Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct

The Lake Street station burned May 28, 2020, barricaded for years, and redeveloped into a Democracy Center

Minneapolis 3rd Precinct Police Station — Minneapolis, MN

The Minneapolis Police Third Precinct, at the corner of Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue in South Minneapolis, stood for decades as a working police station before protests following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, made it the most contested address in the city. Officers held the perimeter for three days before abandoning the building on the evening of May 28, when the precinct was set ablaze.

The protests began the day after Floyd's death and grew rapidly around the precinct, which served the neighborhoods most immediately affected by his killing. Officers deployed less-lethal munitions against crowds from the roof and the front entrance. When the Minneapolis Police Department withdrew on the third night, the building burned. It has not been used as a police station since.

In the years that followed, the gutted building sat behind concrete barriers and razor wire as the city debated what to do with the site. The fencing became a surface for graffiti, memorial art, banners, and political demands that shifted with each new episode of tension — the Derek Chauvin trial, the killing of Dolal Idd in January 2021, the killing of Amir Locke in February 2022. Community listening sessions repeatedly surfaced opposition to rebuilding any police facility there at all.

By 2024 the city had settled on a different future for the building. Cleanup began that summer, razor wire came down in the fall, and construction is now underway to convert the former precinct into a Democracy Center housing election services and community space. The Minneapolis Places series has followed the site continuously since the first night of protests.

Construction on the former Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct building vestibule, featuring community-themed banners on fencing.
March 20, 2026 — Construction is underway on the vestibule of the former Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct building. The Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct building was a focal point of protests and unrest following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.
Future home of the Minneapolis Democracy Center
May 18, 2025 — The site of the former Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct is undergoing redevelopment. This building was significantly damaged by fire during the Minneapolis Uprising in May 2020, following the murder of George Floyd. It is now being transformed into the Minneapolis Democracy Center, a new civic hub for the community. The center is planned to host essential services such as early voting, election judge training, voter outreach, and provide general community space.
Minneapolis police station vestibule removal
April 27, 2025 — The removal of the front vestibule at the former Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct station marks a phase in the site's re-development. This structure has remained vacant and damaged since it was set on fire on May 28, 2020, during protests and civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd.
Construction and plywood at burned Minneapolis police station
April 15, 2025 — Construction is underway at the former Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct station in Minneapolis. The building sustained significant damage from arson during protests in May 2020, which erupted following the murder of George Floyd. This site became a focal point during the Minneapolis Uprising, symbolizing widespread public unrest and demands for police accountability. The current work addresses structural damage and prepares the property for its future use or redevelopment.
Police station clean up efforts underway
February 2, 2025 — Cleanup efforts are underway at the site of the former Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct station, located at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue. The building was extensively damaged by fire during protests in May 2020, following the murder of George Floyd. This precinct served as a significant operational hub for the Minneapolis Police Department.
Minneapolis Police 3rd precinct fence removed
October 28, 2024 — Construction fencing and concrete barriers surround the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building, which is undergoing redevelopment. The precinct was famously damaged by fire during protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The city plans to transform the site into a "Democracy Center" intended to house election services and community spaces.
Razor wire comes down at Third Precinct
October 28, 2024 — Workers remove razor wire from the exterior of the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct building. The precinct was heavily damaged by fire during protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The razor wire and concrete barricades were installed as security measures during the subsequent unrest and the Derek Chauvin trial. The city plans to redevelop the site into a "Democracy Center" intended to house election services and community spaces.
Razor wire comes down at Third Precinct
October 28, 2024 — Workers remove razor wire from the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct building, which was damaged during protests following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The precinct was subsequently fortified with concrete barricades and razor wire. The city is now redeveloping the site into a "Democracy Center" intended to house election services and community spaces, replacing the temporary security measures with standard construction fencing.
Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct October 2024
October 24, 2024 — The Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct building in October 2024, several years after it was significantly damaged by fire. The precinct was set ablaze by protesters in May 2020 following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.
