Police line outside Brooklyn Center Police Department as tear gas fills the street during a protest.

Daunte Wright Killed During the Chauvin Trial, April 2021

Daunte Wright was shot and killed by Officer Kim Potter in Brooklyn Center on April 11, nine days before Derek Chauvin was convicted

April 2021 · 171 photographs

2021

April 2021 in Minneapolis was marked by the police killing of Daunte Wright in the nearby suburb of Brooklyn Center and the subsequent unrest that spread across the Twin Cities during the ongoing trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The killing brought immediate protests.

Protests centered around the Brooklyn Center Police Department, where crowds gathered daily calling for accountability and systemic changes to policing. Law enforcement agencies implemented curfews and deployed National Guard units, while officers used crowd-control measures including tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang devices. In Minneapolis, major intersections and corridors again became sites of organized protest activity, with traffic disruptions, barricades, and a visible law enforcement presence shaping movement through the city.

Key dates
  • April 1–10 — The trial of Derek Chauvin continues in downtown Minneapolis under heightened security, with daily testimony drawing national attention.
  • April 11 — Daunte Wright is shot and killed by Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter during a traffic stop, prompting immediate protests.
  • April 12–16 — Demonstrations intensify outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department; curfews are enacted and National Guard units are deployed across the Twin Cities.
  • Mid-April — Law enforcement agencies use crowd-control measures during nightly protests; major roadways and intersections are intermittently closed.
  • April 20 — Derek Chauvin is found guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd, leading to large gatherings and reactions across Minneapolis.
  • April 21–30 — Protests continue alongside community gatherings and memorial activities; public discussions focus on policing reforms and accountability.
Justice 4 Daunte Wright Projection on National Guard vehicleView full post: Justice 4 Daunte Wright Projection on National Guard vehicle
April 15, 2021 - Brooklyn Center, Minn. — Protesters gather for the 5th straight day at the Brooklyn Center Police Department after 20-year old Daunte Wright was shot and killed by a Brooklyn Center Police on April 11th, 2020.
Candle held aloft at a vigil outside Brooklyn Center Police Department after Daunte Wright's killing.View full post: Candlelight Vigil for Daunte Wright at Brooklyn Center PD
April 15, 2021 — A candlelight vigil was held for Daunte Wright outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department on April 14, 2021, the fifth consecutive day of protests following his death. Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by Brooklyn Center Police officer Kim Potter on April 11, 2021, during a traffic stop. The incident sparked widespread protests and calls for police reform in Brooklyn Center, a suburb of Minneapolis.
Protesters with umbrellas outside Brooklyn Center Police Department at night.View full post: Protesters with umbrellas at Brooklyn Center Police Department
April 15, 2021 — Protesters gathered outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department on April 14, 2021, the fifth consecutive day of demonstrations. The protests were sparked by the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, by a Brooklyn Center police officer on April 11, 2021. The events led to widespread unrest in the Minneapolis area, with the National Guard being deployed to maintain order. The Brooklyn Center Police Department is a municipal law enforcement agency serving the city of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.
Police officers guard the Brooklyn Center Police Station, Daunte Wright ProtestView full post: Police officers guard the Brooklyn Center Police Station, Daunte Wright Protest
April 15, 2021 — Protesters gather for the 5th straight day at the Brooklyn Center Police Department after 20-year old Daunte Wright was shot and killed by a Brooklyn Center Police on April 11th, 2020.
Police officers behind fencing during Daunte Wright protestsView full post: Police officers behind fencing during Daunte Wright protests
April 15, 2021 - Brooklyn Center, Minn. — Protesters gather for the 5th straight day at the Brooklyn Center Police Department after 20-year old Daunte Wright was shot and killed by a Brooklyn Center Police on April 11th, 2020.
