Minneapolis Uprising: The Murder of George Floyd

July 2021

Minneapolis Uprising – July 2021

July 1–31, 2021 Minneapolis

July 2021 in Minneapolis unfolded during a summer marked by ongoing protest activity and intensified debate over public safety policy. Protesters organized marches, rallies, and neighborhood events focused on structural reform, police accountability, and the upcoming ballot initiative that would ask voters whether to replace the Minneapolis Police Department with a new Department of Public Safety.

George Floyd Square remained an active protest and memorial space, with volunteers and organizers continuing daily stewardship. Cultural programming, music, and community gatherings sustained visibility at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, reinforcing its role as both a commemorative site and organizing hub.

Across the city, campaign messaging around the proposed charter amendment became more prominent. Protesters and advocacy groups worked to translate sustained protest energy into electoral engagement, framing the coming vote as a decisive moment in the movement’s trajectory.

Key dates

Early July 2021 — Summer protests and organizing events continue across Minneapolis.
Mid-July 2021 — Public campaigning intensifies around the public safety charter amendment.
July 2021 — Continued protest presence and programming at George Floyd Square.

← Prev

Year Index

Abolish The Police No Cops in Minneapolis — *July 2, 2021* — Graffiti reading "Abolish the Police" and "No Cops" adorns the concrete wall of a parking ramp in Minneapolis. This location is significant as the site where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement officers on June 3rd. A week later, Deona Marie was killed when a vehicle drove through barricades at a protest related to Smith's death.

*July 2, 2021* — The "Wince Marie Peace Garden 4 Ever" message, written in chalk, appears on a planter box at Seven Points Mall in Minneapolis. This memorial was created in the vicinity of where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement in June 2020.

Winston Smith Memorial on top of parking ramp — *July 2, 2021* — A memorial for Winston Smith is arranged on the rooftop of a parking ramp in Uptown Minneapolis. Smith died on June 3, 2021, after being shot by law enforcement officers who were attempting to arrest him. The memorial includes numerous candles, flowers, and signs, and is located on the same parking ramp where the incident occurred.

Wince Marie Peace Garden at Lake Street and Girard Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis at dusk, with lit downtown buildings in the background. — *July 2, 2021* — The Wince Marie Peace Garden sits at Lake Street and Girard Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis. It was established after the deaths of Winston Smith, killed by law enforcement on June 3, 2021, and Deona Marie, killed ten days later when a driver struck a crowd gathered at the site to protest Smith's death.

Minneapolis Outreach Experts in Downtown Minneapolis — *July 3, 2021* — Members of the "Outreach Experts" organization walk along a sidewalk in Downtown Minneapolis. The group, identifiable by their matching yellow t-shirts, appears to be engaged in community outreach activities.

Fire burns behind barricades on East Lake Street in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood at night. — *July 3, 2021* — Protesters close down the streets near the Winston Smith and Deona Marie memorials in Uptown Minneapolis. Winston Smith was killed by Hennepin and Ramsey County Sheriffs officers who were part of a Federal Task Force on June 3rd.   On June 10th, Deona Marie was killed when a protester drove his vehicle through barricades setup to protect those protesting the death of Winston Smith.

Burning barricade blocks Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis near Lake Street during unrest — *July 3, 2021* — Protesters close down the streets near the Winston Smith and Deona Marie memorials in Uptown Minneapolis. Winston Smith was killed by Hennepin and Ramsey County Sheriffs officers who were part of a Federal Task Force on June 3rd.   On June 10th, Deona Marie was killed when a protester drove his vehicle through barricades setup to protect those protesting the death of Winston Smith.

Winston Smith mural in Uptown Minneapolis — *July 3, 2021* — This mural, featuring the name "Winston" in bold lettering, is located on a brick wall in Uptown Minneapolis. Above the main artwork, the phrase "REST IN POWER" is visible in black spray paint. The mural refers to Winston Smith who was killed by a federal task force on top of the nearby parking ramp a moth prior.

Sun Dog at George Floyd Square — *July 5, 2021* — A sun dog, an atmospheric optical phenomenon, is visible above George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. This intersection became a focal point for protests and activism following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The memorial at the square serves as a space for remembrance, community gathering, and continued calls for racial justice. The "Where There's People There's Power" mural on the nearby gas station reflects the spirit of the ongoing movement.

Stop The Cover Up graffiti in Minneapolis — *July 5, 2021* — The "Wince Way" protest zone in Uptown Minneapolis was established following the deaths of Winston Smith on June 3, 2021, and Deona Marie ten days later. Winston Smith was killed by a federal task force who was attempting to serve a warrant and Deona Marie was killed when a drunk driver drove through protest barricades.

Seven Points Parking Ramp Graffiti — *July 5, 2021* — Memorials for Winston Smith at the location he was killed by a Federal Task Force on June 3rd in Uptown Minneapolis at the Seven Points ramp.

Minneapolis Fire at Stellas in Uptown Minneapolis — *July 6, 2021* — Minneapolis Fire Department crews responded to a dumpster fire behind Stella's Fish Cafe in Uptown Minneapolis. The fire caused an estimated $53,000 in damage to the restaurant.

