis Police during a firearm sting. The Minneapolis Police released video showing what they say was Dolal Idd shooting at them first through the car window.

Dolal Idd, Lake Street, March, Minneapolis, Minneapolis Police, Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct, Minnesota, Police Station, Protest, Protester, Rally, South Minneapolis

Protesters gathered outside the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2021, to advocate for community control of the police. The precinct had been set ablaze during protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and was still under reconstruction. This demonstration occurred less than three weeks after the fatal police shooting of Dolal Idd, an event that further fueled tensions and calls for police reform in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct Protest on Inauguration Day

Protesters return to the burned Minneapolis Police Third Precinct on Inauguration day asking for community control of the police.Less than 3 weeks prior, Dolal Idd was killed by Minneapolis Police during a firearm sting. The Minneapolis Police released video showing what they say was Dolal Idd shooting at them first through the car window.

Lake Street, March, Minneapolis, Minneapolis Police, Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct, Minnesota, Protest, Protest Sign, Protester, Rally, South Minneapolis

On Inauguration Day, January 20, 2021, approximately 100 protesters marched through Minneapolis. The march began at South High School and proceeded to the 3rd Precinct police station. Demonstrators voiced demands for President Biden to reverse Trump-era environmental policies and called for community control of the police. The march took place on Lake Street, a major thoroughfare in South Minneapolis that has been a site of significant activism and community organizing.

Minneapolis Protesters March on Inauguration Day

Around 100 protesters marched on Inauguration Day from South High to the 3rd precinct. Among the demands were for Biden to reverse Trump climate change & environmental policies and community control of police.

Lake Street, March, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Protest, Protester, Rally, South Minneapolis

George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota, became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The site, including the Cup Foods store where Floyd was apprehended, was transformed into a memorial and autonomous zone. This image shows the memorial on Martin Luther King Day, featuring a metal fist sculpture that replaced earlier iterations, symbolizing community strength and resilience. The memorial continues to serve as a space for remembrance and activism.

George Floyd Square Memorial at 38th and Chicago, Minneapolis

On Martin Luther King day a metal fist replaced what was originally a wooden first and then a wooden hand. “Like the materials of the Black Power fist that stand in the center of the Square, we are evolving and becoming a stronger community every day.”

Art, Chicago Ave, Cup Foods, E 38th St, George Floyd, George Floyd Square, Memorial, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mural, South Minneapolis

Minnesota State Patrol officers are stationed at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on January 6, 2021. The presence of law enforcement followed reports of potential protests, occurring on the same day as the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. The Minnesota State Capitol building, designed by architect Cass Gilbert, was completed in 1905 and serves as the seat of government for the state of Minnesota.

Minnesota State Patrol at State Capitol Amidst Protest Reports

Minnesota State Patrol guards the State Capitol on reports of possible protests following a January 6th, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol. 3 Trump supporters at a rally.

Minnesota, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Patrol, Protest, Protester, Stop The Steal

A Minnesota National Guard Humvee is parked near the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul during a period of civil unrest. The presence of military vehicles at the state capitol complex often indicates heightened security measures in response to protests or other public safety concerns. The Minnesota State Capitol building, completed in 1905, serves as the seat of government for the state of Minnesota and is a significant historical landmark.

National Guard Humvee at Minnesota State Capitol in Snow

Minnesota National Guard stationed around the Minnesota State Capitol.

Minnesota, Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Patrol, Protest, Protester, Stop The Steal

Minnesota State Patrol officers, including members of the Special Response Team, are stationed at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. This presence was in response to reports of potential protests following the January 6th, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The image shows officers in tactical gear and an armored vehicle, indicating a heightened security posture. The presence of individuals associated with a "Stop The Steal" rally, as suggested by the keywords, underscores the political tensions of the period.

MN State Patrol Guards Capitol Amidst Protest Following Jan 6th

Minnesota State Patrol guards the State Capitol on reports of possible protests following a January 6th, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol. 3 Trump supporters at a rally.

Minnesota, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Patrol, Protest, Protester, Stop The Steal, Trump

Minnesota State Patrol officers stand guard at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on January 6, 2021. The presence of law enforcement was in response to reports of potential protests following the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. that same day. The "Stop The Steal" movement, which falsely claimed widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election, organized rallies across the country.

MN State Capitol security during Stop The Steal protest

Minnesota State Patrol guards the State Capitol on reports of possible protests following a January 6th, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol. 3 Trump supporters at a rally.

Minnesota, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Patrol, Protest, Protester, Stop The Steal

Protesters at Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul

Minnesota State Patrol guards the State Capitol on reports of possible protests following a January 6th, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol. 3 Trump supporters at a rally.

Minnesota, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Patrol, Protest, Protester, Stop The Steal

Minnesota National Guard and State Patrol officers maintain a perimeter around the Minnesota State Capitol building in St. Paul. The presence of military and law enforcement vehicles and personnel suggests a response to a significant public event or protest. The Minnesota State Capitol, completed in 1905, is a Beaux-Arts style building that houses the state's legislative and judicial branches.

National Guard and State Patrol at Minnesota Capitol Protest

Minnesota National Guard and the State Patrol stationed around the Minnesota State Capitol.

Minnesota, Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Patrol

Minnesota National Guard members stand near a Humvee at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. The heightened security was in response to threats of violence at state capitols nationwide following the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. A small pro-Trump rally was also taking place at the Minnesota State Capitol that day. The presence of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the National Guard, underscored the tense atmosphere and concerns for public safety.

