MinneapolisUprising

2,862 photos · 2020–2025

2,862 photographs tagged MinneapolisUprising, 2020–2025.

Crowd of protesters gathers in downtown Minneapolis at night near U.S. Bank Stadium during November 2020 march. — Crowds gathered near U.S. Bank Stadium on the night of November 4, 2020, the evening after Election Day, before marching toward Interstate 94. Minnesota State Patrol and Minneapolis police later arrested 646 people for occupying the highway, the largest mass arrest in state history.

A protester holds a Freedom Road Socialist Organization sign reading "The Whole Damn System Is Guilty as Hell." — Freedom Road Socialist Organization is a Marxist-Leninist group founded in the 1980s that organizes around anti-capitalist and anti-police causes in cities including Minneapolis. The phrase "the whole damn system is guilty as hell" has circulated in leftist protest movements since the 1970s, often invoked after police killings to argue that reform efforts fall short of addressing root causes.

Stop Trump voter suppression sign at a Minneapolis protest on November 4, 2020. — A protest sign reading “Stop Trump racist voter suppression” is carried during a march in Minneapolis on November 4, 2020. The sign also identifies the Party for Socialism and Liberation. The gathering took place the day after the 2020 presidential election.

Minneapolis Police officers stand on Interstate 94 during a November 2020 nighttime protest against Trump's election challenges. — Minneapolis police officers stand along a fence on the I-94 overpass, monitoring a crowd gathered on the highway after the November 2020 presidential election. Protesters had marched onto the interstate to oppose President Trump's attempts to challenge the election results. Law enforcement closed the highway and arrested 646 people that night, the largest mass arrest in Minnesota history. Many demonstrators carried signs calling for community control of police and denouncing voter suppression.

Minneapolis police officer stands guard near Interstate 94 during a November 4, 2020 protest, with "FLOYD" graffiti visible on — Interstate 94 cuts through central Minneapolis, connecting downtown to the University of Minnesota area and beyond. On the night of November 4, 2020, demonstrators marched onto the freeway following the presidential election, part of a wave of protests that had continued in the city since George Floyd's killing that May. State troopers and Minneapolis police shut down the highway and moved in to clear it, ultimately arresting roughly 646 people—the largest single mass arrest in Minnesota history. Graffiti reading "FLOYD" marks the concrete retaining wall beneath the overpass, one of many such markings left across the city during that period.

Police officers and Minnesota State Patrol conduct mass arrests of protesters on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis on November 4, 2020. — Interstate 94 in Minneapolis was the site of a mass arrest on November 4, 2020, the day after Election Day, when Minnesota State Patrol troopers and Minneapolis police stopped a march that had moved onto the freeway's eastbound lanes near downtown. Officers detained 646 people that night, one of the largest mass arrests in Minnesota history, loading protesters onto transit buses brought in for the operation. The march followed the national call of the presidential race for Joe Biden and was one of several demonstrations moving through downtown Minneapolis that week.

Police officers confront protesters on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis on November 4, 2020, during post-election demonstrations. — Minnesota State Patrol troopers moved in on Interstate 94 near downtown Minneapolis after marchers left city streets and walked onto the highway on the night of November 4, 2020, hours after Election Day. Officers blocked both directions of traffic and held the group on the roadway before arresting 646 people, one of the largest mass arrests in Minnesota history. Most of those detained were released without formal charges in the days that followed.

Minneapolis Police mounted officers on horseback at night during post-election march crowd management. — Minneapolis Police Department's mounted patrol unit responded to a march that followed the 2020 presidential election, when demonstrators moved onto Interstate 94. That night's march ended with roughly 646 arrests, one of the largest mass detentions in Minneapolis history.

Minneapolis police officers monitor protesters marching on Interstate 94 during a November 2020 demonstration. — Officers from the Minneapolis Police Department hold a pedestrian overpass above Interstate 94 as protesters fill the freeway below. The demonstration followed the November 2020 election, when marchers moved from downtown Minneapolis toward Cedar-Riverside to protest the presidential race outcome. Minnesota State Patrol and Minneapolis Police later blocked both ends of the freeway and detained roughly 646 people, one of the largest mass arrests in the state's history. Interstate 94 links Minneapolis and St. Paul and has been a repeated site of demonstrations shutting down traffic in both cities.

