Graffiti

409 photos · 2008–2026

409 photographs tagged Graffiti, 2008–2026.

Private parking entrance sign with F12 graffiti in downtown Minneapolis at night.
A "PRIVATE PARKING ENTRANCE" sign in downtown Minneapolis is marked with graffiti reading "F12." The graffiti appeared during protests following the killing of Amir Locke. Amir Locke was killed earlier in the month by Minneapolis Police officers during a no knock warrant at a Downtown Minneapolis apartment building.

Minneapolis Parking Entrance with F12 Graffiti

Red "MPD" graffiti on a bridge pillar in Minneapolis during protests following Amir Locke's killing.
MPD written on a bridge in Minneapolis following the killing of Amir Locke.

“Crossed-Out MPD” Graffiti Near Downtown Minneapolis

Graffiti memorializing Amir Locke at Lake Street and Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis.
Graffiti reading "MPD MURDERED AMER LOCKE" is visible on a building at the intersection of Lake Street and Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis. This message appeared following the death of Amir Locke, a 22-year-old man killed by Minneapolis Police Department SWAT officers on February 2, 2022, during a warrant execution.

Minneapolis Graffiti Memorializes Amir Locke at Lake & Lyndale

FTP Fuck The Police Stop Sign
A stop sign in South Minneapolis is defaced with graffiti, including the phrase "FTP" and "AND THINK." The "FTP" tag is a common abbreviation for "Fuck The Police," a slogan frequently used in protests against police brutality and misconduct.

Minneapolis Stop Sign with “FTP” Graffiti

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

Mural in San Pedro, Belize, addresses child dignity and HIV/AIDS awareness with messages of peace, love, and cure.
A painted wall in San Pedro, Belize, carries public health and child protection messages, including references to child dignity in a digital age and HIV/AIDS awareness. The mural includes the phrases “Peace,” “Love,” and “Cure” alongside a ribbon and heart motif, and a separate panel calls to stop violence against children and protect innocence.

“Peace, Love, Cure” Mural on a San Pedro Wall

Uptown Theater stands illuminated on snow-covered Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis at night.
The Uptown Theater stands at Hennepin Avenue and Lagoon Avenue in Minneapolis. It opened in 1929 as a movie palace and later became a well known music venue in the Uptown neighborhood before closing for renovation.

Uptown Theater’s Marquee Over a Snowy Hennepin Avenue

Neon Lyles sign at a bar in Minneapolis
Liquor Lyle's Bar & Restaurant, a long-standing establishment on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis, is pictured here during winter. Founded in 1963, the venue has served as a neighborhood fixture, offering both liquor and food.

Liquor Lyle’s Bar & Restaurant, Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis

Memorial for CowboyDan under Minneapolis
This memorial, located in Minneapolis, features graffiti that reads "No Cops In Heaven." The artwork and accompanying offerings, such as flowers and boots, serve as a tribute to a local activist. The phrase "No Cops In Heaven" gained prominence during the Minneapolis Uprising of 2020, a period of widespread protests following the murder of George Floyd.

Minneapolis Memorial: “No Cops In Heaven” Graffiti

I can't breathe on a South Minneapolis fence
A mural in South Minneapolis displays George Floyd's final words, "Please, please, please I can't breathe. Please man I can't breathe." These words became a rallying cry during the protests that followed his death in May 2020. The artwork, painted on a wall adjacent to a residential building, serves as a public memorial and a stark reminder of the events that sparked widespread calls for racial justice and police reform. The mural's presence in the neighborhood where Floyd lived underscores the profound impact of his death on the local community and the nation.

George Floyd Mural on Minneapolis Wall

Were Open mural and Transtifa graffiti on Lake Street
The Hufan Restaurant & Cafe on Lake Street in Minneapolis displays a mural reading "We're Open" with an arrow, alongside graffiti art including "Transtifa" on the building's upper facade. This imagery reflects the period following the 2020 Minneapolis Uprising, when businesses often boarded up windows and doors for protection. The artwork serves as a visual record of resilience, solidarity, and community identity during a time of significant social and economic disruption in the city.

Hufan Restaurant & Cafe, Lake Street, Minneapolis Graffiti and Mural

End Blue Terrorism
Graffiti on Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis.

End Blue Terrorism Graffiti in Minneapolis

Call It Home by Anthony Ceballos
A poem by Anthony Ceballos, titled "Call It Home," is displayed on a storefront along Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis. The poem reflects on childhood memories and the cultural landscape of South Minneapolis, referencing local landmarks and businesses. This display is part of Pangea World Theater's "Poetry in the Windows" initiative, which aims to integrate artistic expression into the urban environment and engage the community with local narratives.

Poem on Hennepin Ave Storefront by Anthony Ceballos

Avenge Kenosha Fuck Kyle at Minneapolis Police Station
"Avenge Kenosha" and “Fuck Kyle” written on the barriers surrounding the third precinct.

Graffiti on barricade at Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct

Justice 4 George at Columbus and 38th St
Graffiti reading "Justice 4 George" is spray-painted on a utility box in South Minneapolis. This message appeared in the context of widespread protests and unrest following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers on May 25, 2020. The location, near 38th Street, is significant as it is close to the site of Floyd's death and became a focal point for activism and community organizing. Utility boxes, common elements of urban infrastructure, often become canvases for public expression during times of social and political upheaval.

