BLM

69 photos · 2015–2024

69 photographs tagged BLM, 2015–2024.

Nighttime protest at Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct with demonstrators gathered around a bonfire and Black Lives Matter signage.
Protest at the Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct Police Station following the Minneapolis Police killing of Jamar Clark.

Night Encampment at the Jamar Clark Protest Site

Protesters gather around fires at night outside the Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct station.
Protest at the Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct Police Station following the Minneapolis Police killing of Jamar Clark.

Night Vigil Outside the 4th Precinct During the Jamar Clark Protests

"Justice for Jamar" text projected onto the Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct building at night.
Protest at the Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct Police Station following the Minneapolis Police killing of Jamar Clark.

“Justice for Jamar” Projected on the 4th Precinct at Night

Protesters gather at night outside Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct station during Jamar Clark demonstration.
Protest at the Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct Police Station following the Minneapolis Police killing of Jamar Clark.

“This Could Be Your City Next” Sign at the Jamar Clark Vigil

Couple holding a Justice for George Floyd poster in Minneapolis
Two individuals hold a sign advocating for justice on 36th Street in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The sign, reading "Justice for George Floyd" and "BLM," also includes a phone number for the District Attorney, urging public action.

Protesters holding a protest sign on 36th St

Signs flowers and bears left at George Floyd memorial
Memorial tributes at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis fill the pavement at East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue on May 26, 2020, the day after George Floyd was killed there. Flowers, handwritten messages, stuffed animals, and signs reading “Black Lives Matter” and “My Life Matters” mark the site as mourners and demonstrators began transforming the intersection into a place of remembrance.

A memorial where George Floyd was killed

Proteter holds up a Black Lives Matter protest sign
Protesters gather on East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis on May 26, 2020. This protest occurred the day after George Floyd was killed by police at this intersection, sparking widespread outrage and calls for racial justice.

38th St & Chicago the day after George Floyd was killed

Minneapolis Police aims his less lethal weapon
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.

Officer Aims Weapon at Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct

Minneapolis police on the 3rd Precinct roof in south Minneapolis during protests.
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 3rd Precinct Rooftop

Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct on fire in Minneapolis during George Floyd protests.
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.

Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct Fire

GM Tobacco burns on East Lake Street in Minneapolis as people gather during George Floyd protests.
GM Tobacco and neighboring storefronts on East Lake Street in Minneapolis burn as people gather outside on the night of May 28, 2020. The fire occurred during protests and unrest that followed the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. Midori’s can also be seen along the block, part of a heavily damaged commercial corridor south of downtown.

GM Tobacco Burns on Lake Street, Minneapolis

Boarded Wells Fargo on Lake Street in Minneapolis with protest graffiti and broken windows.
A Wells Fargo branch on Lake Street in Minneapolis stands boarded and spray-painted during the unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Graffiti on the facade includes the messages “STEAL IT BACK!” and “KILL Bankers,” while broken glass and plywood cover parts of the entrance and windows.

Wells Fargo Bank, Lake Street, Minneapolis

Boarded storefronts in downtown Minneapolis marked with BLM and Black Owned graffiti.
Boarded storefronts in downtown Minneapolis are marked with the spray-painted messages “BLM” and “BLACK OWNED” on May 29, 2020. The plywood covers were installed to protect retail businesses during unrest following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police earlier that week.

Boarded Businesses, Downtown Minneapolis

Woman painting "Black Lives" on the street at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis.
A woman paints the words “Black Lives” on the pavement at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on May 31, 2020. The site, at the intersection of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a gathering place for memorials and protest activity after the killing of George Floyd. Flowers and chalk markings visible around her reflect the informal tributes that covered the street during the early days of the memorial.

Woman Paints Black Lives Matter at George Floyd Square

Granada Theatre in Uptown Minneapolis with Justice 4 George Floyd marquee and BLM mural on boarded facade.
The Granada Theatre on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis is shown boarded up with a marquee reading “Justice 4 George Floyd” and “Uptown Love.” A large pink “BLM” mural covers the plywood across the theater’s ground-floor facade. Photographed on June 4, 2020, the image documents how the theater’s exterior was used for messages tied to the protests and neighborhood response after the killing of George Floyd.