Minnesota State Patrol officers form a line across Interstate 94 in Minneapolis during a November 2020 nighttime protest march. — Interstate 94 runs through the heart of Minneapolis, connecting downtown to St. Paul and serving as a major route for commuters and freight alike. On the night of November 4, 2020, following the presidential election, Minnesota State Patrol troopers formed a line across the freeway's lanes to stop a march that had moved onto the highway from surrounding streets. State Patrol, rather than Minneapolis police, holds jurisdiction over incidents on the interstate system within city limits. That night's march ended with 646 arrests, one of the largest mass detentions in Minnesota history, after demonstrators were held on the freeway for several hours before being processed and released.

Nighttime protest on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis with hundreds of demonstrators holding signs and banners advocating for police — Interstate 94 cuts through downtown Minneapolis, linking the Twin Cities and carrying tens of thousands of vehicles daily under normal conditions. Marchers shut the freeway down as they moved through carrying banners reading "No Killer Cops" and "The Whole Damn System Is Guilty as Hell." Protesters occupying the interstate led Minnesota State Patrol and Minneapolis police to close lanes and, on several nights that fall, make mass arrests of demonstrators for blocking the roadway. Banners referencing Black, Native, and immigrant communities point to organizing coalitions that linked police violence with ICE raids and broader demands for systemic change.

Night protest march on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis with participants carrying signs and banners for social justice. — This march moved onto Interstate 94 near downtown Minneapolis, shutting down a stretch of the freeway that links the city's core to neighborhoods on its edges. Demonstrators carried signs and a banner reading "All Power to the People," part of a wave of protests that followed the 2020 election. Minnesota State Patrol and Minneapolis police later closed in on marchers on the freeway, leading to roughly 646 arrests and citations — one of the largest mass detentions in the state's history.

Protesters hold a banner reading "No Killer Cops Ice Raids US Wars Black Native Stolen Lives Matter" during a Minneapolis march. — The banner reading "No Killer Cops, ICE Raids, US Wars, Black Native Stolen Lives Matter" appeared during a nighttime march along Cedar Avenue in Minneapolis's West Bank neighborhood on November 4, 2020, the night after the presidential election. The route passed the storefront of Midwest Mountaineering, a longtime outdoor-gear retailer at 309 Cedar Avenue South. The demonstration linked opposition to police killings with calls against immigration raids and foreign wars, continuing demands raised during the protests that followed George Floyd's killing by Minneapolis police in May 2020.

News helicopter flying over Minneapolis City Hall's spires against a blue sky. — Minneapolis City Hall, completed in 1906, houses the seat of government for both the city and Hennepin County under one Romanesque Revival roof. Its clock tower rises 345 feet, making it one of the taller landmarks on the downtown skyline. The building was designed by Long and Kees and remains listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Saks Off 5th Avenue storefront in Downtown Minneapolis displays boarded windows with civic unity signs. — The Saks Off 5th storefront on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis stands boarded in plywood, with two posters reading "100% In For Democracy" and "Stronger Together, Better Together, Always Together." Both bear the logo of the Civic Alliance, a nonpartisan coalition of U.S. companies formed in 2020 to encourage voter participation and support election integrity. Saks Off 5th, the discount division of Saks Fifth Avenue, joined dozens of national retailers that boarded storefronts ahead of the 2020 presidential election, anticipating possible unrest tied to the vote count. The image was captured on Election Day, November 4, 2020.

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.

Cyclists and pedestrians move through downtown Minneapolis's Nicollet Mall, where plywood boards cover ground-floor storefronts. — Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis with plywood covers on many ground-floor storefronts in the months after the unrest that followed George Floyd's killing in May 2020.

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.

Minneapolis Police officer stands in street during election night protest in Uptown Minneapolis. — A Minneapolis police officer stands watch beside a squad car during an election night protest in Uptown Minneapolis on November 3, 2020. Officers deployed in tactical gear and rifles that night as marches moved through the neighborhood toward Bryant Square Park, where police made several arrests. The response came amid a broader wave of unrest that had gripped Minneapolis for months following George Floyd's killing that May, with departments across the city on heightened alert for potential Election Day disturbances.

Minneapolis Police officers conduct arrests at Bryant Square Park in Uptown Minneapolis on election night. — Bryant Square Park sits in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis, at the corner of Bryant Avenue South and 33rd Street. The park has served as a gathering point for marches and demonstrations in the years since George Floyd's death in police custody in May 2020. On the night of November 3, 2020, Minneapolis Police officers and members of the press assembled near the park as a march moved through the area, part of a wider pattern of protest activity that continued across the city into the fall election season.