Justice 4 George Graffiti on Utility Box, Minneapolis

Justice and Love at Moon Palace Books Minneapolis
Graffiti art reading "Justice" and "Love" adorns the boarded-up facade of Moon Palace Books in South Minneapolis. The boards were installed in May 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, as a protective measure for businesses in the area. Moon Palace Books notably refused to allow police to stage on their property during the subsequent protests, instead offering their space as a medic station for injured individuals. The "Abolish The Police" message, previously displayed on banners and boards, reflects the sentiment of many during the Minneapolis Uprising.

Moon Palace Books Minneapolis: Justice and Love Graffiti

Graffiti on light rail tracks in Downtown Minneapolis
Graffiti reading "The Revolution Continues" and "Stop The Donald" is spray-painted on the light rail tracks outside the Hennepin County Public Safety Facility in downtown Minneapolis. These messages appeared during the period of civil unrest in the city following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The Minneapolis Uprising saw widespread protests and activism, with graffiti becoming a common form of expression on public spaces and infrastructure throughout the downtown area.

Graffiti on Minneapolis Light Rail Tracks: “The Revolution Continues”

Daunte Wright Mural and Lake Street at night
A mural honoring Daunte Wright is displayed on Lake Street in Minneapolis. The mural appeared following Wright's death on April 11, 2021, during a traffic stop in nearby Brooklyn Center. The trial for former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter, who was charged with first and second-degree manslaughter in connection with Wright's death, was scheduled to begin on November 30th of the same year. The mural is painted on the boarded-up storefront of a business on Lake Street, a commercial corridor that experienced significant damage and unrest following Wright's killing and the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Daunte Wright Mural on Lake Street, Minneapolis at Night

Mural-covered alley in Uptown Minneapolis at night, with puddles reflecting streetlights.
This narrow Uptown alleyway comes alive after dark with the vibrant work of local artist Black Daze.

Black Daze in Uptown Alleyway

Graffiti on the Uptown Theater in Minneapolis reads, “Do you know who Winston Smith is??”
Graffiti reading "DO YOU KNOW WHO WINSTON SMITH IS??" is spray-painted on the glass doors of the Uptown Theater in Minneapolis. The Uptown Theatre, a historic movie palace opened in 1926, has been a prominent landmark on Hennepin Avenue.

Winston Smith Graffiti on Uptown Theater, Minneapolis

Paint covered No Trespassing sign
A "No Trespassing" sign, splattered with pink paint, is affixed to a chain-link fence outside a parking ramp in Uptown Minneapolis. This location is significant as the site where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement on June 3, 2021. The incident occurred during protests that followed the killing of George Floyd, and the sign's defacement may reflect the broader unrest and public sentiment at the time. The area around the parking ramp has been a focal point for activism and remembrance.

Paint-Covered No Trespassing Sign, Uptown Minneapolis

Stop The Cover Up graffiti behind Seven Points Mall
Protesters paint "Stop The Cover Up" outside the parking garage where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement 5 months earlier.

Uptown Minneapolis Protest Graffiti: Stop The Cover Up

Winston Smith written on a dumpster
A dumpster marked with "Winston Smith" graffiti stands on a street in Uptown Minneapolis. This marking serves as a memorial to Winston Smith, who was killed by a federal task force on a parking garage across the street during the 2020 Minneapolis uprising. The uprising followed the murder of George Floyd and involved widespread protests. The dumpster, a temporary piece of infrastructure for construction or demolition debris, has become a canvas for public expression and remembrance.

Winston Smith Graffiti on Dumpster, Uptown Minneapolis

Large yellow graffiti mural reading "Winston Smith" on a barrier at Lake Street Parking Ramp in Minneapolis.
Graffiti memorializing Winston Smith adorns the Lake Street Parking Ramp in Uptown Minneapolis. Smith was killed by a federal task force on top of the ramp in June 2021.

“Winston Smith FTP” Graffiti on Uptown Parking Ramp Barriers

Deona Marie Boards at Seven Points
The boarded-up Seven Points Mall at the corner of Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood. The plywood covering features graffiti, including the name "Deona Marie," a tribute to a protester killed on June 13th. She died when a vehicle drove through barricades erected by demonstrators protesting the law enforcement shooting death of Winston Smith ten days earlier.

Deona Marie Memorial Graffiti on Hennepin Avenue Boards

Prosecute Cops seen in Uptown Minneapolis
Graffiti covers the boarded-up storefronts of the Seven Points mall in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood. The image was taken the day before the 2020 election, a period marked by significant social unrest and protests in the city following the murder of George Floyd. The mall, a prominent retail center in Uptown, had been impacted by damage and closures during the Minneapolis Uprising earlier that year. The graffiti reflects the turbulent atmosphere and the messages of protest and dissent prevalent at the time.

Uptown Minneapolis: Graffiti on Seven Points Mall boarded-up storefronts

MPLS IS US poster in Uptown
Posters promoting voter turnout are displayed on a graffiti-covered wall in Uptown Minneapolis. The "mpls is us" campaign, active around the November 2nd election, aimed to encourage civic participation. The posters feature the slogan "We have the tools to make imagination a reality in our city," alongside imagery related to voting and community. This initiative reflects efforts to engage residents in the electoral process within the urban environment.

