Graffiti

414 photos · 2008–2026

414 photographs tagged Graffiti, 2008–2026.

Really big GEORGE FLOYD graffiti on Midtown Greenway
George Floyd graffiti on a retaining wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis, photographed on August 22, 2020.

George Floyd Graffiti on the Midtown Greenway

Chicago Lake Liquors behind riot damaged buildings
The rubble of a former furniture store stands on Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. This site was among many businesses damaged or destroyed during the Minneapolis Uprising in May 2020.

Burned Furniture Store, Chicago Ave, Minneapolis Uprising

Midtown Exchange with riot damaged buildings in front
The Midtown Exchange building at 2929 Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis stands behind the debris of structures damaged by fires. These fires occurred during the civil unrest that followed the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd, impacting the South Minneapolis neighborhood. Originally constructed in 1928 as a Sears, Roebuck and Company catalog distribution center, the Midtown Exchange now functions as a prominent mixed-use complex, housing businesses, residences, and a public market.

Midtown Exchange, Minneapolis: Uprising Fire Damage

PEACE written on boards covering a Subway restaurant
A Subway restaurant on East Lake Street in South Minneapolis displays "PEACE" graffiti across its boarded windows and entrance. The plywood panels were installed following widespread protests that occurred in Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.

PEACE on boarded windows of Subway, East Lake Street, Minneapolis

No Sleep Til Justice at Midtown Station
Graffiti reading "No Sleep Til Justice" is visible on the signage of the Lake Street/Midtown Station in South Minneapolis.

No Sleep Till Justice Graffiti at Lake Street/Midtown Station

ACAB RIP GEORGE graffiti on Midtown Station
Graffiti expressing "R.I.P. George Floyd" and "ACAB" covers a wall at the Lake Street / Midtown Station in South Minneapolis.

ACAB RIP George Floyd Graffiti, Midtown Station, Minneapolis

Former kmart store covered in graffiti
The former K-Mart building on Lake Street in Minneapolis was transformed into a public art installation following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Its boarded-up facade became a canvas for large-scale murals and graffiti. These artworks emerged during a period of widespread protest and rebuilding in the city. Subsequently, the building was repurposed to house a temporary Post Office, providing essential services after two nearby postal facilities were damaged.

K-Mart Murals & Graffiti, Lake Street, Minneapolis

SEE is reopening soon sign
The SEE retail store on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis displays a reopening sign and a mural on its boarded-up facade. The boarding and artwork reflect the aftermath of the Minneapolis Uprising in May 2020, which led many businesses to secure their premises. A sign announces the store's reopening on August 24, 2020, alongside a message for "JUSTICE FOR GEORGE!!" and a "SEE EQUALITY" logo, indicating solidarity with social justice movements. Adjacent to the reopening notice, a mural featuring the phrase "ONE LOVE MINNEAPOLIS" and hands reaching for a heart conveys a message of community and resilience.

SEE Retail Store Reopening, August 24, 2020, Minneapolis

Pain is purification graffiti on North Minneaopolis bridge
The phrase "Pain is Purification" is inscribed on a train bridge in North Minneapolis.

“Pain is Purification” Graffiti on North Minneapolis Train Bridge

Former Kmart building on Lake Street in Minneapolis surrounded by chain-link fence displaying colorful murals and graffiti
The former Kmart building on Lake Street in Minneapolis is covered with murals and graffiti-style artwork. A chain-link fence now surrounds the property.

Murals Cover the Former Kmart on Lake Street at Night

Graffiti reading "Fuck The System" on a concrete wall beside an illuminated bicycle tunnel in Minneapolis.
Graffiti reading “Fuck The System” is painted on a concrete wall beside a bike trail tunnel in Minneapolis. The illuminated underpass has marked lanes for cyclists and pedestrians and forms part of the city’s off-street trail network.