Police station still surrounded by razor wire in Minneapolis
September 15, 2024 — Razor wire and concrete barricades continue to surround the former Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct building on Lake Street. The station was significantly damaged by fire during protests in May 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. The building is undergoing renovation to be repurposed as a community voting center.
Minneapolis 3rd precinct cleanup signage
September 15, 2024 — Signage at the former Minneapolis Police Third Precinct station, located on Lake Street, announces "Cleanup efforts are underway." This precinct was a focal point during the civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, and the building sustained significant damage. The "Minnehaha 3000" project referenced on the sign indicates ongoing redevelopment and revitalization efforts in the area. The building is slated to be renovated into a community voting center, reflecting a shift in its public use.
CPAC IS BACK
September 15, 2024 — A flyer announcing the relaunch of a petition for a Civilian Police Accountability Commission (CPAC) is posted on a pole outside the former Minneapolis 3rd Precinct police station at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue. The precinct was a site of significant unrest and was later burned during protests following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The flyer invites the public to learn more about CPAC, hear from organizers, and sign the petition, indicating ongoing community efforts to reform police oversight in Minneapolis. The event was scheduled for Thursday, September 12, at 5 p.m.
Abolition stop the violence at 3rd precinct
June 19, 2024 — Signs reading "ABOLITION" and "STOP THE VIOLENCE" are displayed on the fence surrounding the former Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct station on June 19, 2024. The building has been vacant since it was damaged during protests following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The Minneapolis Police Department has since consolidated its precinct operations. The "Site cleanup begins spring/summer 2024" sign in the background indicates ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the unrest.
Minneapolis police station 4 years after it was burned
May 28, 2024 — Four years after the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct station was set ablaze during protests following the murder of George Floyd, signs hang on the fencing surrounding the site. The signs, bearing messages such as "healing," "reclaim Black joy," "clean up the MPD," and "we remember George Floyd," reflect the ongoing impact of the uprising on the community and the police department. The precinct, located on Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis, has remained fenced off and under reconstruction since the events of May 2020.
Signs on police station 4 years after it burned
May 28, 2024 — Four years after protesters set fire to the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct station, signs of remembrance and protest remain affixed to the barricades surrounding the building. The precinct, located on Minnehaha Avenue, was a focal point of the Minneapolis Uprising following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The signs, bearing messages such as "George Floyd," "Say His Name," "No Justice, No Streets," and "Abolition," reflect the ongoing impact of the events and the continued calls for police reform and accountability.
Site cleanup banners at former third precinct
May 18, 2024 — The Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building, located on Minnehaha Avenue, is slated for cleanup and fencing removal in spring/summer 2024. The site has remained largely inactive since the precinct was set ablaze during protests in the summer of 2020, following the murder of George Floyd. The city's announcement marks a step towards addressing the future of the site.
Ceasefire now signs on fencing
March 1, 2024 — Protest signs advocating for a ceasefire and social justice hang on a fence at the former Minneapolis Police Third Precinct. This site, located at Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue, was abandoned after being burned in May 2020 during the Minneapolis Uprising, following the murder of George Floyd. Since then, the precinct has remained untouched.
No Pig Farm banner at 3rd Precinct Police Station
November 3, 2023 — A banner reading "NO PIG FARM" is displayed on a barricade surrounding the former Minneapolis Police Third Precinct. This building was set ablaze during the 2020 Uprising, which followed the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. The precinct has remained vacant since the incident in May 2020.
Minneapolis Police Station in October 2023
October 18, 2023 — The former Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd Precinct building stands in disrepair in October 2023, several years after it was damaged during protests following the murder of George Floyd. The precinct, located in the south of Minneapolis, was a focal point of unrest in May 2020. Following the protests, the building was boarded up and has remained largely derelict since.