Casablanca Foods reflections — *July 6, 2021* — Casablanca Foods, a grocery store located in South Minneapolis, is seen here on a rainy evening. The store offers a variety of goods including groceries, frozen foods, phone cards, and money transfers, and accepts EBT and WIC.

No Racists Allowed at George Floyd Square — *July 6, 2021* — Signs mark the entrance to the "Free State of George Floyd" in Minneapolis on a rainy night. This area known as George Floyd Square was established in the wake of George Floyd's murder in May 2020.

Barricades on Hennepin and Lagoon in Minneapolis — *July 7, 2021* — Barricades were erected at the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Lagoon Avenue in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood during protests following the killing of WInston Smith and illicit street racing.

Barricaded Streets in Uptown Minneapolis July 2021 — *July 8, 2021* — Barricades were erected at the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Lagoon Avenue in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood during the unrest that followed the killing of Winston Smith.

Dumpster Fires in Uptown Minneapolis — *July 8, 2021* — Fires burn at the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Lagoon Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis on June 3, 2021, following protests. The unrest occurred in the days after Winston Smith, a Black man, was killed by police.

Minneapolis Police at the Winston Smith Protest — *July 8, 2021* — Minneapolis Police officers respond to attempt to clear out a protest garden outside Seven Points Parking Ramp. There have been sustained protests outside the parking ramp following the law enforcement killing of Winston Smith.

Minneapolis police at Winston Smith peace garden — *July 8, 2021* — Minneapolis Police officers are present at the Winston Smith Peace Garden in Uptown Minneapolis. The garden was established on a site where Winston Smith, a Black man, was killed by law enforcement in 2021.

Power to the People in Uptown Minneapolis — *July 8, 2021* — Minneapolis Police officers are present near a memorial for Winston Smith Jr. in the Uptown neighborhood on July 14, 2021. The memorial, known as the "Wince Marie Peace Garden," was established following Smith's death earlier that month. Smith, a Black man, was killed by sheriff's deputies and federal marshals, sparking protests and unrest in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis Police and Winston Smith protesters — *July 8, 2021* — Police vehicles are present on W Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis during a protest related to Winston Smith. Protesters had previously shut down streets in the area, and police declared an unlawful assembly.

Air quality alerts and Downtown Minneapolis — *July 11, 2021* — The Minneapolis skyline is obscured by wildfire smoke, a recurring environmental issue impacting the region. Interstate 35W, a major north-south freeway, is visible in the foreground, marked by construction cones and barriers, indicating ongoing infrastructure work.

Winston Smith Memorial Garden clearing — *July 14, 2021* — Private security clears out the Winston Smith and Deona Marie memorial in Uptown Minneapolis. Some of the contractors were carrying restraint zip ties while being armed with military fatigue. The space had been a protest zone after law enforcement killed Winston Smith on June 3rd. Deona Marie was killed 10 days later when a man drove through barricades into the protesters.

Fencing goes up at Winston Smith protest site — *July 14, 2021* — Minneapolis Police and private security cleared the lot at the former Wince Marie Memorial Garden on July 17, 2021, and erected fencing. This action followed a protest related to Winston Smith, whose death in June 2021 sparked demonstrations in the city. The site had been occupied by activists who established a "guerrilla garden" in memory of Smith.

Private security at peace garden in Minneapolis — *July 14, 2021* — Private security personnel, some armed with restraint zip ties and wearing military-style fatigues, are seen clearing the Winston Smith and Deona Marie memorial site in Uptown Minneapolis. This memorial was established in a protest zone following the law enforcement killing of Winston Smith on June 3rd. Deona Marie was killed ten days later when a vehicle drove through barricades into protesters.

Armed private security at Seven Points protest — *July 14, 2021* — A private security guard stands near the Seven Points Mall protest site in Minneapolis. The area was a protest zone following the law enforcement killing of Winston Smith on June 3rd, and the subsequent death of Deona Marie ten days later when a vehicle drove through barricades into protesters. The security personnel were observed carrying restraint zip ties and were armed, wearing military-style fatigue uniforms.

Private security at Seven Points — *July 14, 2021* — Private security personnel, identified as Conflict Resolution Group (CRG), are seen placing traffic cones outside the Seven Points Mall parking garage in Minneapolis. This occurred during a period of civil unrest in the city, following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The presence of private security, alongside law enforcement, was a common sight during protests and demonstrations in Minneapolis throughout the summer of 2020.

Signs outside the newly cleared Winston Smith Protest — *July 14, 2021* — Memorial signs for Winston Smith and Deona Marie Knajdek are placed near barricades at the former Seven Points Mall site in Minneapolis. These signs, some reading "Winston Smith Was Assassinated" and "This Is A Peace Garden NO Alcohol," were part of a memorial that emerged following protests and unrest in the city. The site has been the subject of ongoing activism and remembrance, particularly after the killing of Winston Smith by private security forces in June 2021.