Granada Theatre, Justice 4 George Floyd Marquee & BLM, Uptown

Boarded Iron Door Pub on Lyndale Avenue, Minneapolis, with BLM and protest graffiti in June 2020.
The Iron Door Pub on Lyndale Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis is boarded up in early June 2020, with plywood covering its windows and doors. Messages including “BLM,” “Stay Safe,” “MPLS Strong,” and “Look for the helpers” are spray-painted across the boards. Taken a week after the killing of George Floyd.

Iron Door Pub, Lyndale Ave, Minneapolis, Protest Graffiti

Boarded businesses on Lake Street in Minneapolis painted with Black Lives Matter and protest messages in June 2020.
Boarded storefronts on Lake Street in Minneapolis are covered with protest art and messages in early June 2020. Visible text and symbols include “Black Lives Matter,” “Don’t Shoot,” a peace sign, and “Liberty + Justice 4 All” painted across plywood panels protecting business entrances. The boards were installed after the murder of George Floyd and became surfaces for memorials, political messages, and neighborhood response along one of the city’s main commercial corridors.

BLM graffiti on boarded businesses, Lake Street, Minneapolis

Granada Theater in Uptown Minneapolis with Justice 4 George Floyd marquee and boarded windows painted with BLM graffiti.
The Granada Theater on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis displays “Justice 4 George Floyd” and “Uptown Love” on its marquee. Painted plywood covers the theater’s ground-floor windows and doors, with large “BLM” graffiti and floral artwork visible across the facade. The boarding reflects security measures used by many Twin Cities businesses during protests and unrest following the police killing of George Floyd in May 2020. Built in 1928, the theater became a prominent public surface for messages during that period.

Granada Theatre Marquee: Justice 4 George Floyd, Uptown, Minneapolis

Welcome table at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis with signs reading “Black Lives, Black Love, Black Justice.”
A welcome table at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis stands at the crossroads of East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, where a memorial and community healing space formed after George Floyd was killed by police in May 2020. Hand-lettered signs on the table read “Black Lives, Black Love, Black Justice” and describe the area as sacred ground for the Black and African American community and their allies.

George Floyd Square Welcome Table, Healing Space

Community members gather for a comedy show at a Speedway gas station in George Floyd Square, Minneapolis.
A comedy show put on at the Speedway gas station at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue. The gas station is now known as The People's Way and has been a gathering place inside George Floyd Square since Floyd's May 2020 murder.

Evening Comedy Show at the Speedway Station in George Floyd Square

Hennepin County Jail surrounded by chain link security fencing and metal poles at night in downtown Minneapolis.
Hennepin County Jail in downtown Minneapolis was surrounded by temporary security fencing in February 2021. Additional barriers were installed around government buildings in the area before the Derek Chauvin trial. The jail is part of the Hennepin County public safety and court complex.

Razor Wire Fencing Outside Hennepin County Jail at Night

The World Is Watching protest in Minneapolis
Protesters gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on March 8, 2021, the morning of the Derek Chauvin trial. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was charged with the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The banner reads "Justice 4 George Floyd & All Stolen Lives. The World Is Watching." This event highlights the broader Black Lives Matter movement and calls for accountability in cases of police brutality.

Minneapolis Protest for George Floyd Outside Hennepin County Government Center

Abolish Police and Prisons protest sign
Protesters gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on March 8, 2021, ahead of the Derek Chauvin trial. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was charged in the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The sign "Abolish Police + Prisons" reflects a central demand of the Black Lives Matter movement, which gained widespread attention following Floyd's death and has continued to advocate for systemic reform of law enforcement and the justice system.

Minneapolis Protest: Abolish Police and Prisons Sign

Large protest in Minneapolis at start of Chauvin trial
Protesters gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on March 8, 2021, awaiting the start of the trial for former police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was charged with murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, an event that sparked widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice. The Hennepin County Government Center serves as a key administrative and judicial hub for the county, and its proximity to the site of Floyd's murder made it a focal point for demonstrations.

Minneapolis Protest Outside Hennepin County Government Center

Protesters behind security fencing at Chauvin trial
Protesters gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis during the trial of Derek Chauvin. The courthouse was surrounded by security fencing, a measure implemented due to the high-profile nature of the trial and concerns about potential unrest. The trial, which began in March 2021, stemmed from the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020. Protests against police brutality and racial injustice, often under the banner of Black Lives Matter, had been ongoing in Minneapolis and across the nation since Floyd's death.