Reimagining the commons at third precinct
June 10, 2023 — Banners advocating for police abolition are displayed outside the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct. One banner, reading "Abolition is a Choice," features checkboxes for "Here," "There," and "Nowhere," with "Nowhere" marked. The other banner, titled "Reimagining the Commons," states "is one step towards a future without police."
Banners on the Minneapolis police on 3 year anniversary
May 28, 2023 — Signs expressing messages of justice, change, and remembrance are displayed on fencing surrounding the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct seen on the 3rd anniversary of it's burning. The precinct was significantly damaged during protests in the summer of 2020, following the murder of George Floyd.
Breathe with your heart signs on police station
May 26, 2023 — The Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct is shown barricaded with concrete barriers and fencing on May 26, 2023. This event occurred in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, which led to widespread protests and unrest in Minneapolis. The precinct building itself was damaged during the protests and subsequently moved to a new location.
No New Third Not Now Not Ever Flyers MPD 2023
April 15, 2023 — Flyers protesting the proposed rebuilding of the Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd Precinct are displayed on a wooden structure. The flyers, which read "NO NEW THIRD. NOT NOW. NOT EVER." and "WE REMEMBER GEORGE FLOYD. WE DEMAND ABOLITION.", reference the precinct's destruction during the 2020 George Floyd protests. The city had been holding "community listening sessions" to gather input on whether to rebuild the precinct at its original location or elsewhere.
No New Third flyers on third precinct police station
April 15, 2023 — Flyers demanding "NO NEW THIRD" and "WE DEMAND ABOLITION" are posted on a fence surrounding the former Minneapolis Police Third Precinct. The precinct was damaged during protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The city has been holding community listening sessions to determine whether to rebuild a police precinct at the site or elsewhere. These flyers reflect ongoing activism and community sentiment regarding policing in Minneapolis.
Art on the former third precinct police station
April 11, 2023 — Projection art illuminates the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct building, a site that became a focal point during the 2020 Minneapolis Uprising. The projections display text related to racial justice and inequality, reflecting the sentiments expressed during public meetings about the precinct's future. Many residents voiced distrust in the Minneapolis Police Department and questioned the necessity of a new precinct, highlighting a complex history and ongoing community concerns.
The Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct building, damaged by fire and secured with fencing, sits vacant and snow-covered after civil unrest in May 2020.
April 1, 2023 — The Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building, vacant and covered in snow, is secured by fencing and barbed wire. The structure shows visible damage from fire and is partially obscured by falling snow. The precinct has been unoccupied since it was damaged during civil unrest in May 2020, following the murder of George Floyd. The ongoing presence of security measures highlights the lasting impact of the events on the city's public facilities.
Snow around burned minneapolis police station
November 14, 2022 — The former Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building in South Minneapolis is seen here during a snowfall. This precinct was a focal point of protests and unrest following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The building was subsequently damaged by fire during demonstrations that occurred in the days following Floyd's death. The structure has remained vacant and secured since the incident.
Minneapolis third precinct as seen on Minnehaha Ave
November 2, 2022 — The former Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building, located on Minnehaha Avenue, stands after being significantly damaged by fire during protests in May 2020. The unrest followed the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.
We Remember signs at Minneapolis Police Station
September 18, 2022 — The Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building, located on Lake Street, stands vacant and barricaded more than 2 years after it was taken over by protesters following the murder of George Floyd. Signs on the fencing read "The times are urgent, let us slow down". "We remember say their names" "cultivate care".
Minneapolis Police Third Precinct with Joyful Art
September 5, 2022 — An art installation adorns the fencing surrounding the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct. The building sustained significant damage during the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The installation, featuring banners with messages like "CULTURE," "ONE SOUND IN UNITY," and "SPACE."
Make a Joyful Noise at Police Station
September 5, 2022 — An art installation, "Make a Joyful Noise," is displayed on the fencing surrounding the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct. The precinct was heavily damaged during the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.
Minneapolis Police Third Precinct Art Fence
September 5, 2022 — An art installation featuring hubcaps and other metallic objects adorns the security fencing surrounding the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct. This precinct was significantly damaged during the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.