Law enforcement officers conduct arrests at Bryant Square Park in Minneapolis on Election Night. — Bryant Square Park sits at Bryant Avenue South and West 31st Street in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis, a few blocks from the corridor where a march passed earlier that night. Officers from the Minneapolis Police Department, Minneapolis Park Police, and Hennepin County Sheriff's Office converged on the park following the demonstration, making a series of arrests. The operation came on Election Night 2020, months after the killing of George Floyd had drawn sustained protest activity to Minneapolis streets and parks.

AT&T retail store on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis with boarded windows at night. — This AT&T store sits on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis, a commercial corridor that saw widespread property damage after the killing of George Floyd in May 2020. Many businesses along the strip boarded their windows in the aftermath and kept the plywood up for months afterward, some using it as makeshift signage during reconstruction. A "Now Open" banner on the boards here signals the store's return to business despite the unfinished repairs. Lake Street has long served as one of South Minneapolis's primary retail and transit corridors, connecting the Midtown Greenway to neighborhoods stretching from Uptown to the Mississippi River.

Hennepin and Lagoon Avenue intersection in Uptown Minneapolis at night with illuminated storefronts and traffic. — Hennepin Avenue crosses Lagoon Avenue at the center of Minneapolis's Uptown neighborhood, a commercial strip that grew up around the Lagoon Theater and streetcar lines running through the district in the early 20th century. Williams Uptown Pub & Cafe has operated near this corner for decades, part of a stretch of bars and restaurants that made Uptown a nightlife destination for the city. The intersection sits a few blocks from the Chain of Lakes, connecting the neighborhood's residential streets to its retail core along Hennepin and Lake Street.

"Vote Here" sign outside Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown Minneapolis during the 2020 election. — Westminster Presbyterian Church sits at Nicollet Mall and 12th Street in downtown Minneapolis. Founded in 1857, it's one of the city's oldest congregations and has occupied its current Romanesque-style building since 1897. On this Election Day, a digital marquee reading "Vote by Nov. 3!" stood alongside a sidewalk sign marking the church as a polling location. Churches and other community institutions across Minneapolis regularly polling sites during municipal, state, and federal elections.

Police arrest protesters at Bryant Square Park in Minneapolis on election night, November 3, 2020. — Bryant Square Park, a public park in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis, was the site of arrests following a protest march on the night of November 3, 2020. Officers from the Minneapolis Police Department, Minneapolis Park Police, and Hennepin County Sheriff's Office took part in detaining marchers after the group arrived at the park. That night's demonstration was one of several held across the city as results from the 2020 presidential election came in.

Protest sign reading "Bye Bye Mayor Frey Evicted" held outside Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's residence. — Jacob Frey has served as mayor of Minneapolis since 2018, following an earlier term on the city council representing the city's Third Ward. His administration drew sustained criticism over its handling of homelessness and encampment closures, as well as its response to policing after the killing of George Floyd in 2020. Protesters gathered outside his residence to demand his resignation, part of a wider pattern of demonstrations that targeted his home throughout that period. The sign's reference to "BLM, NLM, ULM, Justice" points to overlapping coalitions — Black Lives Matter, Native Lives Matter, and allied justice groups — that organized jointly in Minneapolis during 2020.

Housing protest outside Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's home disrupted by men carrying American and Thin Blue Line flags. — A housing protest outside Mayor Jacob Frey's home in Northeast Minneapolis drew a confrontation with counter-demonstrators. Two men wearing "Make America Great Again" caps carried an American flag alongside a Thin Blue Line flag, a symbol associated with pro-police messaging that has become common at counter-protests since 2014. The exchange took place amid a broader wave of demonstrations demanding action on homelessness and housing policy in Minneapolis following the unrest of 2020.

Protester holding sign reading "PUBLIC SAFETY SHOULD BE PROACTIVE NOT REACTIVE" during Minneapolis march at Mayor Frey's — A hand-lettered sign reading "PUBLIC SAFETY SHOULD BE PROACTIVE NOT REACTIVE" appears during a march through Northeast Minneapolis on November 2, 2020. Demonstrators walked from Holmes Park to Mayor Jacob Frey's residence, calling on the city to address rising homelessness rather than respond only after problems escalate. The route passed Old Town Saloon on Hennepin Avenue, a longtime bar in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood.

