Minneapolis Uprising: The Murder of George Floyd

July 2022

Killing of Tekle Sundberg, George Floyd Square and Downtown Minneapolis Police — July 2022

July 1–31, 2022 Minneapolis

Photographs from Minneapolis in July 2022: candlelight vigils and the BCA investigation after the police killing of Tekle Sundberg, a solidarity rally at George Floyd Square, concrete barricades and mounted police downtown, the rebuilt USPS Lake Street Station, and the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade.

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Minneapolis police SUV on 7th Street South near the Emery Hotel in downtown Minneapolis at night. — July 8, 2022 — A Minneapolis Police Department SUV is parked on 7th Street South in downtown Minneapolis, adjacent to a protected bike lane and the Emery Hotel. The hotel’s skyway connection is visible above the street, identifying the block as part of Minneapolis’s downtown skyway network, which links hotels, offices, and other buildings across the central business district. The marked squad vehicle and city location place the vehicle within routine street patrol and enforcement operations in the downtown core.

Minneapolis Police mounted patrol officers on Nicollet Mall at night. — July 9, 2022 — Minneapolis Police Mounted Patrol officers on horseback patrol Nicollet Mall at night. This unit is frequently deployed for crowd management and public order during events and protests in the downtown area. Nicollet Mall, a significant pedestrian thoroughfare in Minneapolis, is lined with businesses and cultural institutions. The mounted patrol's presence serves as a visible deterrent and provides mobility in dense urban settings during public gatherings or civil unrest.

Concrete barricades on a downtown Minneapolis sidewalk at night. — July 9, 2022 — Concrete barricades line a sidewalk in downtown Minneapolis, a measure implemented by city officials following disruptive "hot rodder takeovers." These events, characterized by large gatherings of vehicles and public disturbances, led to the deployment of traffic control measures to prevent vehicles from accessing pedestrian areas. The barricades served as a physical deterrent, aiming to restore order and public safety in the urban environment. This response reflects the city's efforts to manage public spaces in response to unsanctioned vehicular events.

Barricades and concrete barriers on a downtown Minneapolis street at night. — July 9, 2022 — Temporary barricades and concrete barriers were deployed in downtown Minneapolis following multiple weekends of unauthorized "hot rodder takeovers." These events, characterized by large groups of vehicles performing stunts, raised public safety concerns and caused significant traffic disruptions. The city's response aimed to restrict vehicle access and prevent further disturbances in the downtown core, thereby restoring order and ensuring the safety of pedestrians and residents.

Minnesota State Patrol vehicles parked in downtown Minneapolis at night. — July 9, 2022 — Minnesota State Patrol vehicles are parked on a street in downtown Minneapolis at night. The increased presence of State Patrol and local police vehicles in the city became notable during periods of civil unrest. This image was taken during a time of heightened public attention and increased law enforcement presence in Minneapolis due to protests and demonstrations.

Minnesota BCA investigators beside a crime lab truck in South Minneapolis on July 14, 2022. — July 14, 2022 — Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) crime scene investigators responded to South Minneapolis on July 14, 2022. The BCA's presence was in response to an officer-involved shooting death. This incident occurred within a year of the 2020 Minneapolis Uprising, which followed the murder of George Floyd and led to increased scrutiny of law enforcement conduct in the city.

Police SUVs and a BCA truck at an officer-involved shooting investigation in Minneapolis. — July 14, 2022 — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) investigated an officer-involved shooting on July 14, 2022, in Minneapolis, which resulted in the death of Tekle Sundberg. Police vehicles and a BCA investigation truck are present at the location, marked with yellow police tape. This incident occurred in a period of heightened scrutiny of police conduct in Minneapolis, following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Minnesota BCA Crime Scene Team investigates an officer-involved shooting in Minneapolis on July 14, 2022. — July 14, 2022 — The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Crime Scene Team investigates an officer-involved shooting that occurred on July 14, 2022, in Minneapolis. The BCA is the state's primary agency for investigating such incidents, ensuring an independent and thorough review. This investigation is crucial for accountability and understanding the events that transpired. The presence of the crime scene unit underscores the seriousness of the incident and the commitment to gathering evidence.