Shopping cart on fire outside the burned Minneapolis police station
May 28, 2022 — Fires burned outside the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building on May 28, 2022, on the second anniversary of the burnung of the police station by protesters after George Floyd's murder.
Minneapolis Police third precinct police station on Lake Street May 2022
May 1, 2022 — The Minneapolis Police Third Precinct station on Lake Street is shown fortified with concrete barriers and fencing. This building was significantly damaged by fire during protests in May 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. Since the incident, the precinct has remained closed and secured.
Minneapolis police sign on the burned 3rd precinct police station
May 1, 2022 — The Minneapolis Police third precinct building, located on Lake Street, is shown on May 1, 2022, fortified with concrete barriers and razor wire. This structure was significantly damaged by fire during protests that followed the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin on May 25, 2020.
Razor wire and concrete blocks outside the door of the burned Minneapolis police station
May 1, 2022 — Razor wire and concrete barriers surround the exterior of the Minneapolis 3rd Precinct police station, which was damaged during protests in the summer of 2020. The station, located on Lake Street in Minneapolis, was a focal point of unrest following the murder of George Floyd.
Concrete blocks over doors of burned police station in Minneapolis
May 1, 2022 — Concrete blocks and razor wire secure the former entrance of the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct station following its damage during protests on May 28, 2020. The precinct, located on Lake Street in Minneapolis, was set ablaze by protesters in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The incident marked a significant moment in the widespread unrest that followed Floyd's death, highlighting public anger towards police conduct and systemic injustice.
Razor wire at burned Minneapolis police station May 2022
May 1, 2022 — Razor wire continues to surround the Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd Precinct building nearly two years after its evacuation. The precinct was abandoned by police in June 2020 following protests and unrest in the wake of George Floyd's murder. While surrounding structures, such as the Everlake apartment building on Lake Street, have since been rebuilt and reopened, the 3rd Precinct building itself has undergone no significant changes.
Razor wire surrounding parking lot of the burned Minneapolis police station
May 1, 2022 — Razor wire encircles the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct parking lot, with a Target store visible across Snelling Avenue. This Target store was rebuilt after sustaining damage during the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020. The precinct and surrounding businesses became focal points during the protests and riots that occurred in the aftermath.
Protest signs outside Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct in Minneapolis at night behind a passing car.
February 11, 2022 — Protests against police brutality continued for ten days following the fatal shooting of Amir Locke by Minneapolis Police on February 2, 2022. Signs displayed outside the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct read "Our Children Are Speaking," "Justice for Amir Locke," and "Our Ancestors Are Watching."
Amir Locke memorial banner on the former Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct building in Minneapolis.
February 8, 2022 — A banner reading "Rest In Power Amir Locke" is displayed on the exterior of the former Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building. The banner was erected following the death of Amir Locke, who was killed by police during a no-knock warrant execution in February 2022. The Third Precinct building was a site of significant protest activity in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd and was subsequently vacated by the Minneapolis Police Department.
Abolish the police flyer for Amir Locke on fence at Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct.
February 6, 2022 — Flyers advocating for police abolition, including an excerpt from Mariame Kaba's New York Times opinion piece, were posted on fencing around the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct. The flyers also reference Amir Locke, who was killed by Minneapolis police in February 2022. Amir Locke was killed on February 2, 2022 by Minneapolis Police officers during a no knock warrant at a Downtown Minneapolis apartment building.
Flyers on the barricade at Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct in Minneapolis.
February 6, 2022 — The former Minneapolis Police Third Precinct, damaged during protests in May 2020, is shown barricaded and adorned with flyers. These materials, including an opinion piece by Mariame Kaba titled "Yes, We Mean Literally Abolish The Police," originally published in The New York Times on June 12, 2020, signify the ongoing public discourse and protest following the precinct's destruction.