Anoka County sheriff's deputy in riot gear at the Daunte Wright protest in Brooklyn Center.View full post: Anoka County Sheriff at Daunte Wright Protest, Brooklyn Center
April 15, 2021 — An Anoka County Sheriff's deputy stands guard outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department on April 14, 2021. Protests had been ongoing for four consecutive days following the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, by a Brooklyn Center police officer on April 11, 2021. The incident sparked widespread demonstrations and unrest in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
Protester behind a fence in Minneapolis holds sign demanding murder charges against Kim Potter.View full post: Protester holds sign for murder charges against Kim Potter in Brooklyn Center
April 15, 2021 — A protester holds a sign demanding murder charges against former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter, following the death of Daunte Wright. The protest took place outside the Hennepin County Government Center, a courthouse in Minneapolis. Wright was killed during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center on April 11, 2021, and Potter was later convicted of second-degree manslaughter. The sign also includes the hashtag #DaunteWright, connecting the protest to the broader movement for racial justice and police accountability.
Minnesota National Guard soldiers beside a Humvee on Washington Avenue in Minneapolis during the Chauvin trial.View full post: National Guard on Washington Ave, Minneapolis during Chauvin Trial
April 16, 2021 — Minnesota National Guard soldiers and a Humvee are stationed on Washington Avenue in Minneapolis's North Loop neighborhood during the trial of Derek Chauvin in April 2021. The presence of military personnel was part of "Operation Safety Net," a joint effort by state and local law enforcement and the National Guard to maintain order and protect property during the highly publicized trial. The trial followed the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in May 2020, which sparked widespread protests and unrest in the city and across the nation.
National Guard soldiers and a police officer beside a military vehicle in downtown Minneapolis.View full post: Minneapolis National Guard and Police on Duty During Chauvin Trial
April 17, 2021 — National Guard and Minneapolis Police officers stand on duty near a military vehicle during the trial of Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis. The trial, which concluded in April 2021, stemmed from the May 25th, 2020, killing of George Floyd. The presence of law enforcement and military personnel underscored the heightened tensions in the city following Floyd's death and in anticipation of the trial's verdict.
National Guard Humvee on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis near Hennepin Theatre Trust.View full post: National Guard Humvee on Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
April 17, 2021 — A Minnesota National Guard Humvee is parked on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. The presence of military vehicles on the downtown street reflects the heightened security and civil unrest that occurred in the city following the murder trial of Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd. Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian-oriented street, is a central commercial and cultural hub in Minneapolis, and its use by military vehicles underscores the extraordinary circumstances of the period.
Protest graffiti on plywood outside Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis.View full post: Minneapolis: Protest Art Near Derek Chauvin Trial Site
April 17, 2021 — Graffiti art adorns plywood barriers erected outside a building in Minneapolis, near the Hennepin County Government Center where the trial of Derek Chauvin was held. The messages, including "No Justice No Peace," "BLM," and "Say Their Names," reflect the widespread protests and calls for racial justice that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The artwork served as a public expression of grief, anger, and demands for accountability during a period of intense civil unrest and national attention on police brutality.
Barricades and razor wire around Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct in Minneapolis.View full post: Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct Fortified with Barricades and Razor Wire
April 17, 2021 — The Minneapolis Police Fifth Precinct is shown fortified with concrete barriers and razor wire. This security measure was implemented in response to protests and civil unrest that occurred in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and the subsequent trial of Derek Chauvin. The precinct, located in the Powderhorn neighborhood, also experienced heightened security during the trial of Kim Potter for the killing of Daunte Wright in April 2021. The barriers are a physical manifestation of the increased tensions and security concerns surrounding law enforcement facilities during periods of public outcry.
Hibachi Buffet open signs by the damaged Lake Street Station post office in Minneapolis.View full post: Hibachi Buffet Open Sign, Minneapolis
April 17, 2021 — A hand-painted sign announces that Hibachi Buffet is open for business, with additional signs detailing "Open Togo" specials. This sign is positioned in front of the burned remains of the Lake Street Station post office in Minneapolis. The post office building was damaged during the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and the subsequent trial of Derek Chauvin. The area has seen significant rebuilding efforts, but remnants of the unrest, like this temporary signage, remain visible.