Rally at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis beneath a “People There’s Power” canopy sign. — July 14, 2022 — A rally for solidarity with Akron was held at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a site that has become a focal point for protest and community organizing since the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Speakers, including George Floyd's aunt Angela Harrelson, addressed the crowd, expressing solidarity with Jayland Walker, who was killed by police in Akron, Ohio. Artists were present, working on a raised fist sculpture intended for Akron, symbolizing shared struggles and support. The event took place at the "Peoples Way" gas station, which has been transformed into a space for activism and remembrance.

Jay Webb speaks at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis during an Akron solidarity rally. — July 14, 2022 — A rally for solidarity with Akron was held at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Speakers, including George Floyd's aunt Angela Harrelson and community member Jay Webb, addressed the crowd about community and solidarity with Jayland Walker, who was killed by police in Akron, Ohio. Artists were present, working on a raised fist sculpture intended for Akron, symbolizing shared struggles and support.

Speaker addresses a rally at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis beneath the People's Way sign. — July 14, 2022 — A rally for solidarity with Akron was held at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, a site of ongoing protest and community organizing. Speakers, including George Floyd's aunt Angela Harrelson, addressed the crowd, expressing solidarity with Jayland Walker, who was killed by police in Akron, Ohio. Artists were present, working on a raised fist sculpture intended for Akron, symbolizing shared struggles. The event took place against a backdrop of murals and signage, including "People's Way," reflecting the area's significance.

Candlelight vigil outside a Minneapolis apartment building after the police killing of Tekle Sundberg. — July 14, 2022 — A vigil was held on July 14, 2022, outside the Minneapolis apartment building where Tekle Sundberg was fatally shot by police. Community members gathered at dusk, many holding candles, to honor Sundberg and express concerns about police conduct. The event took place in the wake of Sundberg's death, reflecting ongoing tensions and calls for accountability within the city.

Candlelight vigil outside Tekle Sundberg's Minneapolis apartment building on July 14, 2022. — July 14, 2022 — On July 14, 2022, a vigil was held outside the Minneapolis apartment building where Tekle Sundberg died during a police standoff. Attendees gathered with candles and flowers, illuminating a chalk message on the sidewalk that read "TEKLE SUNDBERG." Marcia Howard addressed the crowd at the site of Sundberg's death. This event occurred amidst ongoing public discourse and protests concerning police conduct and accountability.

Crowds line Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis before the Torchlight Parade. — July 20, 2022 — On July 20, 2022, crowds gathered along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis for the annual Torchlight Parade. This event, a traditional precursor to the Minnesota State Fair, transforms the pedestrian mall into a vibrant public space. Nicollet Mall, a central thoroughfare for commerce and community events, has been a focal point for Minneapolis's urban life since its pedestrianization in the 1960s. The parade route highlights the city's community spirit and provides a lively atmosphere for residents and visitors.

Mayor Jacob Frey walks in the Minneapolis Torchlight Parade as a supporter carries a sign ahead of him. — July 20, 2022 — Mayor Jacob Frey participates in the annual Minneapolis Torchlight Parade on July 20, 2022. This event is a central part of the Minneapolis Aquatennial, a summer festival that highlights the city's connection to its waterways. The parade, which winds through downtown Minneapolis, traditionally includes community groups, local businesses, and elected officials, fostering civic pride and community engagement.

Marching band in the Minneapolis Torchlight Parade on Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. — July 20, 2022 — A marching band performs during the Minneapolis Torchlight Parade on Nicollet Mall on July 20, 2022. Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian promenade in downtown Minneapolis, serves as a primary venue for public events and celebrations. The mall's design facilitates large gatherings, and parades like this one are a recurring feature, underscoring its role in the city's cultural and civic life. The presence of spectators and performers highlights the mall's function as a central space for community engagement.

Police cars outside Varsity Theater in Minneapolis during Dave Chappelle shows. — July 22, 2022 — Police vehicles were stationed outside the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis on July 20, 2022, during the first night of a sold-out engagement by comedian Dave Chappelle. The Varsity Theater, a historic venue in the Dinkytown neighborhood, has a long-standing reputation for hosting live performances and film screenings. The visible police presence suggests a heightened security measure, possibly in response to past controversies surrounding Chappelle's performances or general public safety concerns.