Pedestrians and diners gather on a Northeast Minneapolis street during a housing protest on Hennepin Avenue. — This demonstration over housing and homelessness passed along Hennepin Avenue near Bishops Barbershop, a stretch of Northeast Minneapolis lined with restaurants and retail storefronts. The march took place on November 2, 2020, the night before the U.S. presidential election, as organizers pressed Mayor Jacob Frey's administration on the city's rising number of unsheltered residents. Patio heaters and outdoor seating along the block reflect Minneapolis restaurants' pandemic-era shift to expanded outdoor dining, a practice the city fast-tracked through temporary permitting that year.

Protesters gather around a large banner reading "EVICTION NOTICE JACOB FREY SIGNED BY THE PEOPLE" during a housing demonstration — A banner reading "EVICTION NOTICE JACOB FREY SIGNED BY THE PEOPLE" was laid on the sidewalk outside Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's home in Northeast Minneapolis. The demonstration called attention to the city's handling of homelessness and encampment policy under Frey's administration. One protester carried a sign reading "NO EVICTIONS ON STOLEN LAND," tying the housing dispute to broader arguments about Indigenous land rights.

Burned out building on Lake Street — The remains of a commercial building on Lake Street in Minneapolis, which previously housed restaurants, stand damaged. This structure was affected during the civil unrest that occurred in May and June 2020. The unrest followed the murder of George Floyd and significantly impacted the commercial corridor around the Minneapolis Police Third Precinct.

Walter Wallace Jr memorial in South Minneapolis — A temporary memorial for Walter Wallace Jr. stands under a light rail bridge in Minneapolis. Walter Wallace Jr. was killed by police in Philadelphia in October 2020, an event that sparked protests across the United States.

Protesters hold signs up after the killing of Walter Wallace — Protesters march on Lake Street in Minneapolis, holding signs advocating for an anti-racist future. This march, originating from South High School and heading towards the Minneapolis Third Precinct, was held in solidarity with Philadelphia following the killing of Walter Wallace Jr. Participants carried signs, including one stating 'A MAN WAS LYNCHED YESTERDAY,' reflecting ongoing calls for racial justice and accountability in the city and nationwide.

Protesters again outside the 3rd precinct — Protesters march from South High School to the Minneapolis Third Precinct, expressing solidarity with Philadelphia following the killing of Walter Wallace Jr. in October 2020. The Minneapolis Third Precinct, which was a significant site during the 2020 protests for George Floyd, served as a symbolic location for this demonstration against police brutality. This march highlights the continued demands for police accountability and racial justice in Minneapolis and across the United States.

Protesters march down Lake Street in solidarity with Philadelphia — A march proceeds down Lake Street in Minneapolis, expressing solidarity with Philadelphia following the killing of Walter Wallace Jr. Participants carried signs, some advocating for "Black Lives Matter" and justice for victims of police violence, as they moved along the commercial thoroughfare. Lake Street.

Elizer Darris speaks at George Floyd Square — Elizer Darris of the ACLU speaks at a protest for Myon Burrell at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. Supporters gathered to call for the exoneration of Myon Burrell, who was convicted of murder in 2002. His case has drawn significant attention and criticism regarding the justice system. George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, has become a prominent site for protests and calls for racial justice following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Protesters asking for the release of Myon Burrell — Supporters gather at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis for a protest concerning the case of Myon Burrell. Burrell was convicted of murder in 2002, and his case has drawn widespread attention, with many calling for his exoneration due to questions surrounding the investigation and evidence. George Floyd Square, located at the Speedway gas station at 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a permanent memorial and site for community organizing and protest following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The square continues to serve as a significant public space for addressing issues of racial justice and criminal justice reform in Minneapolis.

Myon Burrells son speaks at George Floyd Square — Myon Burrell Jr., son of Myon Burrell, speaks at an exoneration rally in George Floyd Square, Minneapolis. Myon Burrell Sr. was convicted of murder in 2002, and his case has since garnered significant public attention and calls for his release. The rally advocates for his exoneration, highlighting ongoing efforts to address perceived injustices within the legal system. George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, serves as a prominent site for protests and community gatherings related to racial justice and police accountability in Minneapolis.

Michael Toussaint at George Floyd Square — Michael Toussaint, father of Myon Burrell, speaks at a protest held at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. Burrell was convicted of murder in 2002, and his case has drawn widespread calls for exoneration due to concerns about the conviction. George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a memorial and a site for ongoing protests and advocacy following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

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.

