Fuck 12

21 photos · 2020–2022

21 photographs tagged Fuck 12, 2020–2022.

Graffiti reading "Fuck 12" and "F12" on a downtown Minneapolis bus shelter window at night.
Fuck 12 and F12 spraypainted on a bus shelter in downtown Minneapolis following the police killing of Amir Locke.

“Fuck 12” Graffiti on a Downtown Minneapolis Bus Shelter

Minneapolis Police Squad Car and Abolish The Police
A Minneapolis Police Department squad car passes a mural on Minnehaha Avenue that reads "Abolish The Police." The mural, painted on plywood covering a building, appeared in the context of widespread protests and calls for police reform following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020. The "Open Streets" event, which temporarily closes streets to vehicles for community use, was concluding as the police vehicle drove by.

Minneapolis Police Car Passes “Abolish The Police” Mural

Burn This Shit Down Graffiti in Minneapolis
Graffiti reading "Burn this shit down" was spray-painted in South Minneapolis on the four-month anniversary of Winston Smith's death. Smith, a Black man, died in June 2020 after being shot by Minneapolis police. The phrase "Fuck 12" is also visible, a common anti-police slogan. This act of vandalism occurred during a period of heightened protest and unrest in Minneapolis following the murder of George Floyd.

Minneapolis Graffiti: “Burn This Shit Down” on 4-Month Anniversary of Winston Smith’s Death

Barricades block Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis, including a sign reading “FUCK 12.”
Barricades line Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis, June 2020, during the protests following the murder of George Floyd. The barricades, some bearing messages like "FUCK 12," were erected by protesters to block off streets and create autonomous zones. Nearby, memorials for Winston Smith and Deona Marie Knajdek, both killed by law enforcement in early June 2020, were visible. On June 3, 2021, members of a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force fatally shot 32-year-old Winston “Boogie” Smith Jr. on the top level of a parking ramp in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood while attempting to arrest him on a felony warrant. Authorities said Smith fired a handgun from inside his vehicle during the encounter, while family members and activists questioned the official account and demanded the release of additional evidence. The killing led to weeks of protests, street occupations, and confrontations with police in Uptown, becoming another major flashpoint in Minneapolis during the period following the murder of George Floyd. Earlier in the day Minneapolis city officials along with The Agape Movement coordinated to open the streets that had been closed at George Floyd Square since his murder. On June 13, 2021, 31-year-old Deona Marie Knajdek was killed when a driver accelerated into a group of demonstrators gathered in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood during ongoing protests over the killing of Winston “Boogie” Smith Jr. Protesters had blocked the intersection of West Lake Street and Girard Avenue with vehicles and barricades when Nicholas Kraus drove a Jeep Cherokee into the crowd at high speed, killing Knajdek and injuring several others. Kraus was later charged with second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and criminal vehicular operation. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to murder and assault charges and was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for the attack.

Lake Street Barricades, Uptown Minneapolis, June 2020

Blue “No Justice No Street” graffiti on red pavement in Minneapolis.
"No Justice No Street" graffiti on Lake Street in Minneapolis memorializes victims of police violence and the subsequent protests. The phrase appeared following the law enforcement killing of Winston Smith on June 3, 2021, and the death of Deona Marie on June 13, 2021. On June 3, 2021, members of a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force fatally shot 32-year-old Winston “Boogie” Smith Jr. on the top level of a parking ramp in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood while attempting to arrest him on a felony warrant. Authorities said Smith fired a handgun from inside his vehicle during the encounter, while family members and activists questioned the official account and demanded the release of additional evidence. The killing led to weeks of protests, street occupations, and confrontations with police in Uptown, becoming another major flashpoint in Minneapolis during the period following the murder of George Floyd. Earlier in the day Minneapolis city officials along with The Agape Movement coordinated to open the streets that had been closed at George Floyd Square since his murder. On June 13, 2021, 31-year-old Deona Marie Knajdek was killed when a driver accelerated into a group of demonstrators gathered in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood during ongoing protests over the killing of Winston “Boogie” Smith Jr. Protesters had blocked the intersection of West Lake Street and Girard Avenue with vehicles and barricades when Nicholas Kraus drove a Jeep Cherokee into the crowd at high speed, killing Knajdek and injuring several others. Kraus was later charged with second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, and criminal vehicular operation. In 2023, he pleaded guilty to murder and assault charges and was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for the attack.