“Fuck The System” Graffiti at a Minneapolis Bike Tunnel

Hennepin County Public Safety Facility in downtown Minneapolis barricaded at night with graffiti on a street sign.
The Hennepin County Public Safety Facility in downtown Minneapolis is shown at night behind metal barricades, traffic barrels, and stacked crowd-control fencing. Plywood covers the building’s ground-level windows and doors, and graffiti reading “fuck MPD” is written on the back of a street sign in the foreground. The county complex houses jail and court functions, and the security measures visible here were in place in September 2020 after protests in the area.

“Fuck MPD” Graffiti Outside Hennepin County Public Safety Facility

Graffiti reading "Do Good Guys Use Emergency Prep Bulldozers?" on concrete barricades outside downtown Minneapolis jail.
Concrete barricades, chain-link fencing, and metal crowd-control barriers stand outside the downtown Minneapolis jail in September 2020. Graffiti on the barriers includes the message “DO GOOD GUYS EMERGENCY PREP. USE BULLDOZERS?”.

“Do Good Guys Use Bulldozers?” Graffiti on Jail Barricades in Minneapolis

Graffiti message on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis referencing the Supreme Court vacancy.
Graffiti reading “Replace RBG With fucking nobody” is painted on a wall along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. The message refers to the vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court following the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in September 2020.

“Replace RBG With Nobody” Graffiti Along the Midtown Greenway

Boarded Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen storefront on Lake Street at night with graffiti markings.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen on Lake Street in Minneapolis stands boarded up at night, with plywood covering its windows and graffiti visible across the storefront.

Boarded-Up Popeyes on Lake Street at Night

Boarded storefronts on Lake Street in Minneapolis display spray-painted messages "Do Not Burn" and "People Live Here" at night.
Boarded storefronts on Lake Street in Minneapolis are marked with spray-painted messages reading “Do Not Burn” and “People Live Here” in this nighttime view from September 2020. The plywood covers retail windows and doors along a commercial corridor that was heavily damaged after protests following the killing of George Floyd in May 2020.

“Do Not Burn, People Live Here” Spray-Painted on Lake Street Plywood

Boarded storefront on Lake Street in Minneapolis displays murals including "Love Your Enemy" and "Justice for Floyd" messaging.
Murals and graffiti cover the exterior wall of the former K-Mart building on Lake Street in South Minneapolis. The painted boards include the large phrase “LOVE YOUR ENEMY,” an “MPLS” mural with the words “JUSTICE FOR FLOYD NOW,” and other artist panels installed across the boarded facade.

“Love Your Enemy” Mural on Former K-Mart on Lake Street

Lynlake Brewery storefront and neighboring businesses on Lyndale Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis at night with illuminated trees and
LynLake Brewery and neighboring storefronts on Lyndale Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis are pictured at night in September 2020.

Lyndale Avenue at Night Near Lynlake Brewery in Uptown

A mural on the side of the former Kmart
A mural featuring a Native American chief and the quote "Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children" is displayed on the side of a former K-Mart building on Nicollet Avenue in South Minneapolis.

Mural on Former K-Mart, Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis

Panda ACAB Evict The Cops
A building wall in South Minneapolis displays both a community mural and protest graffiti. The mural, featuring a panda holding a "HOPE" balloon and Chinese characters for "hope", is painted on a brick section. Adjacent to it, graffiti on a painted concrete block wall reads "ACAB" and "EVICT THE COPS".

South Minneapolis Mural & ACAB Graffiti on Building Wall

Live Laugh Loot
The phrase "Live Laugh Loot" is spray-painted on the sidewalk in front of a damaged US Bank branch located on Lake Street in Midtown Minneapolis.

“Live Laugh Loot” Graffiti on Damaged US Bank, Lake Street

Lisa Bender Must Go graffiti
Graffiti reading "Lisa Bender Must Go" is visible on the boarded-up windows of Fox Den Salon at 2727 Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis. Lisa Bender served as the Minneapolis City Council President during a period of significant social and political unrest in the city.

Lisa Bender Must Go Graffiti, Fox Den Salon, Hennepin Ave

Defaced George Floyd mural
The George Floyd mural is prominently displayed on the exterior wall of Cup Foods, located on East 38th Street within George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. This site holds profound historical significance as the location where George Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020, an event that catalyzed global protests against racial injustice and police brutality.

