Minneapolis Uprising: The Murder of George Floyd

Minneapolis Uprising – January 2021

January 1–31, 2021 Minneapolis

January 2021 in Minneapolis unfolded amid heightened political tension and preparation for the upcoming criminal trial of former officer Derek Chauvin. Protesters continued organizing marches and rallies focused on accountability and systemic reform, while city and state officials implemented visible security measures around government buildings and key corridors.

George Floyd Square remained an active protest and memorial site despite winter conditions. Volunteers and protesters maintained the space through snow and freezing temperatures, reinforcing its role as both a gathering point and symbol of continued demands for justice.

The month reflected anticipation and vigilance. Protesters sustained pressure through coordinated events and public messaging, signaling that the trial would not mark an endpoint but a critical phase in an ongoing movement.

Key dates

Early January 2021 — Continued winter protests and organizing across Minneapolis.
Mid-January 2021 — Expanded security planning ahead of trial proceedings.
January 2021 — Ongoing protest presence at George Floyd Square.

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*January 1, 2021* — Around a hundred joined a NYE nationwide call for protest supporting those imprisoned by the state. The Minneapolis Police, State Patrol, Golden Valley PD, Hennepin Sheriffs, & state aerial surveillance descended on the area to arrest dozens after the jail was spray-painted.

*January 1, 2021* — Around 100 in Minneapolis joined a NYE nationwide call for protest supporting those imprisoned by the state. After the jail was spray-painted Minneapolis Police, State Patrol, Golden Valley PD, Hennepin Sheriffs, & state aerial surveillance descended on the area to arrest dozens.

*January 1, 2021* — Around 40 were arrested after participating in a annual nationwide "Noise Demonstration" calling for the abolishing of prisons and standing in solidarity with those incarcerated.

*January 3, 2021* — "A riot is the language of the unheard" -- MLK

*January 3, 2021* — Around a thousand protesters gathered outside of the Holiday Gas station at Cedar and 36th in South Minneapolis seeking justice for Dolal Idd. Dolal Idd was shot and killed by Minneapolis Police on December 30th, 2020 during a traffic stop. This was the first police officer killing since George Floyd a mile away on May 25th, 2020.

*January 3, 2021* — Protesters march to George Floyd Square from where Dolal Idd was killed about a mile away.

*January 6, 2021* — Minnesota State Patrol outside the Governor's Mansion while the attack on the US Capitol is occurring. Governor Walz says the State Patrol came into the residence for the first time to remove his son over safety concerns.

*January 6, 2021* — Trump supporters gather at the Minnesota Governor’s Residence after a “Storm The Capitol” event at the Minnesota State Capitol.

*January 6, 2021* — Trump supporters and counter-protesters at the Minnesota Governor’s Residence after a “Storm The Capitol” event at the Minnesota State Capitol.

*January 6, 2021* — Minnesota State Capitol on the evening of an Insurrection at the US Capitol.

*January 6, 2021* — Capella Tower in downtown Minneapolis lit up red, white and blue following the United States Capitol attack.

*January 9, 2021* — “The People’s March” on it’s way in St. Paul. Protesters marching for “Cash not covid”, “Community not cops”, “People not pipelines”, and “Politics without proud boys”.

*January 9, 2021* — A lone protester holds up a sign reading "Jesus save America from evil. The steal is real" outside the Minnesota Governor's Mansion.

*January 14, 2021* — An FBI digital billboard seeking information on United States Capitol violence.

*January 15, 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.

*January 16, 2021* — 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.

*January 16, 2021* — Minnesota law enforcement surround the Minnesota State Capitol about 10 days after the attack on the United States Capitol.

*January 16, 2021* — Law enforcement guards the Minnesota State Capitol.

*January 16, 2021* — 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.

*January 16, 2021* — Minnesota National Guard and the State Patrol stationed around the Minnesota State Capitol.

*January 17, 2021* — 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.

*January 17, 2021* — Minnesota National Guard stationed around the Minnesota State Capitol.

*January 18, 2021* — 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.”

*January 20, 2021* — 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.

*January 20, 2021* — 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.

*January 20, 2021* — 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.

*January 23, 2021* — A "Merry Christmas" message to the Minneapolis Police pasted to the side of concrete barricades surrounding the former third precinct.

*January 23, 2021* — 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.

*January 23, 2021* — Inside the gutted Walgreens building that was destroyed during Minneapolis riots.

*January 23, 2021* — Trump supporters continuing to gather at the Minnesota State Capitol.

*January 23, 2021* — Snow falls over the metal fist at George Floyd Square.

*January 23, 2021* — Countdown to the Derek Chauvin trial on the former Speedway Gas station at 38th and Chicago, George Floyd Square.

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

*January 23, 2021* — A repurposed Minneapolis Park & Recreation sign at George Floyd Square.

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

*January 23, 2021* — 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.

*January 30, 2021* — Protesters march in St. Paul holding up a sign reading "We want soup for my family and yours".

*January 31, 2021* — Speedway gas station preparing to reopen following a rebuilt after being burned down in May 2020.