“No Justice No Street” graffiti beside Interstate 35W in Minneapolis.View full post: Minneapolis: “No Justice No Street” Graffiti on 35W
April 17, 2021 — Graffiti reading "No Justice, No Street!" is spray-painted on a white, wave-patterned wall adjacent to Interstate 35W in Minneapolis. This message emerged during the widespread protests and civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and the subsequent trial of Derek Chauvin. The phrase reflects a sentiment of public anger and a demand for accountability and systemic change within the justice system. The location, near a former post office, and the prominent display on a major transportation artery underscore the public nature and urgency of these demands.
National Guard and police at Minneapolis Fifth Precinct behind fencing and razor wire.View full post: National Guard at Minneapolis Police Fifth Precinct
April 17, 2021 — National Guard soldiers and Minneapolis Police officers secure the perimeter of the Minneapolis Police Fifth Precinct in South Minneapolis. The precinct was fortified with concrete barriers and razor wire in response to widespread protests and civil unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd in May 2020 and the subsequent trial of Officer Derek Chauvin. The presence of the National Guard was a visible symbol of the state's response to maintain order during a period of intense public scrutiny and activism.
Protesters outside Brooklyn Center Police Department in Minnesota at night, with a police vehicle behind a fence.View full post: Brooklyn Center Protest for Daunte Wright
April 17, 2021 — Protesters gathered outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department on April 18, 2021, marking the seventh consecutive day of demonstrations. The protests were ignited by the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, by a police officer during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on April 11, 2021. The demonstrations reflect ongoing concerns about police brutality and racial injustice.
Maxine Waters at a protest in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.View full post: Maxine Waters Addresses Protesters in Brooklyn Center
April 17, 2021 — U.S. Representative Maxine Waters addresses protesters gathered outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department on April 15, 2021. The protests, which entered their seventh consecutive day, were in response to the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright by a Brooklyn Center police officer on April 11. Waters, a prominent figure in civil rights and social justice advocacy, traveled to Brooklyn Center to engage with the community and lend her support to the ongoing calls for accountability and reform.
Protest sign at the Minnesota Governor's Residence in St. Paul opposing Operation Safety Net.View full post: Protest at Minnesota Governor’s Residence: Operation Safety Net
April 18, 2021 — Protesters gathered outside the Minnesota Governor's Residence in St. Paul, Minnesota, to protest the treatment of demonstrators during the preceding week. The sign reads, "Dear State – We will win. You will lose. – the People #ENDOPERATIONSAFTEYNET #COMPLY #CHANGEITORREAPIT." This protest occurred in the context of the Minneapolis Uprising, a period of civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd. Operation Safety Net was a coordinated law enforcement response to the protests.
Protester with END MPD sign outside the Minnesota Governor's Residence in St. Paul.View full post: Protester holds END MPD sign at Minnesota Governor’s Residence
April 18, 2021 — Protesters gathered outside the Minnesota Governor's Residence in Saint Paul, Minnesota, holding signs that read "END MPD." This protest occurred in the context of broader demonstrations and unrest following the killing of Daunte Wright by police in nearby Minneapolis. The "END MPD" slogan calls for the dissolution of the Minneapolis Police Department, reflecting deep-seated concerns about police conduct and accountability that have been amplified by recent events.
Protesters march toward the Minnesota Governor's Residence in St. Paul with signs, bicycles, and flags.View full post: Protesters March at Governor’s Residence in St. Paul
April 18, 2021 — Protesters marched towards the Minnesota Governor's Residence in St. Paul to voice their concerns regarding the treatment of demonstrators in the preceding week. The march occurred in the context of ongoing protests related to the killing of Daunte Wright in nearby Minneapolis. This event highlights the intersection of public dissent and governmental response, as citizens gathered to express grievances directly to the state's chief executive.