Avenge Kenosha Fuck Kyle at Minneapolis Police Station
November 27, 2021 — "Avenge Kenosha" and “Fuck Kyle” written on the barriers surrounding the third precinct.
Minnehaha Avenue Open Streets Banner
October 24, 2021 — A banner reading "On Minnehaha, We Celebrate" hangs across Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis, during the 2021 Open Streets event. The event coincided with the city's election, and the presence of numerous candidates and discussions about ballot questions like the strong mayor policy, public safety, and rent control were prominent. The backdrop includes the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building, which was barricaded with concrete barriers and barbed wire, reflecting the ongoing tensions and community responses following the 2020 Minneapolis uprising.
Spirit Halloween Minneapolis Police Station
October 10, 2021 — Banners reading "Avenge Indigenous Children" and "Spirit Halloween" are displayed on the barricaded perimeter of the former Minneapolis Police Third Precinct. The building was set ablaze during protests that erupted following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The precinct, located in the Powderhorn Park neighborhood, was a focal point of unrest and has remained a symbol of the protests against police brutality. The "Spirit Halloween" banner, featuring a grim reaper figure and the text "Opening Soon!", was placed on the site after the building's destruction.
Sunflowers at Third Precinct in South Minneapolis
September 5, 2021 — Sunflowers grow amidst the debris and security measures at the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct. The building was damaged during the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. On May 25, 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered 46-year-old George Floyd during an arrest outside Cup Foods at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis. Video recorded by bystanders showed Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Three other Minneapolis police officers - J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao — were also present during the arrest and later faced criminal charges for their roles in Floyd’s death. Floyd’s murder sparked protests and civil unrest across Minneapolis and around the world, leading to widespread demonstrations against police violence, major policy debates on policing, and the conviction of Chauvin on murder and manslaughter charges in 2021.
Burned pole across from Minneapolis police station
August 15, 2021 — A burned utility pole stands across from the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building in South Minneapolis. This pole was damaged during the civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The precinct building itself was a focal point of protests and was eventually set ablaze and abandoned by the Minneapolis Police Department.
May 28 forever sign on Minneapolis police station
May 28, 2021 — A sign reading "May 28th Forever" is affixed to the fence surrounding the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct. This date marks the one-year anniversary of the precinct being set ablaze during protests following the murder of George Floyd.
Minneapolis police station 1 year after it was burned
May 28, 2021 — The Minneapolis Police Third Precinct stands fortified one year after it was set ablaze during protests following the murder of George Floyd. The building, a key law enforcement facility for the south Minneapolis area, sustained significant damage during the unrest in May 2020. The surrounding area has been secured with concrete barriers and fencing, reflecting the ongoing impact of the events and the community's response to police actions.
Minneapolis Police station 1 year after George Floyd's murder
May 26, 2021 — Art and messages adorn the perimeter of the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building, one year after the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. The precinct was a focal point during the widespread protests and unrest that followed Floyd's death. The artwork and signage reflect calls for justice, accountability, and healing in the community.
Everything Must Go sign on a Minneapolis police station
May 19, 2021 — A banner reading "Everything Must Go!!!" is displayed on the fencing surrounding the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building. The precinct was heavily damaged during protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.
Signs on fencing around burned Minneapolis police station
March 10, 2021 — Protest signs adorn the exterior of the former Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building, which was set ablaze during the unrest following the May 25th death of George Floyd. The signs, including messages such as "Justice for George Floyd," "Defund the Police," and "Black Lives are Sacred," reflect the sentiments of the community and the broader movement for racial justice. The precinct, a symbol of law enforcement in the neighborhood, became a focal point of protests and a site of significant destruction. The presence of these signs on the barricaded structure serves as a visual testament to the events of spring and summer 2020.
Well Burn This Bitch Again on Minneapolis Police Station
January 23, 2021 — Graffiti on the exterior of the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct reads "We'll Burn This Bitch Again" and "Fuck 12." The precinct building was abandoned by police and subsequently set ablaze by protesters on May 28, 2020, during the unrest following the murder of George Floyd. The building has remained vacant and unrepaired since the incident, serving as a visual reminder of the protests and the community's response to police actions. The graffiti reflects the anger and defiance expressed by some during the period of civil unrest.