Protesters at Hennepin County Government Center during Chauvin Trial

Protester writes with chaulk at Chauvin trial
During the trial of Derek Chauvin, a protester writes messages in chalk outside the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis. The trial, which began in March 2021, centered on the murder of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody. The courthouse and surrounding areas became a focal point for protests and demonstrations related to police brutality and racial justice. The chalk messages serve as a form of public expression and a visual record of the community's response to the ongoing legal proceedings and broader social issues.

Chalk message at Hennepin County Courthouse during Chauvin trial

Minneapolis is under military occupation
Protesters gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on March 8, 2021, the day the Derek Chauvin murder trial began. The sign, held by a protester, reads "Minneapolis is under military occupation," reflecting the sentiment of many during the widespread protests against police brutality that followed George Floyd's murder. The trial itself was a focal point for ongoing activism and calls for justice and accountability within the Minneapolis community and beyond.

Minneapolis Protest Sign: “Minneapolis is under military occupation”

George Floyd pins being sold outside courthouse
Pins commemorating George Floyd and bearing the slogan "I Can't Breathe" are displayed for sale outside the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis. This location was the site of the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of Floyd's murder in April 2021. The sale of such merchandise reflects the broader cultural and political impact of Floyd's death and the subsequent Black Lives Matter movement, which gained significant momentum following the incident in May 2020. The courthouse itself is a significant civic building in downtown Minneapolis, serving as a central hub for legal proceedings in the county.

George Floyd Pins Sold Outside Hennepin County Courthouse

Protesters march through downtown at start of Chauvin trial
A large crowd gathered in downtown Minneapolis for a protest related to the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police Officer charged in the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The protest took place outside the Hennepin County Government Center prior to the start of the trial. Many carried signs with messages such as "Justice for George Floyd," "Convict Killer Cops," and "Black Lives Matter," reflecting the broader movement against police brutality and racial injustice.

Protesters march downtown Minneapolis for Derek Chauvin trial

Justice 4 George Floyd and All Stolen Lives in Minneapolis
A large crowd gathered in downtown Minneapolis on March 8, 2021, to protest the murder of George Floyd and demand justice. The protest occurred outside the Hennepin County Government Center on the morning of the first day of the trial for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in connection with Floyd's death on May 25, 2020. The "Black Lives Matter" movement gained significant momentum following Floyd's death, highlighting issues of police brutality and racial injustice.

Minneapolis Protest for George Floyd and Stolen Lives

Minnesota National Guard outside Hennepin Courthouse
A member of the Minnesota National Guard stands in front of a military vehicle outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. This deployment occurred during a period of heightened tension and unrest in the city, following the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent trial of Derek Chauvin. The National Guard was activated to support local law enforcement and maintain order amidst widespread protests against police brutality. The Hennepin County Government Center, a prominent civic building in downtown Minneapolis, served as a focal point during these events.

Minnesota National Guard at Hennepin County Government Center

Black Lives Matter chalk on black boards
Messages of protest and solidarity are chalked onto boarded-up windows of a building near the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. The messages, including "Justice for George Floyd," "Stop Killing Us," and "Black Lives Matter," were created in the context of the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was charged with murder in the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, an event that sparked widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice.

Minneapolis: BLM messages on boarded-up building near Chauvin trial

Bringing In the National Guard flyer
A sign posted on a chain-link fence surrounding the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis reads "Bringing in the National Guard. What Could Possibly Go Wrong?" The poster includes a photograph from the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970, where the Ohio National Guard fired on unarmed students during a protest. This juxtaposition of historical imagery with the contemporary presence of the National Guard in Minneapolis, likely during the protests following the murder of George Floyd, serves as a pointed commentary on the potential for state-sanctioned violence. The inclusion of flowers suggests a memorial or a somber reflection on the events.

Hennepin County Government Center: National Guard Sign

Protesters with mirrors and flowers outside Chauvin trial
Flowers and mirrors are placed on the street outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This display occurred during the period of protests and unrest following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and the subsequent trial of Derek Chauvin. The mirrors, some bearing red paint, likely symbolize reflection and accountability, while the flowers serve as a memorial to victims of police brutality. The Hennepin County Government Center was a focal point for many demonstrations during this time.