National Guard outside St. Paul Police Western District station in St. Paul behind fencing and a command tent.View full post: National Guard at St. Paul Police Western District Station
April 18, 2021 — National Guard troops are stationed outside the St. Paul Police Western District station, a facility that serves as a key law enforcement hub for the western part of the city. The presence of military personnel and fortified security measures, including fencing and what appears to be a temporary command tent, indicates a response to significant civil unrest. This deployment occurred in the context of the Daunte Wright protests in April 2021, which led to heightened security across the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The station's architecture is functional, designed to withstand potential threats and maintain operational capacity during emergencies.
Minnesota National Guard Humvees outside Allianz Field in St. Paul.View full post: Minnesota National Guard at Allianz Field, St. Paul
April 18, 2021 — Minnesota National Guard Humvees and personnel are stationed outside Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota. This deployment occurred during "Operation Safety Net," a security measure implemented in response to the Derek Chauvin murder trial in April 2021. The presence of military vehicles and personnel underscored the heightened security concerns and potential for civil unrest in the Twin Cities following the trial and the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Allianz Field, a soccer stadium, was repurposed as a security perimeter during this period.
National Guard troops outside Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct behind security fencing in Minneapolis.View full post: National Guard at Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct During Chauvin Trial
April 18, 2021 — National Guard soldiers are stationed outside the Minneapolis Police Fifth Precinct, a location that became a focal point during the trial of Derek Chauvin. The precinct was heavily fortified with fencing and concrete barriers to prevent damage and maintain order amidst protests following the murder of George Floyd. This security measure was part of "Operation Safety Net," a coordinated effort by law enforcement and the National Guard to manage public safety during the high-profile trial.
Protesters with George Floyd and Daunte Wright signs outside Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis.View full post: Minneapolis Protest for George Floyd and Daunte Wright
April 19, 2021 — Protesters gather outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on April 20, 2021, the day before the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial. The signs reference George Floyd and Daunte Wright, both Black men killed by police in Minneapolis. The protest occurred during a period of heightened tension and activism following Floyd's murder in May 2020 and Wright's death in April 2021. The signs also include messages about vaccination and mask-wearing, reflecting the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Protesters marching in downtown Minneapolis with a justice banner during the Derek Chauvin trial.View full post: Minneapolis Protest for Justice on Chauvin Trial Jury Day
April 19, 2021 — On April 19, 2021, hundreds marched through downtown Minneapolis as the jury began deliberations in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin. This protest was part of ongoing demonstrations that had occurred for nearly a year following the death of George Floyd. The marchers carried signs demanding justice and accountability, reflecting the broader movement for racial equality and police reform that gained national attention in 2020. The event highlighted the continued public engagement with issues of systemic racism and police brutality in the city and across the nation.
Protest marchers in downtown Minneapolis during jury deliberations in the Derek Chauvin trial.View full post: Minneapolis Protest for Justice as Chauvin Trial Jury Deliberates
April 19, 2021 — On April 19, 2021, hundreds marched through downtown Minneapolis as the jury began deliberations in the murder trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. The protest, which continued the year-long demonstrations for racial justice and police accountability, took place on the anniversary of George Floyd's murder. Protesters carried signs with messages such as "Justice for Daunte Wright" and "Black Lives Matter," reflecting broader concerns about police brutality and systemic racism in the United States. The march occurred in the same city where George Floyd's death in police custody sparked widespread unrest and calls for reform.
George Floyd Square memorial at 38th and Chicago in Minneapolis at night.View full post: George Floyd Square Memorial at Night, Minneapolis
April 20, 2021 — George Floyd Square, also known as "The People's Way," is a four-block area in Minneapolis that has been under community control since the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. This memorial was photographed on the evening the jury began deliberations in the Derek Chauvin murder trial. The site serves as a memorial to George Floyd and other victims of racial injustice, and as a space for community organizing and expression.