Protesters at 3rd Precinct on Inauguration Day
January 20, 2021 — Protesters gathered outside the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2021. The precinct had been a focal point of protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and was subsequently set ablaze. This demonstration occurred less than three weeks after Dolal Idd was killed by Minneapolis Police during a firearm sting, an incident that reignited tensions and calls for police reform.
Dumping trump is a not a crime
December 16, 2020 — Flyers are affixed to a pole outside the Minneapolis Third Precinct police station on Lake Street. This station was significantly damaged by fire during the Minneapolis Uprising in May 2020, following the murder of George Floyd. The prominent flyer demands "DROP THE CHARGES!" and states "DUMPING TRUMP IS NOT A CRIME." This call to "Drop the Charges" refers to the 646 individuals criminally charged during the largest mass arrest in Minnesota history, which occurred after a post-election march onto I-94. Other messages on the pole, including "ABOLISH THE MPD!", reflect ongoing demands for police reform and accountability in Minneapolis.
Protesters at 3rd precinct following election results.
November 7, 2020 — Protesters gather outside the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct on Lake Street in Minneapolis. This march took place shortly after Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 Presidential election. Participants carried signs addressing a range of issues, including environmental justice, housing rights, and broader calls for social change. The Third Precinct building, a central facility for the Minneapolis Police Department, sustained significant damage during the 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd. The gathering reflects ongoing public engagement with policing, political outcomes, and various social justice concerns in the city.
Protester holds up sign reading No Coup
November 7, 2020 — Protesters gather outside the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct on Lake Street in Minneapolis. This march took place shortly after Joe Biden was announced as the winner of the 2020 Presidential election, with participants expressing concerns about the transfer of power, as indicated by a "No Coup" sign. The Third Precinct, a police station serving a significant portion of South Minneapolis, had been a focal point of protests and unrest during the 2020 Minneapolis Uprising. The building's damaged exterior and the presence of concrete barriers and fencing reflect the ongoing security measures and the impact of previous events at this site.
Burned facade of the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct on Lake Street, with part of the original sign still visible.
June 10, 2020 — The fire-damaged facade of the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct on Lake Street in Minneapolis shows the remaining letters of the building’s original signage. The precinct was heavily burned during the unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd in May 2020. A police station serving south Minneapolis, the building became one of the most widely recognized damaged sites from that period.
Burned Minneapolis Police Third Precinct entrance on Lake Street in Minneapolis after George Floyd protests.
May 31, 2020 — The Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building on Lake Street in Minneapolis stands burned and heavily damaged on May 31, 2020. Broken windows, charred exterior surfaces, and debris inside the entrance are visible after the fire during protests that followed the killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The precinct was a local police station, and its destruction became one of the most widely recognized images from the unrest in south Minneapolis.
Anti-racism signs on Minneapolis Police Third Precinct on Lake Street in Minneapolis during George Floyd protests.
May 31, 2020 — Handmade signs reading “White supremacy is a public health crisis. We.Are.The.Cure. Anti-Racism NOW” hang from the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct building on Lake Street in Minneapolis on May 31, 2020. The precinct became a major focus of protests after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police five days earlier.
Protesters at a Metro Transit shelter on East Lake Street in Minneapolis as a building burns behind them.
May 28, 2020 — Protesters gather at a Metro Transit bus shelter on East Lake Street in Minneapolis as the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct burns in the background on May 28, 2020. The station was set on fire during protests that followed the killing of George Floyd, and its burning became one of the most widely recognized moments of the unrest in Minneapolis.
Fire at Minneapolis Police Third Precinct on East Lake Street during a protest in Minneapolis.