Minneapolis: “No Justice No Street” Graffiti on Lake Street

Graffiti reading “Fuck 12” on the Seven Points Parking Ramp in Uptown Minneapolis.
Graffiti reading "Fuck 12" and an anarchy symbol are visible on the Seven Points Parking Ramp in Uptown Minneapolis. The phrase "Fuck 12" is a protest slogan against police brutality, with "12" referring to the police. On June 3, 2021, members of a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force fatally shot 32-year-old Winston “Boogie” Smith Jr. on the top level of a parking ramp in Minneapolis’ Uptown neighborhood while attempting to arrest him on a felony warrant. Authorities said Smith fired a handgun from inside his vehicle during the encounter, while family members and activists questioned the official account and demanded the release of additional evidence. The killing led to weeks of protests, street occupations, and confrontations with police in Uptown, becoming another major flashpoint in Minneapolis during the period following the murder of George Floyd. Earlier in the day Minneapolis city officials along with The Agape Movement coordinated to open the streets that had been closed at George Floyd Square since his murder.

Graffiti on Seven Points Parking Ramp, Uptown Minneapolis

Police line behind the Sterling Square Apartments sign in Brooklyn Center amid Daunte Wright protests.
Protesters gather near Sterling Square Apartments in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, following the death of Daunte Wright. The 20-year-old was fatally shot by Brooklyn Center Police officer Kim Potter during a traffic stop on April 11, 2021. The incident sparked widespread protests, with law enforcement agencies including the Brooklyn Center Police, Hennepin County Sheriffs, Minnesota State Patrol, and the National Guard present. The image captures the tense atmosphere with police in riot gear and the aftermath of gatherings, including debris and graffiti on the apartment complex sign.

Brooklyn Center: Supplies for protesters near Sterling Square Apartments

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

Black Lives Matter ACAB Fuck 12 Pigs
Security fencing and concrete barriers surround the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, a measure taken during the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. The plywood barrier displays protest art, including "Black Lives Matter" and "Fuck 12 Pigs," reflecting the sentiments of demonstrators. This fencing was erected to secure the courthouse and maintain order amidst significant public attention and potential unrest surrounding the trial.

Minneapolis Government Center Fencing with Protest Art

Shops Are Open sign on Lake Street February 2021
Shops on Lake Street in Minneapolis are shown with a OPEN sign on February 18, 2021 after significant damage sustained during civil unrest in the summer of 2020. The unrest followed the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, and led to widespread protests and property destruction across the city. 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.

Lake Street Shops Reopen After Unrest, Minneapolis

Well Burn This Bitch Again on Minneapolis Police Station
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.

Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct Graffiti: “We’ll Burn This Bitch Again”

Anarchist Graffiti on Hennepin County Juvenile Justice center
On New Year's Eve, approximately one hundred individuals gathered for a nationwide call to protest in support of those incarcerated by the state. The Minneapolis Police Department, State Patrol, Golden Valley Police Department, and Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, along with aerial surveillance, responded to the Hennepin County Juvenile Justice Center. This response occurred after the building was spray-painted with graffiti, leading to the arrest of dozens of participants. The graffiti visible on the building's pillars includes the phrases "Fuck 12" and "Free Our Kids," reflecting anti-police sentiment and concern for youth in the justice system.

Minneapolis Juvenile Justice Center Graffiti and Protest Site

Graffiti on Vikings ship in Downtown Minneapolis.
Graffiti reading 'Fuck Redskins Owner' is visible on the Minnesota Vikings ship sculpture outside US Bank Stadium in Downtown Minneapolis. This act of vandalism occurred prior to a game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Washington Redskins, drawing attention to the long-standing controversy surrounding the Washington NFL team's name. The ship sculpture is a distinctive architectural feature of US Bank Stadium, which opened in 2016. Located in Downtown Minneapolis, the stadium serves as the home of the Minnesota Vikings and a major venue for sports and entertainment events.

