Minneapolis Uprising: The Murder of George Floyd
Photography from Minneapolis

Minneapolis Uprising – November 2021

November 1–30, 2021 Minneapolis

November 2021 in Minneapolis centered on the ballot vote to amend the city charter and replace the Minneapolis Police Department with a new Department of Public Safety. Protesters gathered in the days leading up to Election Day to advocate for passage of the measure.

On November 2, voters rejected the proposed charter amendment. Protesters and community members responded with gatherings at George Floyd Square and elsewhere in the city, reflecting both disappointment and renewed calls for continued organizing.

The month marked a pivotal electoral moment within the broader movement, signaling a shift from ballot-focused campaigning back toward sustained protest and policy advocacy.

Key dates
  • November 2, 2021 — Minneapolis voters reject the public safety charter amendment.
  • Early November 2021 — Protest gatherings respond to election results.
Year Index
The Murphy Ranks Memorial on Chicago Avenue inside George Floyd Square.
November 1, 2021 — The Murphy Ranks Memorial on Chicago Avenue inside George Floyd Square.
A sign reading "Warning Twin Cities Police Easily Startled" at 39th and Chicago Avenue, George Floyd Square.
November 1, 2021 — A sign reading "Warning Twin Cities Police Easily Startled" at 39th and Chicago Avenue, George Floyd Square.
Yard signs for Kate Knuth and Sheila Nezhad together in a South Minneapolis yard. Both with "Don't Rank Frey" stickers attached, referring to current Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Election in 2 days.
November 1, 2021 — Yard signs for Kate Knuth and Sheila Nezhad together in a South Minneapolis yard. Both with "Don't Rank Frey" stickers attached, referring to current Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Election in 2 days.
The corner of Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis. Deona Marie written on boards around the Seven Points Mall. Deona Marie, a protester, was killed on June 13th when a man drove his vehicle through barricades setup by those demonstrating over the law enforcement shooting death of Winston Smith ten days prior.
November 1, 2021 — The corner of Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis. Deona Marie written on boards around the Seven Points Mall. Deona Marie, a protester, was killed on June 13th when a man drove his vehicle through barricades setup by those demonstrating over the law enforcement shooting death of Winston Smith ten days prior.
People walk past Seven Points mall in Uptown Minneapolis the day before the election.
November 1, 2021 — People walk past Seven Points mall in Uptown Minneapolis the day before the election.
Security fencing and signage on the Seven Points mall parking garage.
November 1, 2021 — Security fencing and signage on the Seven Points mall parking garage.
"Vote No On 3" signs on Lyndale Avenue.
November 1, 2021 — "Vote No On 3" signs on Lyndale Avenue.
A yard sign reading "Lyndale Neighborhood Votes" seen in South Minneapolis.
November 1, 2021 — A yard sign reading "Lyndale Neighborhood Votes" seen in South Minneapolis.
Londel French, Risa Hosted, and Question 1 2 and 3 yard signs in Minneapolis.
November 1, 2021 — Londel French, Risa Hosted, and Question 1 2 and 3 yard signs in Minneapolis.
A sticker reading "Don't rank Nezhad" found on the Midtown Greenway.
November 1, 2021 — A sticker reading "Don't rank Nezhad" found on the Midtown Greenway.
A Victor Martinez "float" and campaign signs seen in North Minneapolis on election day.
November 2, 2021 — A Victor Martinez "float" and campaign signs seen in North Minneapolis on election day.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey meets with supporters at his re-election party near downtown Minneapolis. The next afternoon he was declared the winner with 49% of the vote.
November 2, 2021 — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey meets with supporters at his re-election party near downtown Minneapolis. The next afternoon he was declared the winner with 49% of the vote.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey meets with supporters at his re-election party near downtown Minneapolis.
November 2, 2021 — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey meets with supporters at his re-election party near downtown Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks to supporters at his election night party after winning re-election.
November 2, 2021 — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks to supporters at his election night party after winning re-election.
Protest signs hang on fencing around the parking ramp where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement on June 3, 2021.
November 3, 2021 — Protest signs hang on fencing around the parking ramp where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement on June 3, 2021.
Fire in a garbage can in Uptown Minneapolis the day after election night.
November 3, 2021 — Fire in a garbage can in Uptown Minneapolis the day after election night.
The Minneapolis Fire Department puts out garbage can fires on Lake Street the day after the election in Uptown Minneapolis.
November 3, 2021 — The Minneapolis Fire Department puts out garbage can fires on Lake Street the day after the election in Uptown Minneapolis.
Winston Smith graffiti on banner surrounding the parking ramp he was killed by law enforcement in Uptown Minneapolis
November 3, 2021 — Winston Smith graffiti on banner surrounding the parking ramp he was killed by law enforcement in Uptown Minneapolis
Minneapolis Fire Department puts out garbage can fires on Lake Street the night after the election.