Minnesota National Guard at State Capitol Amidst High Security

Minnesota National Guard leader Shawn Manke at the Minnesota State Capitol where security was high following violence at the US Capitol. A pro-Trump rally at the Minnesota State Capitol had about 20 in attendance. The Capitol was heavily secured by Ramsey County, St. Paul Police, DNR Conservation Officers, State Patrol and the National Guard after reports of possible violence at State Capitols.

Minnesota, Minnesota National Guard, Minnesota State Capitol, Protest

Security forces, including the National Guard, State Patrol, and local law enforcement, were present at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul during a pro-Trump rally. The event, which drew approximately 20 attendees, occurred amidst heightened security concerns following reports of potential violence at state capitols nationwide. The presence of multiple law enforcement agencies underscored the tense political climate of the time, particularly in the context of the "Stop the Steal" movement and its aftermath.

Pro-Trump Rally Security at MN State Capitol

A pro-Trump rally at the Minnesota State Capitol had about 20 in attendance. The Capitol was heavily secured by Ramsey County, St. Paul Police, DNR Conservation Officers, State Patrol and the National Guard after reports of possible violence at State Capitols.

Minnesota, Minnesota State Capitol, National Guard, Protest, Protester, Security, Stop The Steal, Trump

Armed individuals walk near the Minnesota State Capitol building in St. Paul. The presence of armed citizens at a pro-Trump rally, estimated at 20 attendees, occurred amidst heightened security. Law enforcement agencies, including Ramsey County, St. Paul Police, DNR Conservation Officers, State Patrol, and the National Guard, were deployed due to concerns about potential violence at state capitols nationwide.

Armed individuals near Minnesota State Capitol protest

Minnesota, Minnesota State Capitol, Protest, Protester

Minnesota Conservation Officers, identifiable by their uniforms and insignia, are seen on duty in the snow at the Minnesota State Capitol. The officers are equipped with protective gear and firearms, indicating a security presence during a period of unrest or heightened alert. The Minnesota State Capitol building, located in Saint Paul, serves as the seat of government for the state and is a significant historical landmark.

Minnesota Conservation Officers Guard State Capitol in Snow

Law enforcement guards the Minnesota State Capitol.

Minnesota, Minnesota State Capitol, Protest, Security, Trump

Minnesota law enforcement officers are stationed outside the Minnesota State Capitol building in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This image was taken approximately ten days after the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., during which a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump attempted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The heightened security presence at state capitols across the country reflected concerns about potential further unrest.

MN State Capitol Security Amidst Snow

Minnesota law enforcement surround the Minnesota State Capitol about 10 days after the attack on the United States Capitol.

Minnesota, Minnesota State Capitol, Minnesota State Patrol, Protest, Security, Trump

The Cathedral of Saint Paul, a prominent landmark in St. Paul, Minnesota, stands under heavy security during a pro-Trump rally. The presence of a National Guard vehicle and multiple law enforcement agencies underscores the heightened security measures implemented across state capitols following reports of potential violence. The cathedral, completed in 1912, is a significant example of Beaux-Arts architecture and serves as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. The rally, which drew approximately 20 attendees, occurred amidst a period of national unrest and political tension.

Cathedral of Saint Paul with National Guard Vehicle

Church, Minnesota, Minnesota National Guard

The Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul is shown with roads closed and heavy security presence. This was in response to reports of potential violence at state capitols following a pro-Trump rally. The presence of law enforcement from multiple agencies, including the National Guard, underscores the heightened security measures taken to protect the state government building and its surroundings.

Minnesota State Capitol Roads Closed for Rally

Minnesota, Minnesota State Capitol

Barriers and Minnesota State Patrol vehicles secure the Minnesota State Capitol building in St. Paul on the weekend before the Presidential inauguration in January 2021. This security measure followed an FBI affidavit warning of potential protests at state capitols nationwide, prompted by the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The Minnesota State Capitol, designed by architect Cass Gilbert, was completed in 1905 and serves as the seat of government for the state of Minnesota.

Minnesota State Capitol Security Jan 2021

Barriers and State Patrol guard the Minnesota State Capitol the weekend before the Presidential inauguration.

This after an FBI affidavit mentioning potential protests at State Capitols on the weekend of January 16th, 2021 following the January 6th, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol.

Minnesota, Minnesota State Capitol

A digital billboard displays a message from the FBI seeking information regarding the U.S. Capitol violence. The billboard features the FBI seal and an image of the U.S. Capitol building, along with contact information including a website and a phone number. This public appeal was part of the ongoing investigation into the events of January 6, 2021, aiming to gather evidence and identify individuals involved in the attack on the Capitol. The use of digital billboards is a common tactic for law enforcement to reach a broad audience with urgent public safety messages.

FBI Billboard Seeking Tips on U.S. Capitol Violence

An FBI digital billboard seeking information on United States Capitol violence.

Billboard

A lone protester stands outside the Minnesota Governor's Residence in St. Paul, holding a sign that reads "Jesus save America from evil. The steal is real." This message references the "Stop the Steal" movement, which falsely claimed widespread fraud in the 2020 United States presidential election. The presence of barricades and police vehicles suggests a security response, possibly related to ongoing political tensions or protests in the area. The Minnesota Governor's Residence serves as the official home and principal workplace of the state's governor.

Protester with “Jesus Save America” sign at MN Governor’s Residence

A lone protester holds up a sign reading “Jesus save America from evil. The steal is real” outside the Minnesota Governor’s Mansion.

Minnesota, Minnesota Governor's Residence, Protest, Protest Sign, Protester, Stop The Steal, Trump