MPLS IS US Election Poster in Uptown Minneapolis

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

Riots Work Ya Nerds Graffiti
Graffiti reading "Riots Work Ya Nerds" is spray-painted on utility boxes along Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis. The message appeared during a period of civil unrest in the city, following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Minnehaha Avenue is a major thoroughfare in South Minneapolis, known for its vibrant community and businesses. The graffiti reflects the sentiments expressed by some during the protests and uprisings that occurred in the summer of 2020.

Minnehaha Ave Graffiti: “Riots Work Ya Nerds”

Lake Street Station Post Office Construction Starts
Post office construction beginning on Lake Street Station. The garage portion will remain.

Lake Street Station Post Office Construction Begins

Black Daze Mural in Minneapolis, October 2021
A mural by artist Black Daze seen in October 2021. Located just off Lake Street.

Black Daze Mural in Minneapolis, October 2021

Graffiti on brick wall in Minneapolis reads "I kicked Diabetes for months! But now I'm on insulin and in a shelter... Methadone
This handwritten message addresses addiction and treatment stigma, pairing a personal account of insulin dependence and homelessness with the assertion that "Methadone is medicine." Methadone has been used in the United States since the 1960s as a federally regulated treatment for opioid use disorder, dispensed through licensed clinics under guidelines set by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

“Methadone Is Medicine” Wall Message, Minneapolis

Justice 4 George Yarn Art in Minneapolis
Yarn art spelling "Justice 4 George" is affixed to a chain-link fence at Lake Country School in South Minneapolis.

Justice 4 George Yarn Art on Fence, Lake Country School, Minneapolis

No Cops Abolish The Police stickers in Minneapolis
An "Abolish The Police" sticker is affixed to a "No Turn on Red" traffic sign in Minneapolis. This act of protest occurred in the context of widespread demonstrations following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, which led to calls for police reform and abolition. The sticker, placed on public infrastructure, serves as a visual statement against police brutality and the existing system of law enforcement. The "No Turn on Red" sign itself is a common piece of urban signage designed to regulate traffic flow and enhance pedestrian safety.

Minneapolis: “Abolish The Police” Sticker on No Turn on Red Sign

Outreach workers in orange shirts walk past boarded storefronts on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis at night
Violence Interrupter Outreach Workers walk down Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis on October 12, 2021.

Violence Interrupters Walk Hennepin Avenue at Night

Winston Smith Was Assassinated graffiti in South Minneapolis
"Winston Smith was assassinated. Say his name" written on a bridge in South Minneapolis.

Winston Smith Assassinated Graffiti on South Minneapolis Bridge

Downtown Minneapolis seen behind fenced in Kmart in 2021
The United States Postal Service branch on East Lake Street in Minneapolis occupies a building that formerly housed a K-Mart. This relocation occurred after two nearby post office branches were destroyed during the Minneapolis uprising in 2020. The building's exterior is adorned with murals and graffiti, some of which memorialize figures and events from the uprising.

Minneapolis USPS on Lake Street in former K-Mart

Chain-link fence framing an abandoned K-Mart parking lot with graffitied structures and autumn trees along Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis.
Fencing above the Midtown Greenway at Nicollet Avenue in South Minneapolis.

Nicollet Avenue Seen Through a Chain-Link Fence at Dusk

Secyruty fencing and Libertine at Seven Points Mall
The Seven Points Mall parking garage in Minneapolis, located on Lake Street, is shown following an incident on June 3rd. New security fencing and protective wrap have been installed on the structure. The area, which was the site of the death of Winston Smith, has been marked with graffiti including "EXPOSE" and "KOPS," reflecting sentiments from the Minneapolis Uprising and broader protests concerning police conduct.

Seven Points Mall Parking Garage Aftermath, Minneapolis

Security fencing and wrap around Seven Points Mall ramp
Security fencing surrounds the Seven Points Mall parking garage at the intersection of Lake Street and Girard Avenue in Minneapolis. The increased security measures were in place the day before the county attorney announced that no charges would be filed against officers involved in the June 3, 2021, shooting death of Winston Smith. The officers were part of a federal task force serving a warrant at the time of the incident. The area has been a site of protests and unrest, particularly following Smith's death and the Minneapolis Uprising of 2020.

Security fencing at Seven Points Mall parking garage, Lake St & Girard Ave

CRG GI Joke Winston Smith Protest Graffiti
Concrete barricades, erected around the parking garage where Winston Smith was killed on June 3, 2021, bear graffiti referencing the incident. One message reads "CRG = G.I. Joke," referring to the private security firm Conflict Resolution Group (CRG), while another states "WINSTON SMITH WAS ASSASSINATED BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS SAY HIS NAME."

Minneapolis: Graffiti on Barricades Near Site of Winston Smith’s Death

Fuck Your Property Graffiti
Graffiti adorns concrete barriers at the site where Winston Smith died on June 3, 2021, in Minneapolis. Smith was killed by law enforcement officers during an attempted arrest at a parking garage on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis. The surrounding area, particularly Lake Street, became a focal point for protests and unrest following the killing of George Floyd in May 2020 and continued to be a site of activism and expression in the aftermath of Smith's death. The graffiti, including messages like "Winston Smith" and "Stop the Cover Up," reflects the community's response to the incident and broader calls for accountability.