November 3, 2021 — Minneapolis Fire Department puts out garbage can fires on Lake Street the night after the election.
A dumpster with "Winston Smith" written on it. Smith was shot and killed by a federal task force on top of the parking garage across the street.
November 6, 2021 — A dumpster with "Winston Smith" written on it. Smith was shot and killed by a federal task force on top of the parking garage across the street.
Protesters paint "Stop The Cover Up" outside the parking garage where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement 5 months earlier.
November 6, 2021 — Protesters paint "Stop The Cover Up" outside the parking garage where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement 5 months earlier.
A paint covered No Trespassing sign outside the parking ramp where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement on June 3, 2021.
November 6, 2021 — A paint covered No Trespassing sign outside the parking ramp where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement on June 3, 2021.
Thoth Tarot By Zack Anderson located at 910 W Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis.
November 7, 2021 — Thoth Tarot By Zack Anderson located at 910 W Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis.
Treat Yo Self neon sign on Lake Street
November 8, 2021 — Treat Yo Self neon sign on Lake Street
Looking down Lake Street towards Girard Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis
November 8, 2021 — Looking down Lake Street towards Girard Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis
Graffiti at the Uptown Theatre on Hennepin. "Do you know who Winston Smith is??"
November 8, 2021 — Graffiti at the Uptown Theatre on Hennepin. "Do you know who Winston Smith is??"
Seven Points Mall with their boards off for the first time since May 2020. The mall had been covered with boards following the May 2020 murder of George Floyd.
November 10, 2021 — Seven Points Mall with their boards off for the first time since May 2020. The mall had been covered with boards following the May 2020 murder of George Floyd.
This handwritten notice, taped to the window of a Minneapolis bike shop, reflects one of the many grassroots mutual-aid efforts that emerged during the city’s protest movement. The shop offered free, rebuilt bicycles to anyone participating in demonstrations—an informal and unscheduled giveaway run entirely by staff and volunteers. While their primary mission focused on supporting young people experiencing homelessness, they used whatever capacity they had to meet the immediate needs of the surrounding community during a period of intense civic mobilization.The message captures a moment when local businesses and residents quickly adapted, improvising systems of care and resource-sharing amid the broader upheaval following the killing of George Floyd. These small gestures—bikes, food, first-aid kits, and other supplies—became essential infrastructure for protesters navigating the city on foot and by bike as streets closed and transit routes fluctuated.
November 10, 2021 — This handwritten notice, taped to the window of a Minneapolis bike shop, reflects one of the many grassroots mutual-aid efforts that emerged during the city’s protest movement. The shop offered free, rebuilt bicycles to anyone participating in demonstrations—an informal and unscheduled giveaway run entirely by staff and volunteers. While their primary mission focused on supporting young people experiencing homelessness, they used whatever capacity they had to meet the immediate needs of the surrounding community during a period of intense civic mobilization. The message captures a moment when local businesses and residents quickly adapted, improvising systems of care and resource-sharing amid the broader upheaval following the killing of George Floyd. These small gestures—bikes, food, first-aid kits, and other supplies—became essential infrastructure for protesters navigating the city on foot and by bike as streets closed and transit routes fluctuated.
Artists and community members help remove the George Floyd mural prior to snow arriving.
November 10, 2021 — Artists and community members help remove the George Floyd mural prior to snow arriving.
Students and activists gathered at Prior Lake High School after a racist video goes viral online.
November 11, 2021 — Students and activists gathered at Prior Lake High School after a racist video goes viral online.
A protest and rally at Prior Lake High School following a viral racist video from a student goes viral online.
November 11, 2021 — A protest and rally at Prior Lake High School following a viral racist video from a student goes viral online.
Minneapolis Police and Rescue respond to a man having a medical emergency as he drove through the east side fist. No one on the scene was injured.
November 12, 2021 — Minneapolis Police and Rescue respond to a man having a medical emergency as he drove through the east side fist. No one on the scene was injured.
Minneapolis Police and Rescue respond to a man having a medical emergency as he drove through the east side fist. No one on the scene was injured.
November 12, 2021 — Minneapolis Police and Rescue respond to a man having a medical emergency as he drove through the east side fist. No one on the scene was injured.
Free Little Food Shelf at Powderhorn Park during the first snow fall of the season.
November 14, 2021 — Free Little Food Shelf at Powderhorn Park during the first snow fall of the season.
Southside Food & Deli on Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis with boards and a Free Palestine flag.
November 14, 2021 — Southside Food & Deli on Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis with boards and a Free Palestine flag.
First snowfall at the Say Their Names Memorial near George Floyd Square.
