Photo Set

George Floyd Federal Civil Rights Trial Security

Fencing, U.S. Marshals barricades, and St. Paul police outside the Warren E. Burger Federal Building during the January 2022 trial of Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane

January 23, 2022 - January 26, 2022Warren E. Burger Federal BuildingSt. Paul, MN

The federal civil rights trial of former Minneapolis police officers Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane opened in January 2022 at the Warren E. Burger Federal Building on Kellogg Boulevard in downtown St. Paul. The three men stood accused of violating George Floyd's civil rights during the May 2020 encounter that ended in his death.

The trial came nearly two years after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes, and after Chauvin had already been convicted of murder in state court in April 2021. The federal prosecution of Thao, Kueng, and Lane represented a separate and parallel pursuit of accountability, focused on whether the officers standing nearby had a duty to intervene and failed to do so.

Security preparations around the Burger Federal Building began the night before jury selection and were expanded again before opening statements. U.S. Marshals barricades lined Kellogg Boulevard, chain-link fencing enclosed the building perimeter, and St. Paul police vehicles blocked surrounding roads. The Ramsey County Government Center East, nearby on the same block, was also fenced off. On at least one day during proceedings, police managed traffic as a car caravan protest moved through downtown St. Paul.

The Warren E. Burger Federal Building, named for the Chief Justice who led the Supreme Court from 1969 to 1986, serves as the primary federal courthouse for the district and houses courtrooms alongside offices for multiple federal agencies. During the trial it became the focal point of a justice process that had begun on a Minneapolis street and continued to draw national attention.

City of Saint Paul police squads George Floyd federal trial — *January 26, 2022* — St. Paul police vehicles provided security outside the Warren E. Burger Federal Building in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Day 3 of the federal civil rights trial. Former officers Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane were accused of violating George Floyd's civil rights during the incident that led to his death. The police presence also managed traffic as a car caravan protest moved through downtown.

No Parking Fire Hydrant sign on fence — *January 26, 2022* — A security fence surrounds the Warren E. Burger Federal Building in St. Paul, Minnesota, during the federal trial concerning the civil rights of George Floyd. This temporary security infrastructure was installed for the proceedings against former Minneapolis police officers Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane. The trial, documented here on its third day, addressed allegations that the officers violated George Floyd's civil rights, a case that garnered significant national attention.

Kellogg Square across from George Floyd Federal Trial — *January 26, 2022* — Kellogg Square, a residential building in St. Paul, Minnesota, is situated across from the Warren E. Burger Federal Building. This photograph was taken on Day 3 of the federal trial where former Minneapolis police officers Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane faced charges of violating George Floyd's civil rights.

US Marshalls STOP barricades — *January 26, 2022* — U.S. Marshals barricades line Kellogg Boulevard in St. Paul, Minnesota, establishing a security perimeter on a snowy day. These measures were implemented outside the Warren E. Burger Federal Building during the federal trial of former police officers Thou Thao, J Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane, who were accused of violating George Floyd's civil rights. On Day 3 of the trial, St. Paul police blocked the road as a car caravan protest made its way through downtown.

Flag at Warren Burger Federal Building — *January 26, 2022* — An American flag flies outside the Warren E. Burger Federal Building in St. Paul, Minnesota. This federal courthouse, named after former Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, serves as a key judicial center for the district. The photograph was taken on Day 3 of the federal trial where former Minneapolis police officers Thou Thao, J Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane were accused of violating George Floyd's civil rights. This high-profile trial followed the widespread protests and calls for justice that arose after Floyd's death.

George Floyd federal trial security — *January 26, 2022* — Security fencing and St. Paul police block roads outside the Warren E. Burger Federal Building in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Day 3 of the federal civil rights trial. Former officers Thou Thao, J Alexander Kueng, and Thomas Lane were accused of violating George Floyd's civil rights.

Twin Cities PBS across from secure federal courthouse — *January 23, 2022* — Security measures are in place around the Warren E. Burger Federal Building in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. This federal courthouse was heavily secured on the night before opening statements in the trial of the officers accused of violating George Floyd's civil rights.

Closed Ramsey County Downtown Service Center — *January 23, 2022* — A chain-link fence surrounds the Ramsey County Government Center East building in St. Paul, Minnesota. This security measure was implemented the night before opening statements in the federal trial of former Minneapolis police officers accused of violating George Floyd's civil rights.

Fresh snow and security fencing at federal courthouse — *January 23, 2022* — The Warren E. Burger Federal Building in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, stands behind a temporary security fence, surrounded by fresh snow. This federal courthouse serves as a key judicial center for the district, housing courtrooms and offices for federal agencies. The extensive security measures were erected the night before opening statements in the high-profile trial of officers accused of violating George Floyd's civil rights.

US Marshals street barricades in St Paul Minnesota — *January 23, 2022* — Security infrastructure, including a U.S. Marshals barricade and perimeter fencing, surrounds the Warren E. Burger Federal Building in downtown St. Paul. This federal courthouse, located on Kellogg Boulevard, was placed under heightened security the night before opening statements in the federal trial of the officers accused of violating George Floyd's civil rights.

Road closed and US Marshal barricades in St Paul — *January 23, 2022* — Road closures and U.S. Marshals barricades were established around the Warren E. Burger Federal Building in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, on Kellogg Boulevard. These extensive security measures were implemented the night before opening statements in the trial of the officers accused of violating George Floyd's civil rights.

Warren Burger Federal building during George Floyd trial — *January 19, 2022* — Security fencing surrounds the Warren E. Burger Federal Building in downtown St. Paul. These temporary barriers were erected the night before jury selection began for the federal trial of former Minneapolis Police Officers accused of violating George Floyd's civil rights.

George Floyd Federal Civil Rights Trial Security

Minneapolis Photographer