Graffiti: ‘Fuck Redskins Owner’ on Vikings Ship, US Bank Stadium

ACAB written on Federal Courthouse benches
Graffiti reading 'ACAB' and 'FUCK 12' is visible on the pavement outside the Federal Courthouse in downtown Minneapolis. This graffiti emerged during a period of widespread protests and civil unrest in Minneapolis, particularly following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Federal courthouses, as symbols of the justice system, often become focal points for public expression during protests concerning legal and social issues. The phrases 'ACAB' (All Cops Are Bastards) and 'FUCK 12' are anti-police slogans commonly used in protests against police brutality and systemic injustice.

Federal Courthouse ‘ACAB’ Graffiti, Minneapolis

Burn this written on grounds of Federal Courthouse
Graffiti reading "Burn This", "ACAB", and "FUCK 12" is visible on the grounds and windows of the Diana E. Murphy United States Courthouse in downtown Minneapolis. This federal judicial building, completed in 1996, serves as a central location for federal legal proceedings in the district. The messages reflect the intense public sentiment and unrest that characterized the Minneapolis Uprising, a period of significant social protest following the killing of George Floyd. The graffiti on this government building underscores the anti-establishment and anti-police sentiments prevalent during this historical period.

ACAB Graffiti on Diana E. Murphy US Courthouse, Minneapolis

Boards on Cadillac Pawn on Lake Street reading Fuck 12
Cadillac Pawn, located at 1538 E Lake Street in Minneapolis, stands boarded with graffiti following the widespread unrest that occurred after the May 25th, 2020 death of George Floyd. The retail store was heavily looted during these events. Messages spray-painted on the boards include "RIP Calvin" and "Fuck this store," referencing Calvin Horton Jr., who was shot and killed by the store owner, with no charges filed in the case. This site serves as a stark reminder of the community's grievances and the profound impact of the 2020 protests on local businesses and the urban environment.

Cadillac Pawn, Lake Street, boarded with graffiti

Burned O'Reilly Auto Parts remains on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis in July 2020.
Burned O'Reilly Auto Parts on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis remained collapsed and uncleared in July 2020. The store was damaged during the unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Graffiti on the adjacent wall ties the site to that period in the city.

Burned O’Reilly Auto Parts on Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis

Graffiti-covered car outside a boarded-up US Bank on Lake Street in Minneapolis, with a cyclist passing.
A graffiti-covered damaged car sits outside a boarded-up US Bank branch on Lake Street in Minneapolis on May 31, 2020. The image includes the bank’s drive-through area and nearby commercial buildings along the Lake Street corridor, where many properties were closed or secured with plywood after unrest following the police killing of George Floyd. A cyclist passes in the foreground, contrasting with the visible damage and anti-police graffiti left on the car and bank building.

Graffiti Car at US Bank, Lake Street, Minneapolis

Chicago-Lake Liquors boarded up on Lake Street in Minneapolis with graffiti and concrete barriers.
Chicago-Lake Liquors on Lake Street in Minneapolis stands boarded up on May 31, 2020, with graffiti on the plywood-covered entrance and on a concrete barrier in front of the store. The large corner liquor store, identified by its prominent sign and drive-in customer parking lot, was among many businesses in the area that installed protective coverings after unrest following the killing of George Floyd.

Chicago-Lake Liquors Boarded, Minneapolis

Fire at the Target store on East Lake Street in Minneapolis as flames engulf part of the building.
Fire burns at the Target store on East Lake Street in Minneapolis on May 28, 2020. The blaze consumed part of the building during unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd, with smoke and sparks rising above the roofline. Graffiti on the exterior walls, including anti-police messages, remained visible on the facade as the fire spread.

Target Store Fire, East Lake Street, Minneapolis

Burning AutoZone on Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis with graffiti during May 2020 unrest.
The AutoZone store at 2700 Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis burns in the early hours of May 28, 2020, across from the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct. Flames have consumed much of the one-story commercial building, leaving the roofline partially collapsed as graffiti covers the exterior wall. The fire occurred during the first nights of unrest after the murder of George Floyd.

Burning Autozone with Graffiti, Minneapolis

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