Flowers and mirrors outside Hennepin County Government Center

Reflect art installation outside Chauvin trial
An art installation reading "REFLECT" stands outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. The installation was present during the trial of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The trial, which began on March 8, 2021, drew significant public attention and protests related to police brutality and racial justice. The "REFLECT" installation, along with scattered roses and protest signs, served as a visual reminder of the ongoing discourse surrounding Floyd's death and its broader implications.

Reflect art installation outside Hennepin County Government Center

Roses in blood art installation at Chauvin trial
Roses, some appearing to be stained with red paint to resemble blood, were placed in a puddle outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. This installation occurred during the trial of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd. The trial, held in April 2021, drew significant national attention to issues of police brutality and racial justice.

Roses in paint outside Hennepin County Government Center during Chauvin trial

Chalk outside US Bank Plaza boards
Chalk messages, including "Stop Killer Cops" and "Justice," were written on a wall outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis during the trial of Derek Chauvin. The trial, which began in March 2021, stemmed from the May 25, 2020 murder of George Floyd. The messages reflect the public sentiment and activism surrounding the case, which gained national and international attention.

Chalk messages outside Minneapolis courthouse during Chauvin trial

Minneapolis Police officer drives by US Bank Plaza
A Minneapolis Police vehicle is parked on 3rd Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis, adjacent to the US Bank Plaza. The plaza's windows and ground-level facade have been boarded up and covered with graffiti, including messages related to the Black Lives Matter movement and the Derek Chauvin trial. This scene reflects the heightened tensions and public response in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The presence of the police car and the boarded-up buildings indicate the city's efforts to manage and respond to the widespread protests and civil unrest that occurred during that period.

Minneapolis Police car at boarded US Bank Plaza

Floyd lock outside Hennepin County courthouse during Chauvin trial
Locks bearing the names of victims of police violence were placed on fencing surrounding the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis during the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. The locks served as a memorial and a symbol of protest. They were removed from the fencing the following day, April 14, 2021, after being in place for approximately one week.

Floyd Lock at Hennepin County Courthouse During Chauvin Trial

National Guard security at Derek Chauvin murder trial
National Guard vehicles and a Hennepin County Sheriff's vehicle were stationed near the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis during the trial of Derek Chauvin. The trial, held in April 2021, stemmed from the death of George Floyd in May 2020, an event that sparked widespread protests and unrest. The presence of military and law enforcement vehicles underscored the heightened security measures and the tense atmosphere surrounding the proceedings.

National Guard vehicle at Hennepin County Courthouse, Minneapolis

Protesters march at Minnesota State Capitol March 2021
Protesters gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul in March 2021 to demand justice for George Floyd and an end to police brutality. The demonstration occurred nearly a year after Floyd's murder by Minneapolis police, an event that sparked widespread protests across the nation and globally. The Minnesota State Capitol building, completed in 1905, serves as the seat of government for the state and is a prominent landmark in the Twin Cities.

Black Lives Matter Protest at Minnesota State Capitol, March 2021

Woman holds up No Justice No Streets sign in St Paul
Protesters gathered in St. Paul, Minnesota, to demand justice for George Floyd and other victims of police brutality. The "No Justice No Streets" slogan, prominently displayed on a sign, reflects the widespread anger and calls for systemic change following Floyd's murder. This event was part of a larger national movement that brought attention to issues of racial inequality and police accountability. The protest took place near the Minnesota State Capitol, a significant site for political action and public assembly in the state.

Protest for George Floyd: No Justice No Streets, St. Paul

Items at George Floyd Square
A handwritten letter and beaded necklaces are displayed at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, a site that became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The area, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, was occupied by protesters for months. This memorial serves as a space for remembrance, reflection, and continued activism related to racial justice and police brutality.

Letter and beads at George Floyd Square, Minneapolis

Speedway gas station reopens in Minneapolis
The Speedway gas station on Lake Street in South Minneapolis is shown preparing to reopen after being rebuilt. This location was significantly damaged during the unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The rebuilding of this and other businesses in the area reflects the community's resilience and efforts to recover from the events of the Minneapolis Uprising.