May 28, 2020 — Fire burns at the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct on East Lake Street in Minneapolis on May 28, 2020, as a crowd gathers outside during protests following the death of George Floyd. The police station had been abandoned by officers earlier that evening before the building was set ablaze. The Third Precinct became one of the most visible locations in Minneapolis during the unrest that followed Floyd’s killing.
Protesters outside the burning Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct on East Lake Street in Minneapolis.
May 28, 2020 — Protesters gather outside the burning Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct on East Lake Street in Minneapolis on the night of May 28, 2020. The fire followed days of protests after the killing of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody on May 25. The 3rd Precinct, the station where former officer Derek Chauvin had worked, was abandoned by police before the building was set ablaze.
Minneapolis police station on fire during protests
May 28, 2020 — The Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct on fire during the 3rd day of protests in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd. The precinct was set ablaze after the Minneapolis Police abandoned the precinct following 3 days of protests.
Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct on fire in Minneapolis during George Floyd protests.
May 28, 2020 — The Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct burns in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 28, 2020, as people gather outside the building during protests after the death of George Floyd. Flames engulf the station after officers withdrew from the site earlier that night. The fire at the precinct became one of the most widely recognized moments of the protests that spread across Minneapolis and other cities in the days following Floyd’s killing.
Man yells at police guarding the 3rd Precinct station
May 27, 2020 — A man on a motorcycle confronts Minneapolis Police officers stationed outside the 3rd Precinct during protests in May 2020. These protests began on May 26, 2020, following the death of George Floyd while in police custody. On the second day of protests, a crowd gathered near the precinct, which served as a focal point for public outcry against police brutality. Officers, protected by metal barriers, maintained a perimeter as protesters voiced their grievances.
Minneapolis police guard their police station
May 27, 2020 — Minneapolis Police officers in riot gear stand outside the Third Precinct station on Lake Street in Minneapolis on May 27, 2020. The precinct became a central location during the unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd.
Minneapolis Police in front of their sign at 3rd Precinct
May 27, 2020 — Minneapolis Police officers in riot gear and gas masks stand outside the department’s 3rd Precinct station in Minneapolis on May 27, 2020, during protests following the killing of George Floyd.
Minneapolis Police aims his less lethal weapon
May 27, 2020 — A Minneapolis Police officer in gas mask and tactical gear aims a less-lethal launcher outside the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The photograph was made on May 27, 2020, during protests following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.
Police officer reloads his less lethal weapon
May 27, 2020 — A Minneapolis Police officer in gas mask, helmet, and tactical gear reloads a less-lethal launcher outside the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct in Minneapolis on May 27, 2020. The photograph was made during the protests that followed the killing of George Floyd, when the precinct became a central location for clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement.
Woman holds up sign reading cold blooded murder
May 27, 2020 — A protester holds a hand-lettered sign reading “Cold Blooded Murder” outside the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct on Lake Street in Minneapolis on May 27, 2020. The precinct became a central gathering point in demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.
Minneapolis Police and protesters at police station
May 27, 2020 — Minneapolis Police officers in riot gear stand outside the Third Precinct station at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis on May 27, 2020, as demonstrators gather in the foreground. The precinct became a central location during protests that followed the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police two days earlier.
Minneapolis Police on top of police station
May 27, 2020 — Minneapolis Police on the roof of the 3rd Precinct as protesters gathered outside following the killing of George Floyd days earlier.
Protesters with their hands up outside 3rd Precinct
May 27, 2020 — Protesters and Minneapolis police officers face each other outside the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct at 3000 Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis on May 27, 2020. Officers in riot gear stand on the entrance steps and behind metal barricades while demonstrators gather in the street with many raising their hands.
Minneapolis police and protesters in Minneapolis
May 27, 2020 — Minneapolis Police officers in riot gear stand outside the department’s 3rd Precinct station on Lake Street in Minneapolis on May 27, 2020. The building’s entrance and windows are boarded and broken, with graffiti visible on the plywood as crowds gather in the foreground.