Minneapolis: Graffiti at Winston Smith Site, June 2021

George Floyd Square shacks at impound lot
Warming shelters, constructed by activists, were removed from George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on June 3rd. The shelters, which bore slogans such as "Abolish Kill The Police" and "Global Abolition," were located at the Minneapolis Impound Lot. The removal occurred amidst ongoing protests and discussions surrounding police reform and abolition in the city, following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

Minneapolis Impound Lot: Shelters Removed from George Floyd Square

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

Seven Points Doesn't Want You To Know Chalk
Chalk writing that reads "Seven Points Doesn't Want You To Know" written outside the parking ramp where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement on June 3rd, 2021.

Seven Points Doesn’t Want You To Know Chalk

Seven Points mall with boarded up entrance in Minneapolis
Seven Points Mall, located at the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis, is shown boarded up at night. The mall's facade is covered with graffiti, including a tag that reads "Deona Marie." 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.

Seven Points Mall boarded up at Hennepin and Lake, Minneapolis

"Summer 2012" graffiti written on a corroded metal wall with rust streaks and peeling paint.
Graffiti reading “Summer 2012” is painted on a rust-streaked metal wall beside a sidewalk and roadway. The wall’s paint is peeling, and corrosion covers much of the surface. Faded markings remain visible on the right side of the panel.

“Summer 2012” Chalked on a Rust-Streaked Wall

Faded Revolution Graffiti
Graffiti reading "Revolution" is spray-painted onto a brick wall in downtown Minneapolis. This message appeared during the widespread protests and 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.

Revolution Graffiti on Minneapolis Brick Wall

Be Kind Stay Brave We Are All George Floyd
A mural reading "BE KIND... STAY BRAVE! WE ARE ALL GEORGE FLOYD" is painted on the side of a building on Nicollet Avenue in South Minneapolis. This artwork appeared in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis on May 25, 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.

George Floyd Mural on Nicollet Avenue, South Minneapolis

George Floyd written on concrete blocks
"George Floyd" graffiti is visible on a retaining wall in South Minneapolis on September 14, 2021. 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.

George Floyd Graffiti on Retaining Wall, South Minneapolis

Moon Palace Books Abolish The Police
A mural reading "Abolish The Police" is displayed on the exterior of Moon Palace Books in Minneapolis. The building is located a few doors down from the former Minneapolis Police Third Precinct, which was a focal point during the 2020 George Floyd protests. The mural, along with accompanying graffiti art that includes the words "Justice" and "Love," reflects the sentiments expressed during the widespread demonstrations calling for police reform and accountability.

Moon Palace Books Mural: Abolish The Police, Minneapolis

Graffiti on the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis reads "Fuck Park KKKops," a protest against the Park Police.
Graffiti spray-painted on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis reads "Fuck Park KKKops." This message is a protest directed at the Park Police, likely referencing recent actions such as the displacement of homeless encampments in the vicinity. The Midtown Greenway, a 5.7-mile trail on a former railroad line, is a popular route for cyclists and pedestrians. Such graffiti often serves as a form of public expression and commentary on local issues and law enforcement.

Midtown Greenway Graffiti: Protest Against Park Police

Graffiti covers the walls of an alleyway off Lake Street in South Minneapolis, photographed in September 2021. Alleys often serve as service corridors and informal spaces for expression.
This alleyway off Lake Street in South Minneapolis, photographed in September 2021, serves as a canvas for graffiti art. Alleys in urban environments like this historically functioned as service corridors for businesses and residences, facilitating deliveries, waste removal, and access to utilities. Over time, many have also become spaces for informal expression, including street art and graffiti, reflecting the dynamic cultural and social fabric of the surrounding neighborhood.

Lake Street Alley, South Minneapolis with Graffiti

Urban Outfitters window in Uptown Minneapolis with a George Floyd mural at night
A "Rest in Power George Floyd" mural is displayed in the window of an Urban Outfitters store in Uptown Minneapolis.

Uptown Minneapolis: Urban Outfitters with George Floyd Mural

USPS graffiti and fencing September 2021
Overgrowth encroaches on the grounds of a former United States Post Office in South Minneapolis. The building was significantly damaged during civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The unrest led to widespread destruction and looting in parts of the city, with this post office becoming one of many structures affected.

Minneapolis Post Office Ruins and Graffiti

A sticker referencing Winston Smith is affixed to a sign along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Winston Smith Was Assassinated sticker on the Midtown Greenway.

“Winston Smith Was Assassinated” Sticker on Midtown Greenway Sign

Midtown Greenway bike path in Minneapolis passes under an overpass and alongside buildings decorated with graffiti art.
The Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis is a 5.5-mile multi-use trail developed on a former railroad corridor established by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad in the late 19th century.

Evening Light Along the Midtown Greenway Near a Graffiti-Covered Overpass

There no such thing as good police poster
A sign for the Midtown Greenway in South Minneapolis is covered in graffiti and a poster. The poster reads "BEWARE! THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS GOOD POLICE."

