Minneapolis Uprising: The Murder of George Floyd
Photography from Minneapolis

March 2021

Chauvin Trial Protests and George Floyd Square

March 1–31, 2021 Minneapolis

March 2021 in Minneapolis was defined by the start of the Derek Chauvin trial. Protesters gathered outside the courthouse and at George Floyd Square, holding rallies and daily demonstrations as testimony began.

Security measures were highly visible downtown, with fencing and National Guard presence shaping the landscape around government buildings. Protesters maintained a steady presence, emphasizing that the proceedings represented a broader demand for systemic accountability.

March marked a nationally watched legal moment, with Minneapolis once again at the center of public attention.

Key dates
  • March 8, 2021 — Jury selection begins in the Chauvin trial.
  • Late March 2021 — Opening statements and testimony draw daily protest gatherings.
Year Index
Protesters rally in downtown Minneapolis during George Floyd opening statementsView full post: Minneapolis Protest for George Floyd Trial Opening Statements
March 29, 2021 — Protesters gathered in Downtown Minneapolis on March 29, 2021, the day opening statements began in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was accused of murdering George Floyd on May 25, 2020, an event that sparked widespread protests against racial injustice and police brutality. The signs carried by the crowd reflect the ongoing calls for accountability and justice for Floyd and other victims of police violence.
Chauvin Trial Opening Statements Protest and March, MinneapolisView full post: Chauvin Trial Opening Statements Protest and March, Minneapolis
March 29, 2021 — Protesters gathered in downtown Minneapolis on March 29, 2021, the day opening statements began in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged in the killing of George Floyd. Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin knelt on his neck during an arrest, an incident that sparked demonstrations across the country. The trial was held at the Hennepin County Government Center, just blocks from where marchers carried signs and flags through the city's downtown streets. Chauvin was later convicted on charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
Art being put up on fence outside Chauvin trialView full post: Minneapolis: Ribbons on Chauvin Trial Security Fence
March 29, 2021 — On March 29, 2021, the first day of opening statements in the trial of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer accused of murdering George Floyd, a woman tied red ribbons to security fencing surrounding the Hennepin County Government Center. The ribbons, arranged in the shape of a heart, served as a public memorial and a symbol of solidarity. The security measures were put in place due to anticipated protests and unrest following the trial, which was a focal point for national conversations about racial justice and police brutality.
Art installation outside Hennepin County CourthouseView full post: Red ribbons with names of victims of police brutality on fence at Hennepin County Courthouse
March 29, 2021 — Red ribbons bearing the names and brief accounts of victims of police brutality are affixed to the security fencing surrounding the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. This display was visible on the day opening statements began in the trial of Derek Chauvin, who was accused of murdering George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The ribbons serve as a memorial and a protest, highlighting broader issues of police violence that have been a focus of public attention and activism.
Black Lives Matter ACAB Fuck 12 PigsView full post: Minneapolis Government Center Fencing with Protest Art
March 30, 2021 — Security fencing and concrete barriers surround the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, a measure taken during the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. The plywood barrier displays protest art, including "Black Lives Matter" and "Fuck 12 Pigs," reflecting the sentiments of demonstrators. This fencing was erected to secure the courthouse and maintain order amidst significant public attention and potential unrest surrounding the trial.
Abolish the Police sign on courthouse fencing in MinneapolisView full post: Abolish The Police sign on courthouse fencing, Minneapolis
March 31, 2021 — A sign reading "Abolish The Police" is affixed to security fencing surrounding the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. This fencing was erected during the trial of Derek Chauvin, who was charged with the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The trial and its aftermath sparked widespread protests and discussions about policing in the United States. The courthouse, a significant piece of mid-century modern architecture, serves as a central hub for legal proceedings in Hennepin County.
Protesters occupy courthouse property during George Floyd trialView full post: Hennepin County Courthouse Protest: Locks for Stolen Lives
March 31, 2021 — Since March 15th, families and supporters have been placing locks inscribed with the names of victims of police brutality on the fencing surrounding the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. These locks are periodically removed by authorities, prompting protesters to maintain a continuous presence, with individuals locking themselves to the fence 24/7. Their demands include meetings with city and state officials, the abolition of qualified immunity for police officers, and legislative action on police accountability bills. The protest highlights ongoing concerns about police violence and accountability in the wake of high-profile incidents.

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