Speedway Gas Station Reopens in South Minneapolis After Fire

Can you hear us now written on roof
Messages reading "RIP George" and "Can you hear us now!" are spray-painted on the rooftop of a building across from the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct. The precinct building was set ablaze during civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The messages serve as a stark reminder of the public outcry and demands for accountability that characterized the Minneapolis Uprising.

Minneapolis Police Third Precinct Rooftop Message

Fist at George Floyd Square in March 2021
A raised fist sculpture and the Pan-African flag fly at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis in March 2021. The square, located at the intersection of Chicago Avenue and 38th Street, became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin in May 2020. The area was occupied by protesters for an extended period, transforming it into a space for community gathering and activism. The fist and flag symbolize Black Power and solidarity, reflecting the ongoing movement for racial justice.

George Floyd Square Fist and Pan-African Flag, March 2021

George Floyd mural at Cup Foods in Minneapolis
The George Floyd Memorial mural, located at Cup Foods on the corner of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis, was created in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder in May 2020. The mural serves as a focal point for remembrance and protest, situated at the epicenter of the "George Floyd Square" autonomous zone established by activists. This site became a significant gathering place for demonstrations and a symbol of the broader Black Lives Matter movement.

George Floyd Mural at Cup Foods, Minneapolis

George Floyd Square Greenhouse in March 2021
A greenhouse at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, March 2021, served as a space for cultivating plants and flowers through the winter months. The square became a focal point for protests and activism following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. This structure, adorned with signs and tributes such as "Black Lives Matter" and "Justice for George Floyd," reflects the community's ongoing commitment to remembrance and social justice.

George Floyd Square Greenhouse, Minneapolis, March 2021

Chauvin Trial Opening Statements Protest and March, Minneapolis
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.

Chauvin Trial Opening Statements Protest and March, Minneapolis

Protester with I Cant Breathe shirt on at start of George Floyd trial
Protesters gathered in Downtown Minneapolis on March 8, 2021, the day opening statements began in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former police officer accused of murdering George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The shirt worn by the individual in the foreground displays "I Can't Breathe" along with portraits of Floyd and other Black individuals who died in encounters with law enforcement. This protest was part of a broader movement demanding justice for Floyd and accountability for police brutality.

Minneapolis Protest for George Floyd Trial

Hennepin County police look down on protesters at Chauvin trial
On March 8, 2021, protesters gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis to rally and march on the day opening statements began in the trial of Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was accused of murdering George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The building, located at 300 South Sixth Street, serves as the seat of county government and houses courtrooms and administrative offices. Security forces, including National Guard members, were visible on the building's upper levels, and barricades were erected around the perimeter.

Hennepin County Government Center: Police observe Chauvin trial protest

Man with a Black Lives Matter flag in downtown Minneapolis
A protestor carries a Black Lives Matter flag through Downtown Minneapolis on March 8, 2021, the day opening statements began in the trial of Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was accused of murdering George Floyd on May 25, 2020, an event that sparked widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice. The trial took place in Hennepin County District Court, with significant public attention and ongoing demonstrations in the city.

Minneapolis: BLM protestor walks during Chauvin trial opening statements

Handcuffed Knee on Neck 8 Minutes 46 Secs Premeditated Murder
Protesters gathered in Downtown Minneapolis on March 29, 2021, the day opening statements began in the murder trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was accused of killing George Floyd on May 25, 2020, after a video showed him kneeling on Floyd's neck for over eight minutes. The protest highlighted the duration of the restraint and the circumstances surrounding Floyd's death, which sparked widespread demonstrations against police brutality and racial injustice.

Minneapolis Protest: Chauvin Trial Begins, Signs Detail Floyd Murder

Protester with ACAB patch during Chauvin march
On the opening day of the Derek Chauvin trial, protesters gathered in Downtown Minneapolis to march and rally. Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, was accused of murdering George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The protest signifies the ongoing public response to Floyd's death and the subsequent calls for justice and police reform.

Minneapolis Protest for George Floyd, Chauvin Trial Opening

Protesters rally in downtown Minneapolis during George Floyd opening statements
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.

Minneapolis Protest for George Floyd Trial Opening Statements

Art being put up on fence outside Chauvin trial
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.

Minneapolis: Ribbons on Chauvin Trial Security Fence

Art installation outside Hennepin County Courthouse
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.