Black Lives matter protesters march through North Minneapolis — Protesters march during the 25th National Day of Protest to stop police brutality in North Minneapolis. Prior to the march, they gathered outside the Minneapolis police 4th precinct police station.

Michelle Gross speaks outside the 4th precinct police station — Michelle Gross, founder of Communities United Against Police Brutality, addresses a gathering at the Minneapolis Fourth Precinct. The protest was organized as part of the 25th National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality. This location, the Minneapolis Police Fourth Precinct, has been a focal point for numerous protests against police misconduct and racial injustice in the city.

Protesters holding up signs outside the 4th precinct — Protesters gather outside the Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct during the 25th annual National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality. Participants hold signs expressing dissent against the justice system and police, reflecting themes central to the Black Lives Matter movement. This annual protest, observed on October 22nd, addresses ongoing concerns regarding police conduct and systemic injustices.

Nekima Levy Armstrong speaks outside the 4th precinct — Community activist Nekima Levy Armstrong addresses a protest outside the Minneapolis Police 4th Precinct. The gathering was part of the 25th annual National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation. The 4th Precinct, located in North Minneapolis, has historically been a significant site for protests concerning police conduct and accountability.

Buses do not stop here — George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, serves as a permanent memorial and protest site following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. Amidst a snowfall, a Metro Transit bus stop sign is overlaid with a handmade message declaring "BUSES DO NOT STOP HERE: Effective: NOW Reason: We Need Justice," reflecting the community's ongoing demands.

Snow falls on George Floyd Square — A community greenhouse stands covered in the first snowfall at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. This structure was erected as part of ongoing community efforts at the site, which became a memorial and protest space following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The greenhouse is enclosed to protect plants and maintain a green space through the colder months. George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, has served as a focal point for remembrance, activism, and community organizing since the Minneapolis Uprising.

Heavy snow falls on George Floyd Square — The first snowfall of the season blankets George Floyd Square at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in South Minneapolis. This site became a global focal point for protests against racial injustice following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020.

US Bank is closed sign — A notice posted on the boarded-up US Bank branch on Lake Street in South Minneapolis announces its closure due to damage sustained during the civil unrest of May 2020. This branch, a key retail banking establishment, was significantly impacted during the widespread protests and associated riots that followed the death of George Floyd.

Community members at George Floyd Square — Community members gather under the canopy of the former Speedway gas station, now known as People's Way, within George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. This site became a focal point for protests and a permanent memorial following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The People's Way station serves as a community hub, offering resources and a space for ongoing dialogue and remembrance.

Protesters warm their hands at George Floyd Square — Protesters gather around a fire pit for warmth at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. This site became a focal point for protests and community organizing following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, served as a sustained protest zone during the Minneapolis Uprising.

Protesters push for community control of police — Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) at the University of Minnesota organized a protest in Dinkytown, Minneapolis, advocating for community control of the University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD). The event specifically demanded the establishment of a Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC).

Community gathers on George Floyd 47th birthday — A community gathering took place at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis to commemorate what would have been George Floyd's 47th birthday. A bouncy castle was set up at the Speedway gas station, a prominent location within the square, as part of the remembrance activities. George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, emerged as a memorial and protest site following George Floyd's murder by Minneapolis police in May 2020.

George Floyd’s family speaks at George Floyd Square — George Floyd's aunt Angela Harrelson, cousin Paris Stevens, and memorial caretaker Jeanelle Austin speak at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. They gathered to commemorate what would have been George Floyd's 47th birthday. George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a community memorial and protest site following Floyd's murder by police on May 25, 2020.

Angela Harrelson speaks at George Floyd Square — Angela Harrelson, aunt of George Floyd, addresses a gathering at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. The event took place on what would have been George Floyd's 47th birthday, commemorating his life and the ongoing movement for racial justice. George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a protest site and memorial following Floyd's murder by police in May 2020.

Food being offered at George Floyd Square — A community food distribution takes place at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. This event, held on what would have been George Floyd's 47th birthday, provides essential supplies to local residents. Volunteers distribute a variety of provisions, including fresh produce, bread, canned goods, and diapers, from tables set up under a tent. George Floyd Square, located at the intersection of 38th Street and Chicago Avenue, became a focal point for protests and community organizing following George Floyd's murder in May 2020, and continues to serve as a site for mutual aid and remembrance.

Look down at Nicollet Mall from above — An aerial perspective reveals the distinctive glass-pyramid roof of the Crystal Court, a prominent indoor public plaza located within the IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis.