Midtown Greenway Sign with Graffiti and Poster, South Minneapolis

Graffiti: "If we die 12 die" in South Minneapolis
Graffiti reading "If we die 12 die" is spray-painted on a street in South Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Graffiti: “If we die 12 die” in South Minneapolis

Welcome to Minneapolis uprising sticker
A sticker on a bench in Minneapolis reads "Welcome to Minneapolis!" and features an image of the 3rd Precinct police station engulfed in flames. This imagery directly references the events of May 28, 2020, when the Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd Precinct was set ablaze by protesters following the murder of George Floyd.

Minneapolis Uprising Sticker on Bench

Stop The Cover Up graffiti
"Stop The Cover Up" is spray-painted in red on a concrete barrier outside the parking ramp where Winston Smith died after being shot by law enforcement.

Minneapolis: “Stop The Cover Up” Graffiti at Winston Smith Site

Uptown Minneapolis storefronts August 2021
Storefronts along Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis display murals and graffiti in August 2021. The murals with the messages "#Justice For George Floyd" and "I Can't Breathe," reflect the community's response to racial injustice and police brutality.

Uptown Minneapolis Storefronts with Murals August 2021

Quit Your Job Cops Are The Opps
Graffiti reading "QUIT YOUR JOB! COPS ARE THE OPPS!" is spray-painted on the window of a car wash located across from the Minneapolis Police Department's Fifth Precinct.

Minneapolis Car Wash Graffiti: Cops Are The Opps

Coliseum Building in August 2021
The Coliseum Building, located on East Lake Street in Minneapolis, stands boarded up and fenced off in August 2021. The building's facade is covered with messages of peace and justice, painted by community members following the Minneapolis Uprising.

Coliseum Building, East Lake Street, Minneapolis, August 2021

Defund police please
Graffiti reading "Defund Police Please?" is spray-painted on a concrete curb in South Minneapolis.

Defund Police Graffiti on South Minneapolis Curb

Abolish Prisons graffiti in Minneapolis
Graffiti reading "Abolish Prisons" is spray-painted on the concrete barrier of a bridge in South Minneapolis. This message reflects sentiments expressed during periods of social unrest and calls for reform within the justice system.

Abolish Prisons Graffiti on South Minneapolis Bridge

Fuck Proud Boys Minneapolis graffiti
Graffiti reading "Fuck Proud Boys" and "ACAB" is spray-painted on a concrete support pillar beneath an overpass in South Minneapolis. The Midtown Greenway, a popular multi-use trail, runs through this area and has historically been a site for public art and political expression.

South Minneapolis Graffiti: “Fuck Proud Boys” Under Bridge

Wince Way sign in Uptown Minneapolis
A "Wince Way" sign, spray-painted with red and white markings, stands near security fencing outside the Lake & Girard parking ramp and Wince Marie Garden in Uptown Minneapolis. The area had been a place of protest after the law enforcement killing of Winston Smith and protester Deona Marie who was killed by a drunk driver while protesting.

Wince Way Sign, Uptown Minneapolis

Yellow graffiti on a brick wall at Seven Points Mall in Uptown Minneapolis protesting the death of Winston Smith.
Graffiti on a wall at Seven Points that reads "Seven Points Are Pigs" and "We'll destroy the garden before you can own it," was left after Winston Smith was killed by a federal task force in a parking ramp tied to the mall in June 2021.

“Seven Points Are Pigs” Graffiti in Uptown Minneapolis

Seven Points Parking Ramp Graffiti
Memorials for Winston Smith at the location he was killed by a Federal Task Force on June 3rd in Uptown Minneapolis at the Seven Points ramp.

Seven Points Parking Ramp Memorial for Winston Smith, Minneapolis

Capitalism Kills Graffiti in Uptown Minneapolis
Graffiti on top of the parking ramp that Winston Smith was killed at on June 3rd, 2020.

Capitalism Kills Graffiti in Uptown Minneapolis

Winston Smith mural in Uptown Minneapolis
This mural, featuring the name "Winston" in bold lettering, is located on a brick wall in Uptown Minneapolis. Above the main artwork, the phrase "REST IN POWER" is visible in black spray paint. The mural refers to Winston Smith who was killed by a federal task force on top of the nearby parking ramp a moth prior.

Winston Smith Mural, Uptown Minneapolis

Wince Marie Peace Garden 4 Ever
The "Wince Marie Peace Garden 4 Ever" message, written in chalk, appears on a planter box at Seven Points Mall in Minneapolis. This memorial was created in the vicinity of where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement in June 2020.

Wince Marie Peace Garden 4 Ever, Seven Points Mall, Minneapolis

Abolish The Police No Cops in Minneapolis
Graffiti reading "Abolish the Police" and "No Cops" adorns the concrete wall of a parking ramp in Minneapolis. This location is significant as the site where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement officers on June 3rd. A week later, Deona Marie was killed when a vehicle drove through barricades at a protest related to Smith's death.

Minneapolis Parking Ramp Graffiti: Abolish Police, No Cops

Graffiti about Winston Smith on a parking ramp in Minneapolis with the skyline in the background
Graffiti on top of the parking ramp at Lake & Girard. Winston Smith was killed by a Federal Task Force on June 3rd. 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.