Mounted police outside the Gay 90's bar in downtown Minneapolis at night. — July 24, 2022 — Mounted police officers are seen outside the Gay 90's bar in Minneapolis on July 24, 2022. The Gay 90's is a long-standing LGBTQ+ establishment in the city's downtown area, known for its nightlife. The presence of mounted police is common during public events or gatherings to maintain order and ensure safety. This image was taken during a period of heightened social awareness in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, though the specific reason for the police presence on this particular night is not specified.

Rebuilt USPS Lake Street Station in South Minneapolis behind a chain-link fence. — July 24, 2022 — The rebuilt USPS Lake Street Station in South Minneapolis is shown here, a structure that was destroyed during the unrest following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The post office serves as a critical community resource, providing essential postal services to residents and businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods. Its reconstruction represents a commitment to restoring public infrastructure and supporting the ongoing recovery of the Lake Street corridor.

Rebuilt USPS Lake Street Station in South Minneapolis, with new facade and entry ramp. — July 24, 2022 — The USPS Lake Street Station in South Minneapolis, rebuilt after its destruction during the 2020 unrest following the murder of George Floyd, serves as a critical community resource. This facility provides essential postal services to residents and businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods. Its reconstruction represents a commitment to restoring public infrastructure and supporting the ongoing recovery of the Lake Street corridor.

Concrete barricades beside an apartment building near Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis, July 2022. — July 24, 2022 — Concrete barricades are placed near the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis, July 2022. These barriers were installed following public safety concerns and incidents that occurred on July 4th, 2022, a date often associated with large gatherings and past unrest in the city. The presence of these security measures reflects ongoing efforts to manage public spaces and ensure safety during periods of heightened activity. A campaign sign for Don Samuels, a candidate for Congress, is visible in the background, indicating the political climate of the area at the time.

Uptown Art Fair sign on a Minneapolis sidewalk with a scooter rider in the background. — July 26, 2022 — A sign announces the Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis, which took place from August 5-7, 2022. This annual event is a juried exhibition that draws artists and visitors from across the country to the Uptown neighborhood. The fair has been a significant cultural fixture in Minneapolis, contributing to the area's reputation as a vibrant arts district and drawing substantial crowds.

LA Fitness and Arts + Rec inside Seven Points on West Lake Street in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood. — July 26, 2022 — LA Fitness and Arts + Rec inside the Seven Points building at West Lake Street in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Street barriers and a surveillance camera in Minneapolis's Mill District at dusk. — July 27, 2022 — Concrete barriers and a surveillance camera are positioned in Minneapolis's Mill District, a measure reportedly implemented to deter "hot rodders." The presence of these security installations, alongside temporary construction barriers, indicates a response to concerns about public safety or unauthorized vehicle access. The Mill District, characterized by its historic industrial architecture and recent redevelopment, has also been a site of significant public events, including the Minneapolis Uprising, which may have influenced the deployment of such security infrastructure.

Royce White campaign billboard on Lake Street in Minneapolis targeting Ilhan Omar. — July 28, 2022 — A billboard on Lake Street in Minneapolis promotes Royce White's campaign for Congress, directly challenging incumbent Ilhan Omar. The advertisement features slogans such as "NO LOCKDOWNS. NO MANDATES. NO APOLOGIES. NO SELLIN' OUT." and "DEFEAT ILHAN OMAR!". Paid for by Royce White for Congress, this billboard was a visible element of the political discourse in Minneapolis during the election cycle. The imagery on the billboard includes White's portrait with text on his head referencing "UNITED STATES OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE."

Skyway Theatre marquee in downtown Minneapolis advertising Benny the Butcher, Juelz Santana, Last Heroes and Oceano. — July 30, 2022 — The Skyway Theatre in downtown Minneapolis is shown on the night of July 30, 2022, with concertgoers lined up outside the venue on Hennepin Avenue. The marquee advertises performances by Benny the Butcher and Juelz Santana on Friday, July 29, and by Last Heroes, Oceano, and Adventure Club on Saturday, July 30. Operated as a live music and event venue in the city center, the theater is part of Minneapolis's downtown entertainment district.

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