Murals on boards of the former k-mart — Murals adorn the boarded-up exterior of the former K-Mart building on Nicollet Avenue in South Minneapolis.

Minneapolis police at convention center — Following the destruction of the Minneapolis Third Precinct in May 2020, the Minneapolis Police Department relocated its operations to the Minneapolis Convention Center in Downtown Minneapolis.

Toussaint Morrison speaks outside of Minneapolis City Hall — Toussaint Morrison addresses a crowd during a protest in Downtown Minneapolis. This march took place the day after former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin was released on bond. Chauvin was charged in connection with the May 25th death of George Floyd in South Minneapolis.

Protesters walk by the 1st precinct police station — Protesters march past the Minneapolis First Precinct in Downtown Minneapolis. This march occurred the day after former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin was released on bond. Chauvin had been charged in the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd, an event that sparked widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice.

Protests after Derek Chauvin is released from jail — A protest sign reading "Hey Derek you forgot your hat!" is held during a march in downtown Minneapolis, the day after former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin was released on bond. The sign also features a drawing resembling a Ku Klux Klan hood, with additional text including "BREAK THE THIN BLUE LINE" and "ARREST KILLER KKK OPS?". Protesters marched towards the Minneapolis Police 1st Precinct to voice opposition to Chauvin's release and demand police accountability.

Protesters outside downtown police station — Protesters march through Downtown Minneapolis in October 2020, the day after Derek Chauvin was released on bail. This march was part of sustained protests against police brutality and racial injustice, which intensified following the killing of George Floyd earlier that year. Participants carried signs demanding 'Justice for George Floyd' and advocating for the 'Defund And Abolish' movement, reflecting widespread calls for systemic change.

Hennepin County Government Center waterfall — Protesters gather outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Downtown Minneapolis on October 8, 2020. This protest occurred the day after former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin was released from jail on bond. Chauvin was charged in the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd, an event that sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis and globally. The Hennepin County Government Center serves as the primary administrative and judicial hub for Hennepin County, housing courts and government offices.

Jail not bail for killer kkkops — Protesters gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Downtown Minneapolis, advocating for "Jail Not Bail" following the release of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin on bond. Chauvin was charged in connection with the May 25th death of George Floyd.

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.

Protesters raise fists outside 5th precinct police station — Protesters kneel on Nicollet Avenue outside the Minneapolis Police 5th Precinct. This protest occurred following the pre-trial release of former police officer Derek Chauvin on bond, who was charged in the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd.

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

Minnesota State Patrol arrive to arrest protesters gathering at the Minneapolis Police 5th precinct after Derek Chauvin was released on bail.

Minneapolis Police along with State Patrol Conservation Officers arrive to the 5th Precinct with a large amount of tactical gear to clear out and arrest 51 people protesting after Derek Chauvin is released on bail.

Minneapolis Police along with State Patrol Conservation Officers arrive to the 5th Precinct with a large amount of tactical gear to clear out and arrest 51 people protesting after Derek Chauvin is released on bail.

Minneapolis Police along with State Patrol Conservation Officers arrive to the 5th Precinct with a large amount of tactical gear to clear out and arrest 51 people protesting after Derek Chauvin is released on bail.

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.

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.

Mobile Walgreens pharmacy in Minneapolis — A temporary Walgreens mobile pharmacy stands illuminated on Lake Street in Minneapolis. This modular facility was established in response to widespread damage and looting of retail stores, including pharmacies, during the 2020 protests and civil unrest in Minneapolis. It provided essential pharmaceutical services to the community when many permanent drug stores were unable to operate.

The time is always right to do what is right — The State Theatre, a historic performing arts venue on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, features a marquee displaying a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. The message, "The time is always right to do what is right".

WCCO TV boarded up in Downtown Minneapolis — The WCCO-TV building on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is shown with its exterior boarded up.

Nordstrom Rack boarded up at IDS Center — The Nordstrom Rack store is located within the IDS Center, a prominent skyscraper in downtown Minneapolis. Its street-level windows are covered with white-painted boards, installed following widespread civil unrest and property damage that occurred in August 2020.

No KKKops No Pipelines banner — A protest banner displaying the message "NO KKKOPS NO PIPELINES" is affixed to the Martin Olav Sabo Bridge in Minneapolis. This cable-stayed bridge, completed in 2007, is a dedicated pedestrian and bicycle crossing over Hiawatha Avenue, named for former U.S. Representative Martin Olav Sabo.