Winston Smith Graffiti at Lake & Girard Parking Ramp, Minneapolis

Minneapolis police SUV parked over graffiti on Lake Street in Minneapolis at night.
A Minneapolis Police squad car is positioned over "Abolish The Police" graffiti on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis. The image was take on June 16, 2021 during unrest following the killings of Deona Marie and Winston Smith. 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 Police Car Over “Abolish The Police” Graffiti on Lake Street

Minneapolis police officers stand by plywood barricades graffitied with Winston Smith during nighttime unrest at Lake Street.
Minneapolis Police officers are seen near the intersection of Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street, an area that became a focal point for protests following the killings of Winston Smith and Deona Marie in June 2021. Protesters had been occupying the space after Smith's death, which occurred when Hennepin and Ramsey County officers, part of a Federal Task Force, fired their weapons while serving a warrant. 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 Police at Lake Street after Winston Smith protest

Graffiti covers a Minneapolis parking ramp after Winston Smith’s killing.
Graffiti covers the exterior of a parking ramp in Uptown Minneapolis, the site where Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement on June 3rd. The messages, including "FUCK AMERICA THE KILLING NEEDS TO STOP" and "STOLEN LIVES ON STOLEN LAND," reflect the anger and grief following Smith's death. 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 Uptown Minneapolis Parking Ramp After Winston Smith Killing

Graffiti on a McDonald's wall on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis during protests.
Graffiti reading "IF YOU'RE NOT WILLING TO DIE FOR IT TAKE THE WORD FREEDOM OUT YOUR VOCABULARY" is spray-painted on the side of a McDonald's on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis on June 15, 2021/ This message appeared during protests following the deaths of Winston Smith and Deona Marie. 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.

Graffiti on Hennepin Ave McDonald’s During Protests

Police clear a memorial garden on Lake Street in Minneapolis near Stella’s Fish Cafe.
Law enforcement officers are present at a memorial garden on Lake Street in Minneapolis, established following the killing of Winston Smith on June 3rd by officers serving a warrant as part of a Federal Task Force. The memorial also honors Deona Marie, who was killed on June 13th when a driver struck protesters. 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 Police Clear Winston Smith Memorial Garden on Lake Street

Police clear a memorial site outside Stella's Fish Cafe on Lake Street in Minneapolis at sunset.
Minneapolis Police cleared the Deona Marie Memorial site at sunset on July 10, 2020. Protesters had gathered at the site, located in the Uptown neighborhood, following the killings of Winston Smith on June 3 and Deona Marie on June 13. 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 Police Clear Deona Marie Memorial Site at Sunset

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 RIP Winston Smith on Juut Salon storefront in Uptown Minneapolis.
Graffiti reading "RIP Winston Smith" is spray-painted on the storefront of the Juut Salon at the intersection of Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis. 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.

RIP Winston Smith graffiti on Uptown Minneapolis storefront

Red-painted road by Roat Osha in Minneapolis at night.
Red paint marks a private drive near the site where Winston Smith died on June 3, 2021, following a law enforcement shooting in Minneapolis. Protesters have repeatedly painted the road red after property owners attempted to remove the markings. This area has been a focal point for protests since Smith's death, which occurred in the Uptown Minneapolis neighborhood. 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.

Red Paint on Private Drive Near Winston Smith Protest Site, Minneapolis

Graffiti reading “The blood is on your hands” on a sidewalk in Uptown Minneapolis.
Graffiti reading "The Blood Is On Your Hands" with red handprints is spray-painted on the pavement outside the parking ramp where Winston Smith died after being shot by law enforcement on June 3, 2021. This location is in Uptown Minneapolis, a neighborhood that experienced significant unrest following Smith's death. The message serves as a protest against police brutality and the actions of law enforcement. 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: “The Blood Is On Your Hands” in Uptown Minneapolis

Hop Wong Chinese Restaurant on Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis beside street construction at dusk.
Hop Wong Chinese Restaurant is seen on Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis on June 9, 2021, amidst extensive street construction. The surrounding area shows signs of recent unrest and ongoing development, with graffiti visible on a boarded-up storefront next to the restaurant. Chicago Avenue has been a significant thoroughfare in Minneapolis, experiencing periods of both commercial activity and social upheaval, particularly in the wake of the 2020 Minneapolis uprising.

Minneapolis: Chicago Ave Construction and Hop Wong Restaurant

Graffiti reading ACAB on West Lake Street in Minneapolis, near Stella's Fish Cafe.
Graffiti reading "ACAB" and "Wince Way" is visible on West Lake Street in Minneapolis. These markings appeared in the vicinity following the June 3rd shooting death of Winston Smith. 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.

ACAB and Wince Way Graffiti on West Lake Street, Minneapolis

Chalk messages cover Seven Points Mall in Minneapolis after the Winston Smith protest.
Chalk messages, including tributes to Winston Smith and slogans such as "Black Lives Matter," adorn the sidewalk and building exterior of Seven Points Mall in Minneapolis. 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.

Chalk messages at Seven Points Mall, Minneapolis, after Winston Smith protest

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 vans block Lake Street in Minneapolis outside LA Fitness at night.
Minneapolis Police officers are present on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis following the law enforcement shooting death of Winston Smith. Smith was killed by Federal Task Force members while they were serving a warrant. The incident sparked days of protests in the area, with "Our Streets" and "Stop Power" spray-painted on the road, indicating the public's response to the event. 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.