Minneapolis police on the 3rd Precinct roof in south Minneapolis during protests.
May 27, 2020 — Minneapolis Police officers stand on the roof of the department’s 3rd Precinct station in south Minneapolis on May 27, 2020. Several officers are equipped with helmets, shields, and less-lethal launchers as the building became a flashpoint during protests that followed the killing of George Floyd two days earlier.
Minneapolis Police fire at protesters at 3rd Precinct
May 27, 2020 — Minneapolis police officers stand on the roof and at the entrance of the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct on Lake Street in Minneapolis on May 27, 2020, as protesters gather behind barricades outside the building. Several officers aiming less-lethal launchers from the roof, while boarded and damaged windows are visible across the front of the precinct. The station became a central location in the protests that followed the killing of George Floyd earlier that week.
Protesters and police at the third precinct
May 27, 2020 — Protesters outside the battered 3rd precinct police station as officers surround it. This follows the death of George Floyd on May 25th, 2020. The precinct would be abandoned and burned the next evening.
Protesters outside the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct
May 27, 2020 — Protesters gather outside the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct on East Lake Street near Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis on May 27, 2020. The demonstration took place two days after the death of George Floyd in police custody, as crowds assembled at the Third Precinct station. Minneapolis police officers are visible outside the building and on the roof while people in the street hold signs and raise their hands toward the precinct.
Minneapolis Police Deploy Tear Gas at 3rd Precinct
May 26, 2020 — Minneapolis police officers advance through tear gas near the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct during protests following the death of George Floyd. Officers, equipped with protective gear, pushed protesters and media away from the police station, which served as a focal point for the Minneapolis Uprising in May 2020.
Minneapolis police fire less-lethal munitions near the 3rd Precinct as a protester runs past.
May 26, 2020 — Minneapolis Police officers fire less-lethal munitions on a street near the 3rd Precinct station in Minneapolis on May 26, 2020, as a protester runs through the foreground holding a sign. The officers are wearing helmets and gas masks during demonstrations that followed the killing of George Floyd and intensified around the precinct.
MPD disperse protesters with less lethal at 3rd Precinct
May 26, 2020 — Minneapolis Police officers deployed less-lethal weapons to disperse protesters near the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct in May 2020. These protests erupted following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, leading to widespread civil unrest. Protesters marched from the site of George Floyd's death to the 3rd Precinct, which became a central location for expressing community grievances against police brutality. The precinct building served as a significant focal point during the Minneapolis Uprising.
Protesters with hands up at the 3rd Precinct
May 26, 2020 — Protesters hold their fists up outside the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct police station. Police officers behind broken glass on day 1 of protests after the death of George Floyd the night before.
Protester with gallons of milk at the 3rd Precinct
May 26, 2020 — A protester carries jugs of milk outside the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct in Minneapolis during the widespread protests that followed the killing of George Floyd. This image was taken on May 26, 2020, the day after Floyd's death. The 3rd Precinct building, a central facility for the Minneapolis Police Department, exhibits damage including broken windows and graffiti, reflecting its role as a focal point of the civil unrest. Milk was commonly used by protesters to alleviate the effects of tear gas and chemical irritants deployed by law enforcement during the demonstrations.
Protester stands on top of a squad car with hands up
May 26, 2020 — A protester stands on top of a Minneapolis Police squad car outside the 3rd Precinct. The large crowd marched from 38th Street and Chicago Ave the day after George Floyd was killed.
Protesters outside Minneapolis Police Third Precinct in Minneapolis holding Black Lives Matter signs.
May 26, 2020 — Protesters gather outside the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct in Minneapolis on May 26, 2020, one day after George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer. The precinct became a major gathering point in the early days of the protests calling for police accountability and justice for George Floyd.
Protesters arrive at the Minneapolis Police 3rd precinct
May 26, 2020 — Protesters surround the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct. The large crowd marched the 2 miles from 38th St and Chicago Ave the day after George Floyd was killed.

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