November 14, 2021 — First snowfall at the Say Their Names Memorial near George Floyd Square.
A mural as seen tonight on Lake Street in Minneapolis. The trial for former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter is 2 weeks away - November 30th. Potter is charged with 1st & 2nd degree manslaughter for the shooting death of Daunte Wright on April 11th, 2021.
November 15, 2021 — A mural as seen tonight on Lake Street in Minneapolis. The trial for former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter is 2 weeks away - November 30th. Potter is charged with 1st & 2nd degree manslaughter for the shooting death of Daunte Wright on April 11th, 2021.
Security fencing around the county jail in downtown Minneapolis prior to the Kim Potter trial. Potter is accused of killing Daunte Wright.
November 16, 2021 — Security fencing around the county jail in downtown Minneapolis prior to the Kim Potter trial. Potter is accused of killing Daunte Wright.
Graffiti on Light Rail tracks outside the Hennepin County Public Safety Facility.
November 16, 2021 — Graffiti on Light Rail tracks outside the Hennepin County Public Safety Facility.
Red Dragon Restaurant and Lounge on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis.
November 16, 2021 — Red Dragon Restaurant and Lounge on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis.
Hoban Korean BBQ on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis.
November 16, 2021 — Hoban Korean BBQ on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis.
Construction happening at the former Uptown Theatre in Uptown Minneapolis.
November 16, 2021 — Construction happening at the former Uptown Theatre in Uptown Minneapolis.
The "Abolish The Police" boards that have covered Moon Palace Books since last May have been removed. Prior to boards, a large banner of same message filled windows as they refused to allow police to stage on their property, instead setting up medic stations to treat the injured.
November 19, 2021 — The "Abolish The Police" boards that have covered Moon Palace Books since last May have been removed. Prior to boards, a large banner of same message filled windows as they refused to allow police to stage on their property, instead setting up medic stations to treat the injured.
“Everlake” signage up at the Midtown Corner apartments that burned last year. Per website:“Embrace the Lake Street community and move home to the brand new Everlake apartments. Cultural charisma. Urban connectivity. Always Minneapolis, Everlake.”
November 20, 2021 — “Everlake” signage up at the Midtown Corner apartments that burned last year. Per website:“Embrace the Lake Street community and move home to the brand new Everlake apartments. Cultural charisma. Urban connectivity. Always Minneapolis, Everlake.”
A protester holds up a Black Lives Matter sign outside the Hennepin County Government Center.
November 20, 2021 — A protester holds up a Black Lives Matter sign outside the Hennepin County Government Center.
Protesters march after a rally at the Hennepin County Government Center. A day earlier, Kyle Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges.
November 20, 2021 — Protesters march after a rally at the Hennepin County Government Center. A day earlier, Kyle Rittenhouse was found not guilty on all charges.
Protesters march through downtown Minneapolis the day after Kyle Rittenhouse is acquitted.
November 20, 2021 — Protesters march through downtown Minneapolis the day after Kyle Rittenhouse is acquitted.
A protester with a "Welcome to Minneapolis!" patch during a march following the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse.
November 20, 2021 — A protester with a "Welcome to Minneapolis!" patch during a march following the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse.
"Protesting is not a crime murder is" protest sign seen in Downtown Minneapolis
November 20, 2021 — "Protesting is not a crime murder is" protest sign seen in Downtown Minneapolis
Security fences around the Lake & Girard parking garage where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement in June.
November 23, 2021 — Security fences around the Lake & Girard parking garage where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement in June.
The Minneapolis Police Fifth Precinct in South Minneapolis surrounded by security fencing.
November 23, 2021 — The Minneapolis Police Fifth Precinct in South Minneapolis surrounded by security fencing.
A utility box with "Justice 4 George" written on it near 38th street in South Minneapolis.
November 23, 2021 — A utility box with "Justice 4 George" written on it near 38th street in South Minneapolis.
"Avenge Kenosha" and “Fuck Kyle” written on the barriers surrounding the third precinct.
November 27, 2021 — "Avenge Kenosha" and “Fuck Kyle” written on the barriers surrounding the third precinct.
A poem written by Anthony Ceballos on a Hennepin Ave storefront.
November 28, 2021 — A poem written by Anthony Ceballos on a Hennepin Ave storefront.
Benches at Bryant Lake Bowl seen on a November evening in Minneapolis.
November 30, 2021 — Benches at Bryant Lake Bowl seen on a November evening in Minneapolis.
As the 1st juror is selected on day one of the Potter trial, a small group of community activists and protesters are outside the Hennepin County Government Center with large air fresheners in the grass. A prosecutor previously said officers noticed an air freshener hanging from mirror.
November 30, 2021 — As the 1st juror is selected on day one of the Potter trial, a small group of community activists and protesters are outside the Hennepin County Government Center with large air fresheners in the grass. A prosecutor previously said officers noticed an air freshener hanging from mirror.