Minneapolis Police on Lake Street After Winston Smith Shooting

Chalk memorial for Winston Smith on a concrete pillar in Uptown Minneapolis at night
A memorial message reading "We love you Winston" is chalked onto a concrete pillar in Uptown Minneapolis. This marks the location where Winston Smith, a graffiti artist, was fatally shot by law enforcement on June 3, 2021. His death occurred during a period of heightened tension and protests in the city, following the murder of George Floyd the previous year. 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.

Winston Smith Memorial, Uptown Minneapolis

Chalk names of police violence victims on a concrete parking ramp in Uptown Minneapolis at night.
Names of victims of police violence are written in chalk on the concrete base of a parking ramp in Uptown Minneapolis. This memorial appeared days after Winston Smith was killed by law enforcement officers on the ramp's rooftop. The names, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Daunte Wright, represent individuals whose deaths have fueled protests against police brutality and racial injustice across the United States. 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.

Chalked Names of Police Violence Victims on Uptown Minneapolis Parking Ramp

Graffiti reading RIP Winston Smith on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis.
Graffiti memorializing Winston Smith, who was killed by law enforcement on June 3, 2021, is visible on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. The Midtown Greenway is a 5.7-mile paved multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor. The graffiti, which includes the number "1312" (a numerical code for "All Cops Are Bastards"), appeared in the context of protests and unrest following Smith's death. 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.

RIP Winston Smith Graffiti on Midtown Greenway, Minneapolis

Daunte Wright mural on West Lake Street
A mural honoring Daunte Wright adorns the exterior of Minnesota Food Grocery on West Lake Street in Minneapolis. The mural appeared following the killing of Daunte Wright by police in nearby Brooklyn Center in April 2021, an event that sparked protests and unrest in the Twin Cities.

Daunte Wright Mural at Minnesota Food Grocery, West Lake Street

Graffiti on the former Speedway gas station at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis.
Graffiti on the former Speedway gas station at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis reads, "they could give everyone shelter, clean water, healthy food, but instead they bomb other countries. fuck trump fuck obama." This message reflects sentiments expressed during the period of unrest following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, when the intersection was occupied and renamed by protesters. The Speedway station became a focal point within the autonomous zone, serving as a site for community gathering and artistic expression. The graffiti critiques perceived government priorities and foreign policy.

George Floyd Square Gas Station: “Fuck Trump Fuck Obama” Graffiti

“No Justice No Street” graffiti beside Interstate 35W in Minneapolis.
Graffiti reading "No Justice, No Street!" is spray-painted on a white, wave-patterned wall adjacent to Interstate 35W in Minneapolis. This message emerged during the widespread protests and civil unrest that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 and the subsequent trial of Derek Chauvin. The phrase reflects a sentiment of public anger and a demand for accountability and systemic change within the justice system. The location, near a former post office, and the prominent display on a major transportation artery underscore the public nature and urgency of these demands.

Minneapolis: “No Justice No Street” Graffiti on 35W

Protesters with Black Lives Matter flags on 3rd Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.
Protesters gathered in downtown Minneapolis outside the Hennepin County Government Center during the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former police officer charged in the murder of George Floyd. The "Black Lives Matter" flags and signs bearing Floyd's image reflect the broader movement for racial justice and police accountability that gained national attention following Floyd's death in May 2020. The courthouse, a significant civic building in Minneapolis, served as a focal point for demonstrations demanding justice and systemic change.

Minneapolis Protest for George Floyd Outside Hennepin County Courthouse

FOX9 billboards for the Derek Chauvin trial in downtown Minneapolis beside security fencing.
FOX9 billboards in downtown Minneapolis. US Bank Stadium to the left behind security fencing.

Minneapolis: FOX9 Billboards for Derek Chauvin Trial

RIP Floyd graffiti on a wall inside an abandoned building in Minneapolis.
Graffiti art covers the interior walls of an abandoned structure in Minneapolis, including the prominent "RIP Floyd" tag. This artwork emerged in the context of the Minneapolis Uprising of 2020, following the murder of George Floyd. The building, a popular site for urban exploration and graffiti, reflects the city's response to the events of that year. The "RIP Floyd" message serves as a memorial and a statement of protest, rendered in a style common to street art and graffiti culture.

RIP Floyd Graffiti in Abandoned Minneapolis Building

More Value Food & Deli at E 28th St and Bloomington Ave in Minneapolis, with graffiti-covered walls at night.
More Value Food & Deli, a neighborhood convenience store, is located at the corner of East 28th Street and Bloomington Avenue in Minneapolis. The store offers a variety of food items including chicken, burritos, and pizza, and also has an ATM inside. The surrounding brick building is covered in graffiti, a visual element that became more prominent in the area following the Minneapolis Uprising in 2020, which was sparked by the murder of George Floyd nearby. The store's location at this prominent intersection places it within a neighborhood that has experienced significant social and cultural shifts.

More Value Food & Deli at E 28th St and Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis

Chalk protest messages outside Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, including “Radical” and “BLM.”
Chalk messages, including "RADICAL SIMPLY MEANS: GRASPING THINGS AT THE ROOT" and "BLM," adorn the plaza outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. This occurred during the period when the courthouse was the site of the Derek Chauvin murder trial. Chauvin was charged in the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, in South Minneapolis, an event that sparked widespread protests and a reckoning with racial injustice.