Smoke floating through Minneapolis — Smoke from a vacant home fire on South 4th Avenue rises over the Minneapolis skyline in the early morning hours of October 4th, 2020. This incident occurred during the Minneapolis Uprising, a period of significant civil unrest and protests in the city.

Riot damaged Dominos Pizza store — A Domino's Pizza retail store in Minneapolis stands damaged by fire, secured by a chain-link fence and marked with graffiti. This building was affected during the civil unrest that followed the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd.

Cleared out AutoZone lot — The cleared site of the former AutoZone retail store stands on Lake Street at Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis. This commercial building was destroyed during the widespread protests and unrest that occurred in the city following the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd.

Flagship Target store boarded up on Nicollet Mall — The Target Flagship Store on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis stands with its entrance boarded with plywood.

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.

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".

A Minneapolis Police Officer under the burned out Wells Fargo Bank on Nicollet Ave. The bank sits across the street from the Fifth Precinct and was burned during unrest.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Red star with "George Floyd" painted on First Avenue concert venue exterior wall in downtown Minneapolis. — The George Floyd memorial star is painted on the exterior wall of First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis. Added in 2020 after Floyd’s killing, the memorial placed his name on one of Minneapolis’s most recognizable entertainment landmarks during a period of mourning and protest in the city.

Boarded storefronts line Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis at night, September 2020. — Boarded storefronts line Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis at night in late September 2020.

Dakota Jazz Club storefront boarded with plywood on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis at night. — The Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is boarded over with plywood on its doors and street-facing windows.

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.

Beauty Paradise Hair & Wigs storefront displays mannequin heads and a grand opening banner at 405 West Lake Street in Minneapolis. — Beauty Paradise Hair & Wigs at 405 West Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis is pictured during its grand opening on September 26, 2020. A large banner reading “Grand Opening” hangs across the storefront.

Minneapolis police officers and mounted unit patrol Nicollet Mall at South 7th Street downtown. — Minneapolis Police officers, including a mounted unit, patrol Nicollet Mall at South 7th Street in downtown Minneapolis on September 25, 2020.

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.

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?”.

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.

Hubert Humphrey statue stands before boarded Minneapolis City Hall with yellow flowers in foreground garden. — The Hubert H. Humphrey statue stands outside Minneapolis City Hall in downtown Minneapolis, with plywood covering the building behind it and a City Hall Victory Garden in the foreground. The bronze memorial honors Humphrey, who served as mayor of Minneapolis, a U.S. senator, and vice president of the United States.

Hennepin Avenue Bridge spans the Mississippi River at night with illuminated suspension cables and a glowing Grain Belt beer sign — The Hennepin Avenue Bridge crosses the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, connecting downtown with Northeast Minneapolis. The suspension bridge, completed in 1990, is the fifth structure at this crossing, where the city’s first bridge over the Mississippi once stood.

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.

Wooden protest sign reading "Block Party to Block the Precinct" at a Minneapolis gathering on September 16, 2020. — Block Party to Block the Precinct sign at a Minneapolis protest on September 16, 2020. The gathering opposed plans for a new lease for the Minneapolis Police Department's 3rd Precinct after the original station on Minnehaha Avenue was burned earlier that year following the killing of George Floyd.

Supporters gather at a recall petition table on Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis with a "Recall Mike Freeman" sign. — Supporters of the Recall Mike Freeman campaign gather on Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis at a street-side petition table. A volunteer holds a large “Recall Mike Freeman” sign while attendees line up to sign the recall petition.

Protesters gather along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis during a September 2020 rally opposing a new police precinct site. — Protesters gather beside the Midtown Greenway in south Minneapolis on September 16, 2020, for a “Block Party to Block the Precinct” rally opposing plans for a new Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct site. The protest came months after the original 3rd Precinct building was abandoned following damage during unrest after the killing of George Floyd.

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.

Mounted Minneapolis police officers patrol Nicollet Mall downtown with a Metro Transit bus approaching. — Mounted Minneapolis police officers patrol Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis as a Metro Transit bus approaches along the transit corridor.

Cowboy Slim's neon sign glows red on a brick building at Hennepin and Lagoon avenues in Uptown Minneapolis. — Cowboy Slim’s Saloon stands at Hennepin Avenue and Lagoon Avenue in Uptown Minneapolis.