Campfire and seating at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis beneath Peoples Way signage.View full post: George Floyd Square Campfire, Minneapolis, April 2011
April 20, 2021 — A campfire burns at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, April 2021. The site, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The area was renamed "The People's Way" by activists and served as a space for community gatherings and continued demonstrations against racial injustice. The "Peoples Way" signage visible on the building in the background refers to this renaming.
George Floyd Square at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis with "No Justice No Street" painted on the road.View full post: George Floyd Square, Minneapolis: “No Justice No Street”
April 20, 2021 — George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, became a focal point of protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The area was occupied by protesters for months, transforming it into a community space and a symbol of resistance. The phrase "No Justice No Street" painted on the asphalt reflects the protesters' demands for accountability and systemic change. The square has since become a significant site of remembrance and activism.
Boarded-up Whole Foods Market in Minneapolis during the Derek Chauvin trial.View full post: Minneapolis Whole Foods Boarded Up During Derek Chauvin Trial
April 20, 2021 — A Whole Foods Market in Minneapolis is boarded up with plywood in anticipation of potential unrest following the verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder trial. The trial, which began in March 2021, concerned the death of George Floyd, a Black man whose killing by Chauvin, a white police officer, sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis and across the nation. Businesses across the city took precautionary measures to protect property during this period of heightened tension.
Jesse Jackson arrives at Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis as National Guard troops patrol.View full post: Jesse Jackson arrives at Hennepin County Courthouse during Chauvin trial
April 20, 2021 — Reverend Jesse Jackson, a prominent civil rights leader, arrived at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the trial of Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was charged in the death of George Floyd, which occurred on May 25, 2020, and sparked widespread protests. The courthouse, officially known as the Hennepin County Government Center, is a significant civic building in downtown Minneapolis. The presence of National Guard troops, as seen in the image, underscored the heightened security and tension surrounding the trial and its potential verdict.
Protesters outside Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis with signs during the Chauvin verdict.View full post: Minneapolis: Crowd Gathers at Hennepin County Government Center for Chauvin Verdict
April 20, 2021 — A crowd gathers outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on April 20, 2021, awaiting the verdict in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was charged in the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, an event that sparked widespread protests. The Hennepin County Government Center, located at 300 South 6th Street, serves as the administrative hub for Hennepin County government and houses courts and offices.
Brandyn Tulloch speaks to a crowd at Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis.View full post: Brandyn Tulloch speaks at Hennepin County Government Center
April 20, 2021 — Brandyn Tulloch addresses a crowd gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on April 20, 2021. The gathering occurred as anticipation grew for the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, who was charged in the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd. The Hennepin County Government Center is a prominent courthouse and administrative building in downtown Minneapolis, serving as the seat of county government and a key location for legal proceedings in the region.
Minnesota National Guard troops at Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis.View full post: National Guard at Hennepin County Government Center, Minneapolis
April 20, 2021 — Members of the Minnesota National Guard were stationed outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on April 20, 2021. Their presence was in anticipation of the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer charged in the murder of George Floyd. The Hennepin County Government Center serves as a primary administrative and judicial hub for the county, and its security was heightened during this period of significant public attention and potential unrest.
Man with Black Lives Matter flag at Hennepin County Government Center protest in Minneapolis.View full post: Minneapolis: Black Lives Matter flag at Chauvin verdict protest
April 20, 2021 — On April 20, 2021, crowds gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis to mark the guilty verdict in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was found guilty on all three counts for the killing of George Floyd. The verdict was a significant moment in the ongoing national conversation about racial justice and police accountability, following widespread protests that began in Minneapolis in the summer of 2020.