Chalk message outside Hennepin County Government Center, Minneapolis

Boarded plywood covering Minneapolis City Hall's facade displays blue spray-painted text and messages during April 2021.
Minneapolis City Hall, a historic Beaux-Arts building completed in 1909, was boarded up during the 2021 murder trial of Derek Chauvin.

“Say His Name” Graffiti on Boarded Windows at Minneapolis City Hall

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

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

Think about how many werent filmed at George Floyd Square
Protest signs, including one reading "ACAB" (All Cops Are Bastards) and another with the slogan "THINK ABOUT HOW MANY WEREN'T FILMED," are displayed near Cup Foods in George Floyd Square, Minneapolis. A teddy bear and flowers are placed as tributes. This area became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, and has since been a site of ongoing activism and community organizing. The signs reflect sentiments expressed during the Minneapolis Uprising and subsequent movements advocating for police reform and racial justice.

George Floyd Square: ACAB protest signs and teddy bear

No Justice No Streets graffiti
Graffiti reading "No Justice, No Streets" is spray-painted on the exterior of a building at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. This message reflects the community's sentiment during the prolonged closure of the intersection following the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The square, which became a site of protest and remembrance, was the subject of city discussions regarding its reopening to vehicular traffic.

Graffiti “No Justice No Streets” at George Floyd Square, Minneapolis

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

No Justice No Peace lock at Chauvin trial
A padlock inscribed with "No justice, No peace" is affixed to a chain-link fence surrounding the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. This security measure was in place during the 2021 trial of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd. The trial, held in the same building, drew significant public attention and protests related to racial justice and police brutality.

Minneapolis: Lock on fence at Hennepin County Government Center during Chauvin trial

Theres Blood In These Streets mirror art
Mirrored panels bearing protest messages, including "There's Blood In These Streets" and "No Justice No Peace," are displayed outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. The courthouse was the site of the trial for Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer charged in the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The messages reflect the ongoing protests and calls for justice that followed Floyd's murder and highlighted systemic issues within law enforcement.

Minneapolis: Mirror Art at 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

Justice for George Floyd chalk on boards
Following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers in May 2020, protests erupted across the city and the nation. In response to potential unrest, businesses and public buildings, including the US Bank Building in downtown Minneapolis, were boarded up. This photograph shows the building's facade covered with plywood, adorned with chalk messages reflecting the sentiments of the time. Slogans such as "Justice for George Floyd," "Black Lives Matter," and "Stop Killing Us" are visible, alongside calls to "Abolish MPD" and "Hold Police Accountable." The messages also reference "8:46," the duration of Floyd's fatal encounter with police, and "White Supremacy is the Real Pandemic." The "Retail is Open" sign indicates that despite the surrounding social upheaval, some businesses continued to operate.

Minneapolis US Bank Building boarded with protest messages

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

Graffiti reading “Fuck Walz + Frey” and “No Line 3” on a Midtown Greenway wall in Minneapolis
Graffiti on a concrete wall beneath a bridge along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis reads “Fuck Walz + Frey” and “No Line 3.” The text refers to opposition to the Line 3 pipeline project and criticism of Minnesota officials.

Graffiti on Midtown Greenway Wall, 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”

Fuck your Precinct at Minneapolis Police Station
Graffiti and messages are displayed on concrete barricades that surrounded the Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd Precinct. The precinct was a focal point during the 2020 Minneapolis uprising, following the murder of George Floyd. The messages reflect the complex sentiments expressed during the period of unrest, with one card offering a "Merry Christmas" to the MPD, while large red spray paint reads "Fuck Your Precinct." These markings serve as a visual record of the intense public reaction and protest directed at law enforcement during that time.

Graffiti on Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct Barricades

A riot is the language of the unheard on Nicollet Mall
Boarded storefronts on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis, with graffiti reading "A riot is the language of the unheard" attributed to MLK. The image captures the aftermath of civil unrest, likely related to the Minneapolis Uprising of 2020, which followed the murder of George Floyd. Nicollet Mall, a prominent pedestrian mall in downtown Minneapolis, experienced significant damage and looting during this period. The plywood coverings and graffiti serve as a visual testament to the events and the community's response.

Nicollet Mall boarded storefront with graffiti, Minneapolis

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

Kill Cops graffiti on a Red Box machine
Graffiti on a Red Box video rental machine at Holiday Gas on Cedar Ave. in Minneapolis.The Minneapolis Police shot and killed Dolal Idd the night before on December 30th, 2020. This is one mile from where George Floyd was murdered.

KILL COPS Graffit in Minneapolis

Stop 12 stop sign in South Minneapolis
The 'Stop 12' graffiti on this stop sign at Cedar Avenue in South Minneapolis emerged following the fatal shooting of Dolal Idd by Minneapolis Police on December 30, 2020. The incident occurred near a Holiday Gas station on Cedar Avenue, approximately one mile from the site where George Floyd was murdered. Minneapolis Police released video footage, stating it showed Idd firing first through his car window during a firearm sting operation.

Stop Sign with ‘Stop 12’ Graffiti, Cedar Ave, Minneapolis