Red ribbons with names of victims of police brutality on fence at Hennepin County Courthouse

Protesters occupy courthouse property during George Floyd trial
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.

Hennepin County Courthouse Protest: Locks for Stolen Lives

Chalk protest graffiti at Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis behind security fencing.
Chalk graffiti adorns the exterior of the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, a site that became a focal point during the protests following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The messages, including "Steps for Killer Cops," "End Qualified Immunity," and "Fuck 12! Blue Lives MURDER," reflect the public outcry and demands for justice and accountability. The trial of Derek Chauvin, the officer accused of Floyd's murder, took place in Minneapolis, amplifying the significance of these messages as expressions of dissent and calls for systemic change.

Chalk Graffiti at Hennepin County Government Center, Minneapolis

Blankets and clothing for protesters at Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis.
Supplies including blankets, pillows, and jackets were made available to protesters occupying the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. The occupation occurred during the 2021 Derek Chauvin trial, a period of heightened activism following the murder of George Floyd. The presence of these supplies highlights the sustained nature of the protest and the community's efforts to support those participating. The "Black Lives Matter" signs and portraits of victims of police brutality, such as Breonna Taylor, underscore the movement's core demands for racial justice and police accountability.

Minneapolis: Supplies for protesters at Hennepin County Government Center

Razor wire and protest signs at Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis during the Derek Chauvin trial.
Razor wire and protest signs surround the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis during the trial of Derek Chauvin. The security measures were put in place following the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, and the subsequent protests. The area has become a focal point for demonstrations, with protesters decorating the fencing with signs and ribbons, indicating a continuous occupation of the space.

Minneapolis Government Center: Razor wire and protest signs

Hand-written sign reading "we support BLM Black Lives Matter" taped to a Minneapolis corner store window.
Corner stores across Minneapolis displayed handmade signs like this one, declaring support for Black Lives Matter, following the police killing of George Floyd in May 2020. Many small business owners posted such messages on their storefronts and security gates during the unrest and protests that followed, both as an expression of solidarity and, in some cases, as a way to prevent damage to their property. Stores in the Lake Street and South Minneapolis corridors, close to the site of Floyd's death, were especially likely to carry these markings well into 2021.

“We Support BLM” Sign on Corner Store Security Gate, Minneapolis

Black Lives Matter stencil on square tile
A Black Lives Matter concrete block in South Minneapolis.

Black Lives Matter on square tile

Protester holds Black Lives Matter sign in Downtown Minneapolis
Protesters gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, holding signs that read "Black Lives Matter." This movement, which gained national prominence in 2013, advocates for the rights and liberation of Black people. The Government Center, a significant civic building in downtown Minneapolis, has been a focal point for various public gatherings and protests, reflecting its role as a center of local governance and public discourse.

Black Lives Matter Protest at Hennepin County Government Center, Minneapolis

End Blue Terrorism
Graffiti on Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis.

End Blue Terrorism Graffiti in Minneapolis

Revolution RIP George Floyd Mural on Lake Street, Minneapolis
A vehicle parked on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis in front of murals on a former Victoria Secret building.

Revolution RIP George Floyd Mural on Lake Street, Minneapolis

Protester holding a Black Lives Matter sign on a Minneapolis street at night near New Bohemia Wurst + BierHaus.
On February 4, 2022, protesters gathered outside the Minneapolis Mayor's residence to demand justice for Amir Locke, who was killed by police earlier that day. The protest, organized by the Black Lives Matter movement, saw participants, including many young people, voicing demands for accountability and systemic change in policing.

Minneapolis Protest for Amir Locke at Mayor’s Residence

BLM mural and "Abolish MPD" graffiti on 38th Street in Minneapolis.
Murals related to the Black Lives Matter movement and the call to "Abolish MPD" (Minneapolis Police Department) are displayed on a wooden structure on 38th Street in Minneapolis.

38th St, Minneapolis: “Abolish MPD” and BLM murals

Black Lives Matter graffiti in black and red spray paint on a weathered yellow utility post behind a chain-link fence in South Minneapolis.
The phrase "Black Lives Matter" is spray-painted in black and red on a weathered utility post in South Minneapolis.

“Black Lives Matter” Spray-Painted on a Fence Post