George Floyd's family leaves Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis after the Chauvin verdict.View full post: George Floyd Family Leaves Hennepin County Courthouse After Verdict
April 20, 2021 — The family of George Floyd departs the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on April 20, 2021, following the guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd's death. The verdict was seen as a significant moment in the ongoing national reckoning with racial injustice and police brutality.
Roxie Washington leaves Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis after the Derek Chauvin verdict.View full post: George Floyd’s family leaves Hennepin County Courthouse after verdict
April 20, 2021 — Roxie Washington, the mother of George Floyd’s daughter, leaves the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis following the guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was convicted on April 20, 2021, of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter for his role in Floyd's death. The verdict was seen as a significant moment in the ongoing national conversation about racial justice and police accountability.
People celebrate outside Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis after the Derek Chauvin verdict.View full post: Minneapolis: Crowd Celebrates Derek Chauvin Verdict at Government Center
April 20, 2021 — A crowd gathers outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis to celebrate the guilty verdict in the murder trial of Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was found guilty on all three counts for the killing of George Floyd, an event that sparked widespread protests and a national reckoning on racial justice. The Hennepin County Government Center is a prominent civic building in downtown Minneapolis, serving as the courthouse for county legal proceedings. The verdict, delivered on April 20, 2021, marked a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for accountability and justice.
Man raising fist from a car outside Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis after Chauvin verdict.View full post: Minneapolis: Fist raised after Chauvin conviction at Hennepin County Center
April 20, 2021 — A crowd gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis reacted to the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin. On April 20, 2021, Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was found guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. The verdict was delivered after a highly publicized trial that drew national attention to issues of police brutality and racial injustice. The Hennepin County Government Center is a prominent civic building in downtown Minneapolis, serving as the seat of county government and a site for significant public events and gatherings.
Crowd outside Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis after the Derek Chauvin verdict.View full post: Minneapolis Courthouse Crowd After Derek Chauvin Verdict
April 20, 2021 — A crowd gathers outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on April 21, 2021, following the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. The verdict in this high-profile trial, held in the same city where Floyd's death occurred, sparked widespread reactions and protests. The Hennepin County Government Center serves as a central hub for county administration and judicial proceedings, and its plaza has been a focal point for public gatherings and demonstrations.
Crowd at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis after the Derek Chauvin verdict.View full post: Minneapolis: Crowds gather at George Floyd Square after Chauvin verdict
April 20, 2021 — Crowds gather at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis following the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. The square, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street, became a focal point for protests and community organizing after Floyd's death in May 2020. The area has been transformed into a memorial and a space for ongoing activism, reflecting the community's demands for racial justice and police accountability. The billboards in the background display messages related to Floyd's death and the broader movement for justice.
Crowd at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis beneath a "Where there's people there's power" sign.View full post: George Floyd Square Gathering After Chauvin Verdict
April 20, 2021 — A crowd gathers at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis following the guilty verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd. The intersection, formerly known as the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests and activism after Floyd's death in May 2020. Signs and banners, including "WHERE THERE'S PEOPLE THERE'S POWER" and "George Floyd was our neighbor. George Floyd's life matters," reflect the community's ongoing engagement with issues of racial justice and police accountability.
Marcia Howard speaks at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis after the Chauvin verdict.View full post: Marcia Howard speaks at George Floyd Square after Chauvin verdict
April 20, 2021 — Marcia Howard addresses a crowd at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis following the guilty verdict in the Derek Chauvin murder trial. The square, an area around the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests against racial injustice and police brutality after George Floyd's death in May 2020. The verdict in Chauvin's trial, a former Minneapolis police officer, was seen as a significant moment in the ongoing movement for racial equity. Howard's speech at this location underscores the square's role as a space for community expression and remembrance.
Jesse Jackson speaks at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis before a crowd and mural.View full post: Jesse Jackson speaks at George Floyd Square, Minneapolis
April 20, 2021 — Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson addresses a crowd at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The square, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street, became a focal point for protests following the May 25, 2020, killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. The area has since been transformed into a memorial and a site for ongoing activism and community gatherings.