Deona Marie Memorial after clearing by police — *July 14, 2021* — The Deona Marie Memorial Site in Uptown Minneapolis is shown after being cleared by private security contractors. The memorial, initially a guerrilla garden, was established in honor of Deona Marie Knajdek, who was killed in a shooting incident in the area. Deona Marie had been protesting the law enforcement killing of Winston Smith when a vehicle drove through street barricades killing her.

Armed private security in Uptown Minneapolis July 2021 — *July 14, 2021* — Private security contractors, some armed and carrying zip ties, clear the Winston Smith and Deona Marie memorial in Uptown Minneapolis. The memorial was established in the space that had served as a protest zone since June 3rd, following the law enforcement killing of Winston Smith. Deona Marie was killed ten days later when a vehicle drove through barricades protecting protesters.

Private Security Surveillance in Uptown — *July 14, 2021* — A private security guard, likely employed by Conflict Resolution Group (CRG), observes Lake Street in Minneapolis from an elevated position. The guard is equipped with binoculars and a spotting scope, suggesting a need for surveillance during a period of civil unrest.

Fencing at Winston Smith protest site July 2021 — *July 14, 2021* — Temporary fencing and concrete barriers surround a parking garage that previously served as a memorial site for Winston Smith and Deona Marie in Minneapolis. The site became a focal point for protests following Smith's death in June 2021.

Protesters climb fencing at Winston Smith protest site — *July 14, 2021* — Protesters are seen climbing a fence outside the Winston Smith Memorial Site in Minneapolis. The memorials, dedicated to Winston Smith and Deona Marie, had been cleared by private security contractors earlier that morning.

Paramilitary Contractors in Uptown — *July 16, 2021* — A sign posted in Uptown Minneapolis reads, "Paramilitary contractors accountable to no one are running around uptown now." Below this, handwritten text states, "They assaulted someone last night." This sign appeared following the deployment of a private security company to patrol the Winston Smith and Deona Marie Memorial sites.

We will not be silent protest sign — *July 16, 2021* — A handmade sign reading "We will not be silent so that you can remain comfortable!" is affixed to security fencing at the intersection of Lake Street and Girard Avenue in Minneapolis. This location became a memorial site following the deaths of Winston Smith and Deona Marie, and the sign reflects the sentiment of ongoing protest and a refusal to accept complacency in the face of injustice.

Deona Marie Memorial after being cleared — *July 22, 2021* — A few candles and flowers remain at the memorial for Deona Knajdek a week after the space was cleared by private security contractors. Knajdek was killed while protesting the law enforcement shooting death of Winston Smith 10 days prior when a car dove through barricades put in place by protesters.

Wince Way sign in Uptown Minneapolis — *July 22, 2021* — A "Wince Way" sign, spray-painted with red and white markings, stands near security fencing outside the Lake & Girard parking ramp and Wince Marie Garden in Uptown Minneapolis. The area had been a place of protest after the law enforcement killing of Winston Smith and protester Deona Marie who was killed by a drunk driver while protesting.

Empty Nicollet Mall pedestrian street at night in downtown Minneapolis, with an enclosed skyway bridge overhead. — *July 28, 2021* — Nicollet Mall runs about twelve blocks through downtown Minneapolis, from Washington Avenue to Grant Street. The city closed it to general traffic in 1967, turning it into a transit and pedestrian corridor reserved for buses, taxis, and bikes. A $50 million redesign by James Corner Field Operations reopened the street in 2017 with new lighting, seating, and a single traffic lane for buses. Enclosed skyways link many of the office towers and retail buildings along the route, letting people move between blocks without going outside.

Metro Transit cameras on Nicollet Mall — *July 28, 2021* — A Metro Transit surveillance unit is positioned on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, outside a Target store and a Wine & Spirits shop. These mobile surveillance units, often referred to as "Tippy Cams," are deployed by law enforcement to monitor public spaces, particularly during events or periods of heightened security concern.

Love Hope Unity mural art — *July 28, 2021* — The "Love Hope Unity" mural, painted in bold red lettering on the asphalt of a parking lot at the intersection of Franklin and Nicollet Avenues in Minneapolis, serves as a visual testament to community resilience.

George Floyd Square and bad air quality — *July 29, 2021* — Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, known as George Floyd Square, is seen under a hazy sky caused by smoke from Canadian wildfires. This area became a focal point for protests and activism following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The "Free State of George Floyd" sign and barricades signify the community's assertion of autonomy and a memorial to Floyd.

Read the demands Justice For Murphy Ranks — *July 29, 2021* — A sign at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis reads "READ THE DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR MURPHY RANKS!" This message was displayed on July 29, 2021, amidst ongoing protests and activism following the murder of George Floyd. The square, established as a site of protest and community organizing, became a focal point for demands for racial justice and police accountability.

Cup Foods and George Floyd Memorial July 2021 — *July 29, 2021* — George Floyd Square in Minneapolis is seen under a haze of smoke from Canadian wildfires, which caused record-breaking air quality issues in Minnesota.

Minneapolis Uprising – July 2021

Minneapolis Photographer