George Floyd mural with graffiti at Cup Foods, Minneapolis

Protests outside the Minneapolis police 5th precinct police station as Derek Chauvin makes bail.
Protests outside the Minneapolis police 5th precinct police station as Derek Chauvin makes bail.

ACAB car and protests at 5th precinct

MPLS loves PDX graffiti
The phrase "MPLS <3 PDX" is spray-painted on concrete barriers in Downtown Minneapolis, positioned across from the Hennepin County Jail. This graffiti signifies a connection between Minneapolis and Portland, Oregon, two cities that experienced significant protest activity during the Minneapolis Uprising.

MPLS Loves PDX Graffiti near Hennepin County Jail, Minneapolis

Chalk on the sidewalk outside the mayors home
Chalk art on the street outside Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's home in Northeast Minneapolis, The protest addressed the city's policies regarding homeless encampment evictions. The message, 'Jacob + Police = ", reflects public sentiment and criticism directed at the mayor and law enforcement.

Chalk Message at Minneapolis Mayor Frey’s Home Protest

Target storefront in Uptown Minneapolis with graffiti reading "Stand Up Fight Back" and "Free Stuff" on its windows.
Target's Uptown Minneapolis store sits at 900 W Lake Street, a location that opened in 2018 as part of a mixed-use development along the Lake Street corridor. The entrance doors were tagged with "Stand Up Fight Back" and "Free Stuff!" after a night march down Lake Street. Target boarded and reinforced several Minneapolis-area stores that year following repeated break-ins and vandalism at its locations.

“Stand Up Fight Back” Spray-Painted on Uptown Target Doors

Graffiti art covers protective boards on the John Fluevog store at Hennepin and Lagoon Avenues in Uptown Minneapolis.
The plywood covering John Fluevog's storefront on Hennepin Avenue became a canvas for hand-lettered messages and drawings, including references to James Baldwin, Grace Jones, and the phrase "Love Is Not Dead." The shoe retailer, known for its avant-garde designs since founding in Vancouver in 1970, operates a location here in Uptown Minneapolis near the corner of Lagoon Avenue. Business owners across the city boarded up storefronts for protection following the unrest that spread after George Floyd's killing in May 2020, and many of those boards were later turned into sites for murals and text-based artwork by local artists.

“Love Is Not Dead” Mural on the John Fluevog Storefront

"Abolish The Police" Mural at Moon Palace Books
"Abolish The Police" mural on Moon Palace Books. Seen in November 2020.

“Abolish The Police” Mural at Moon Palace Books

Boarded Tires Plus storefront on Lake Street, Minneapolis, with graffiti including "Stop Line 3" and "No More Prez" messages
Tires Plus operates a tire and auto repair shop on Lake Street in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood. Plywood covering its windows carries the message "Stop Line 3," a reference to opposition against Enbridge's Line 3 oil pipeline expansion through northern Minnesota. Other markings reading "No More Prez" and "Riots 2020" were added amid the unrest that followed George Floyd's death in 2020.

Boarded-Up Tires Plus on Lake Street After 2020 Unrest

Uptown Smoke Shop storefront on Lake Street with boarded windows displaying colorful "Help + Love each other" graffiti mural.
The mural reading "Help + Love Each Other" covers boarded-up windows at Uptown Smoke Shop, an e-cigarette retailer at 1408 Lake Street in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood. Plywood went up over storefronts along Lake Street after the unrest that followed George Floyd's killing in May 2020, and many of those boards became canvases for community-painted messages rather than being removed once repairs were made.

‘Help + Love Each Other’ Mural at Uptown Smoke Shop on Lake Street

Black Lives Matter mural on Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis displays "All Year Round" message during snowfall.
The mural reads "Black Lives Matter All Year Round," painted across plywood boards on a building along Lyndale Avenue in Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood. The piece is one of many murals painted on boarded storefronts across Minneapolis following the unrest that followed George Floyd's killing in May 2020, when businesses across the city covered their windows and local artists turned the boards into canvases. Many of these murals remained in place for months afterward, becoming a lasting public record of that period even as boards came down elsewhere.