Pallbearers carry Daunte Wright's casket at Shiloh Temple in Minneapolis.View full post: Daunte Wright Funeral Service at Shiloh Temple, Minneapolis
April 22, 2021 — Mourners gather for the funeral service of Daunte Wright at Shiloh Temple in North Minneapolis. Wright's death on April 11, 2021, during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, sparked protests and unrest in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. The funeral was held on April 22, 2021, at Shiloh Temple, a prominent church in the city's Northside neighborhood. The service honored Wright's life and brought together community members, activists, and family to mourn his loss and address issues of racial injustice and police brutality.
Children's Minnesota Hospital boarded up in Minneapolis during the Chauvin trial.View full post: Children’s Minnesota Hospital Boarded Up for Chauvin Trial
April 24, 2021 — Children's Minnesota Hospital in South Minneapolis was boarded up in anticipation of potential unrest during the Derek Chauvin murder trial in April 2021. The trial, which followed the death of George Floyd, led to heightened security measures across the city. This hospital, a key medical facility for children in the region, was protected to ensure continued operations and the safety of patients and staff amidst the possibility of civil disturbance.
Boarded storefronts at US Bank Plaza in downtown Minneapolis at night.View full post: Minneapolis: US Bank Plaza boarded during Chauvin Trial aftermath
April 24, 2021 — Buildings in downtown Minneapolis, including the US Bank Plaza, were boarded up in the aftermath of the Derek Chauvin murder trial. The plywood coverings, visible in this image, were a response to potential unrest following the verdict. Three days after Chauvin was found guilty of murder and manslaughter, the boarding began to be removed, signaling a return to normalcy in the city center. The trial, which stemmed from the death of George Floyd, had sparked widespread protests and a period of intense social and political focus on Minneapolis.
Daunte Wright memorial at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, surrounded by flowers and candles.View full post: Daunte Wright Memorial at George Floyd Square, Minneapolis
April 30, 2021 — A memorial for Daunte Wright is visible at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. Wright, a Black man, was fatally shot by Brooklyn Center Police Officer Kim Potter on April 11, 2021, during a traffic stop in nearby Brooklyn Center. The incident sparked protests and unrest in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. George Floyd Square, located in South Minneapolis, became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.
Graffiti on the former Speedway gas station at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis.View full post: George Floyd Square Gas Station: “Fuck Trump Fuck Obama” Graffiti
April 30, 2021 — Graffiti on the former Speedway gas station at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis reads, "they could give everyone shelter, clean water, healthy food, but instead they bomb other countries. fuck trump fuck obama." This message reflects sentiments expressed during the period of unrest following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, when the intersection was occupied and renamed by protesters. The Speedway station became a focal point within the autonomous zone, serving as a site for community gathering and artistic expression. The graffiti critiques perceived government priorities and foreign policy.
"Black Kids Matter" sticker on a light pole at George Floyd Square, Minneapolis.View full post: George Floyd Square: “Black Kids Matter” Sticker on Light Pole
April 30, 2021 — A "Black Kids Matter" sticker is affixed to a weathered yellow light pole in George Floyd Square, located in South Minneapolis. This area became a focal point of protests and activism following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The square, established by protesters at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, served as a space for community organizing and remembrance. The sticker, a symbol of ongoing advocacy for Black youth, reflects the broader social justice movements that have taken root in this significant urban space.
Boarded-up H&M store on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis with a "We're still open" sign.View full post: H&M Store Boarded Up on Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis
April 30, 2021 — The H&M store on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis was boarded up in anticipation of potential unrest following the murder trial of Derek Chauvin. This measure was taken to protect property during a period of heightened public tension and protests. The "We're still open" sign indicates the store's intention to continue operations despite the surrounding circumstances, highlighting the complex interplay between commerce and social events in the urban environment.

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