Hennepin County Family Justice Center storefront boarded with plywood behind chain-link fencing in downtown Minneapolis. — The Hennepin County Family Justice Center in downtown Minneapolis is boarded over at street level behind chain-link fencing and concrete barriers. The building houses Hennepin County court functions related to family law and domestic matters. The protective barriers and plywood cover much of the ground-floor facade along the street, reflecting heightened security measures in place in September 2020.

Boarded Starbucks storefront at Nicollet Mall Station in downtown Minneapolis at night with neon signage visible. — A boarded Starbucks at Nicollet Mall Station in downtown Minneapolis is shown at the corner of South Marquette Avenue beside the METRO light rail platform.

Boarded entrance to 365 Nicollet apartment building in downtown Minneapolis with glass doors visible behind plywood panels. — The entrance to the 365 Nicollet apartment building in downtown Minneapolis is surrounded by plywood boarding while the glass entry doors remain accessible.

Boarded storefronts of 4Marq Apartments on Marquette Avenue in downtown Minneapolis at night. — The 4Marq Apartments on Marquette Avenue in downtown Minneapolis are boarded at street level at night.

Rand Tower in downtown Minneapolis illuminated at night with red, white, and blue lighting on its upper facade. — Rand Tower in downtown Minneapolis is shown at night with red, white, and blue exterior lighting accenting its upper stories. The Art Deco skyscraper, completed in 1929 and designed by Holabird & Root, is a prominent landmark in the city center.

Target World Headquarters storefront at 1000 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis boarded with plywood at night. — Target World Headquarters at 1000 Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is seen at night with its ground-floor windows and entrances covered by plywood.

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

National Gaurd on Marquette after False Rumors riot — Minnesota National Guard members stand on Marquette Avenue in Downtown Minneapolis following the False Rumors riot. This deployment occurred in response to civil unrest, part of the broader Minneapolis Uprising, which saw protests and disturbances across the city. The presence of the National Guard aimed to maintain order and secure areas in the urban environment. Marquette Avenue is a major thoroughfare in the city's central business district, characterized by its mix of historic and modern architecture, including the stone building visible in the background.

Boarded up Hennepin County Government Center August 2020 — The Hennepin County Government Center in Downtown Minneapolis stands boarded up in August 2020. This measure was taken amidst widespread unrest and protests following the killing of George Floyd, and specifically after false rumors of a police shooting circulated in the city. Designed by John Carl Warnecke & Associates and completed in 1974, the building serves as the primary seat for Hennepin County government, housing the Hennepin County District Court and various administrative offices. The boarding reflects the extensive security measures implemented across Minneapolis during a period of significant social upheaval.

Minnesota National Guard vehicles outside Daytons in Minneapolis — A Minnesota National Guard vehicle is positioned on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis in August 2020. This deployment occurred in response to civil unrest that followed false rumors of a police shooting, which led to property damage in the city center. The vehicle is seen near the historic Dayton's Project building, a significant architectural and commercial landmark.

Dismantling Racism on a church sign in Minneapolis — Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, a long-standing institution in Minneapolis, displays a sign promoting a "Dismantling Racism" sermon series. This initiative reflects the church's commitment to social justice, particularly in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and the Minneapolis Uprising. Located on Hennepin Avenue near Downtown, the church serves as a community hub. The presence of both the American and Pride flags on its grounds further underscores its inclusive mission and engagement with contemporary social issues.

Black Lives Matter rally near Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis — A Black Lives Matter solidarity rally took place on August 28, 2020, at Joanne R. Levin Park in Minneapolis. This public gathering near Lake of the Isles was part of the widespread protests for racial justice and police accountability that followed the murder of George Floyd. Attendees are seen sitting on the grass, listening to speakers, with signs advocating for specific local actions, such as the recall of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman. Joanne R. Levin Park, a neighborhood green space, frequently serves as a site for community events and public assembly in Minneapolis.

Black Lives Matter rally near Lake of the Isles park — Community members address attendees at a Black Lives Matter rally held in Joanne R. Levin Park, Minneapolis, on August 28, 2020. The event provided a platform for neighbors to discuss racial justice and community inclusivity in the wake of the Minneapolis Uprising. Speakers utilized a decorated truck as a temporary stage to engage with the assembled crowd. Joanne R. Levin Park, located near Lake of the Isles, served as a public gathering space for these important civic discussions.

Built in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Photographer

An ongoing archive of work.

Facebook Instagram Threads X Bluesky Flickr

© 1996–2026 Chad Davis