“Black Lives Matter All Year Round” Mural on Lyndale Avenue

Lake Street Minnehaha temporary post office housed in former K-Mart building with community murals.
This building on Lake Street served as the former K-Mart site before the US Postal Service converted it into a temporary station. USPS opened the location after the Lake Street and Minnehaha post office branches were destroyed during the unrest that followed George Floyd's killing in May 2020. The temporary station restored mail and package services to the surrounding Longfellow and Powderhorn neighborhoods while a permanent replacement was planned.

Temporary USPS Station at the Former K-Mart on Lake Street

Former K-Mart building on Lake Street in Minneapolis converted to a United States Post Office with community murals.
This post office on Lake Street occupies a building that once housed a K-Mart store. The U.S. Postal Service moved operations here after its Lake Street and Minnehaha Avenue branches were damaged during the unrest that followed George Floyd's killing in May 2020. Murals cover much of the building's exterior, added by local artists in the months after the damage.

Post Office Inside the Former K-Mart on Lake Street

Boarded storefront at 2741 Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis with "Justice 4 George Floyd" painted on plywood, May 2020.
Plywood covering the storefront at 2741 Hennepin Avenue reads "Justice 4 George Floyd," painted with a red heart on either side of the word "4." The building sits in Uptown Minneapolis, a commercial stretch of Hennepin Avenue lined with retail shops and restaurants. Following George Floyd's death in police custody in May 2020, many Minneapolis businesses boarded their windows against anticipated damage, and those plywood panels became surfaces for murals, memorials, and protest messages across the city.

“Justice 4 George Floyd” Boards on Hennepin Avenue

The Pioneers Statue in Northeast Minneapolis vandalized with red paint and protest messages at night.
The Pioneers Monument was sculpted by John K. Daniels and dedicated in 1936 to honor early European settlers in Minnesota. Vandals covered the granite base in red paint, writing "Decolonize," "Land Back," and "All Colonizers Are Bastards" across the statue and its steps. The monument depicts pioneer figures in bronze atop a stone pedestal and has drawn criticism in recent years from Indigenous activists who argue it glorifies colonization. Similar defacement has targeted other Minneapolis monuments tied to settler history amid broader calls to reconsider public memorials.

“Land Back” Graffiti Sprayed on the Pioneers Monument in Minneapolis

Protest boards coming off windows
Boards bearing protest art are being systematically removed from storefronts along Lake Street in South Minneapolis. These temporary installations emerged following the widespread protests and civil unrest in late May 2020, sparked by the murder of George Floyd. A dedicated commission is actively collecting and preserving this art, which served as a powerful visual record of community sentiment and resilience during that summer.

Protest art boards from Lake Street, Minneapolis

Say his name calvin horton
The former Cadillac Pawn building on East Lake Street in Minneapolis is shown boarded up. The plywood boards display graffiti and posters memorializing Calvin Horton, whose death was associated with the location during periods of unrest. Hennepin County authorities declined to prosecute the owner in connection with Horton's death, citing insufficient evidence.

Cadillac Pawn, E. Lake St., Minneapolis: Calvin Horton Graffiti

Fuck Piss Boys graffiti
The phrase "Fuck Piss Boys" is spray-painted on the tiled wall of a highway tunnel in St. Paul. This graffiti emerged around December 19, 2020, a date that coincided with a "Stop The Steal" rally organized by the Proud Boys in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.

Graffiti ‘Fuck Piss Boys’ St. Paul Highway Tunnel

Fix Lyndale on a door on Lyndale Ave
A Black Lives Matter mural by Reggie LeFlore adorns boarded-up storefronts at the corner of Lyndale Avenue and Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis. This artwork emerged in the aftermath of the 2020 Minneapolis Uprising, transforming damaged properties into public expressions of protest and solidarity. Adjacent to the mural, the #FixLyndale message advocates for the long-standing community effort to reconfigure Lyndale Avenue, a corridor known for high rates of vehicle and pedestrian accidents.

Fix Lyndale & Black Lives Matter Mural, Lyndale & Lake St

Riot damaged strip mall on Nicollet Ave
A strip mall at the corner of Nicollet Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis shows extensive damage. This retail complex, which housed businesses such as Office Depot, Cost Cutters, and a Laundromat, was heavily damaged following the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests and unrest in the city. Boarded-up windows and graffiti cover the building, indicating the impact of the events.

Riot Damaged Strip Mall, Nicollet Ave & Lake St

Kenoshi graffiti on buiolding boards
A boarded-up building stands in Minneapolis, near the site of the former Third Precinct of the Minneapolis Police Department. The plywood boards, installed as a protective measure during periods of civil unrest, are covered with protest messages. Graffiti includes names like "Breonna Taylor" and "Jacob Blake," alongside phrases such as "Mpls Hates Kenosha Cops," "1312," and "ACAB."

Minneapolis Boarded Building: ‘Mpls Hates Kenosha Cops’

Burned Atlas Staffing building on Lake Street
The remains of the Atlas Staffing building stand on Lake Street in Minneapolis, its exterior covered in graffiti. This structure was among many properties damaged or destroyed by fire during the civil unrest that followed the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd.

Graffiti on Burned Atlas Staffing, Lake Street, Minneapolis

Demolition of a building in the snow
An excavator operates amidst snow-covered rubble at the demolition site of former businesses on Lake Street in Minneapolis. These structures, which included Minnehaha Liquors, a chiropractor’s office, and GM Tobacco, were destroyed during the widespread protests and civil unrest that followed the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd.

Excavator at Minnehaha Liquors Demolition, Minneapolis

Hennepin Ave protest boards in December 2020
Protest murals adorn boarded-up storefronts along Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis. These artworks emerged in the aftermath of the Minneapolis Uprising in May 2020, which followed the murder of George Floyd.

Hennepin Ave Protest Murals, Uptown Minneapolis, Dec 2020

Police in front of George Floyd mural
Minneapolis Police officers investigate a shooting at George Floyd Square in South Minneapolis on December 27, 2020. This site, located at the intersection of E 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, transformed into a significant memorial and protest space following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

Minneapolis Police Investigate Shooting at George Floyd Square

Anarchy symbol on the USPS post office
The burned United States Postal Service (USPS) Post Office at 110 E 31st Street in South Minneapolis stands as a historical marker of the George Floyd uprising. This facility, located directly across from the Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct, was extensively damaged by arson on May 29th. Following the destruction, postal services for the area, including the Minnehaha Station, were temporarily relocated to a vacant K-Mart on Lake Street. The original post office building was eventually rebuilt and reopened to the public exactly three years after the incident, restoring essential community services.

Burned USPS Post Office, 110 E 31st St, Minneapolis

Everyone interconnected together mural on storefront
A mural adorns protective boards on an H&M retail store located on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis. This artwork emerged during the Minneapolis Uprising following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, when many businesses boarded their windows for protection. The mural, featuring a figure in a canoe and a lotus flower, carries messages such as "When we know justice say their names" and "everyone interconnected together," reflecting themes of community and calls for justice.

Mural on H&M Boards, Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis Uprising

Peoples Way after a fresh snow fall
The People's Way, a former Speedway gas station at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, is seen covered in snow. This site, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, transformed into a protest zone following the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd. The area now functions as a community gathering space and memorial, featuring murals, graffiti, and various installations that reflect ongoing calls for justice and social change.

People’s Way, George Floyd Square, Minneapolis, covered in snow

Community book shelf at George Floyd Square
The Community Book Shelf stands at George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. This community-driven initiative functions as a free exchange, allowing individuals to donate and borrow books. It emerged as part of the informal memorials and community infrastructure established in the wake of the 2020 Minneapolis Uprising and the murder of George Floyd.

Community Book Shelf at George Floyd Square, 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

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

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

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 “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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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