Police Brutality

51 photos · 2020–2022

51 photographs tagged Police Brutality, 2020–2022.

Minneapolis Police aims his less lethal weapon — A Minneapolis Police officer in gas mask and tactical gear aims a less-lethal launcher outside the Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The photograph was made on May 27, 2020, during protests following the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.

Minneapolis police on the 3rd Precinct roof in south Minneapolis during protests. — Minneapolis Police officers stand on the roof of the department’s 3rd Precinct station in south Minneapolis on May 27, 2020. Several officers are equipped with helmets, shields, and less-lethal launchers as the building became a flashpoint during protests that followed the killing of George Floyd two days earlier.

Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct on fire in Minneapolis during George Floyd protests. — The Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct burns in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 28, 2020, as people gather outside the building during protests after the death of George Floyd. Flames engulf the station after officers withdrew from the site earlier that night. The fire at the precinct became one of the most widely recognized moments of the protests that spread across Minneapolis and other cities in the days following Floyd’s killing.

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

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

Thousands march at the start of Derek Chauvin trial — Thousands marched in downtown Minneapolis on March 7, 2021, the day before jury selection began in the trial of Derek Chauvin. The former Minneapolis police officer was charged with the murder of George Floyd, who died on May 25, 2020, sparking widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice. The marchers carried signs and a casket adorned with flowers, symbolizing their grief and demand for accountability.

Defund White Supremacy protest sign — Protesters gather outside the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis on March 7, 2021, during a march and rally held the day before jury selection began in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. Demonstrators carry signs calling for justice for Floyd and denouncing white supremacy, while many participants wear masks during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Government Center was a regular assembly point for demonstrations tied to Floyd’s killing on May 25, 2020, and to court proceedings in the Chauvin case.

Protesters in downtown Minneapolis in March 2021 — A protest march took place in downtown Minneapolis on March 7, 2021, the day before Derek Chauvin's trial for the murder of George Floyd began. Participants carried a scroll listing over 470 names of individuals killed by Minnesota police officers. Organizers highlighted that Chauvin was involved in five of those cases, underscoring the broader issue of police brutality. The march proceeded from the Hennepin County Government Center down Hennepin Avenue, drawing attention to systemic issues of racial injustice and police accountability.

Thousands march at start of Chauvin trial — Thousands of protestors marched near the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on March 7, 2021. The march occurred the day before the start of jury selection in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was charged with the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The event was part of ongoing protests against police brutality and racial injustice that followed Floyd's death.

Police are tools of white supremacy — Thousands marched in downtown Minneapolis the day before jury selection began in the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was charged with the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, an event that sparked widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice. The marchers carried signs with messages such as "Police = Tools of White Supremacy" and "Dismantle White Supremacy," reflecting the broader movement for Black Lives Matter. The protests highlighted deep-seated issues of systemic racism and police accountability in the United States.

Dismantle White Supremacy protest — Thousands marched in Downtown Minneapolis on March 7, 2021, the day before the start of jury selection in the trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was charged with the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, an event that sparked widespread protests against police brutality and white supremacy. The marchers carried signs with messages such as "Dismantle White Supremacy" and "We Need Justice," reflecting the ongoing calls for racial equity and accountability.

Protesters enter a secured area around Chauvin trial — Protesters approach the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the trial of Derek Chauvin. The "Cage," a temporary security perimeter constructed with chain-link fencing, plywood, and barbed wire, was erected around the courthouse to manage crowds and ensure safety. This measure was implemented in response to widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice that followed the murder of George Floyd in May 2020. The "Justice for All" signs carried by some individuals reflect the broader movement's demands for accountability and systemic change.

Protesters put hands up outside courthouse during Chauvin trial — Protesters gather outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on March 7, 2021. The demonstration occurred the day before the start of jury selection in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged with the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The government center is a prominent civic building in downtown Minneapolis, serving as the seat of county government and a site for significant public events and protests.

Military vehicles behind razor wire for Chauvin murder trial — National Guard vehicles are positioned outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis during the overnight hours. The presence of military vehicles and barricades indicates heightened security measures, likely in response to the civil unrest and protests that occurred in the city. These events were largely sparked by the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent trial of Derek Chauvin, highlighting the complex relationship between law enforcement, the National Guard, and public demonstrations in urban environments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Toussaint Morrison speaks outside Minneapolis police station — Toussaint Morrison speaks at a press conference in Minneapolis regarding an incident where a police officer was seen punching a teenager. The teenager was reportedly protesting the arrest of a carjacking suspect. The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed that an internal affairs investigation had been opened into the officer's conduct. This event occurred in the context of ongoing public scrutiny of police actions in the city.

Mel Reeves speaks outside Minneapolis police station — Mel Reeves speaks to the media outside the Minneapolis Police Department Headquarters on November 13, 2020. Reeves addressed the public following the release of a video showing a Minneapolis police officer punching a teenager who was protesting the arrest of a carjacking suspect. The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed that an internal affairs investigation had been opened into the incident.

Protest day before Chauvin trial opening statements — Protesters march through downtown Minneapolis on March 7, 2021, the day before opening statements in the trial of Derek Chauvin. The former Minneapolis police officer was charged with murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, an incident that occurred in the same city in May 2020. The marchers carried signs with images of Floyd and messages calling for justice, reflecting the widespread public outcry and demands for police accountability that followed Floyd's death.

Greater Friendship Missionary at start of Chauvin murder trial — Reverend Al Sharpton and civil rights attorney Ben Crump addressed a prayer vigil and rally at Greater Friendship Missionary Church in Minneapolis on March 28, 2021. The event was held for the family of George Floyd ahead of the trial for Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer charged in Floyd's death. The vigil, organized by the National Action Network, brought together community leaders and activists to offer support and call for justice. The Greater Friendship Missionary Church has served the South Minneapolis community for decades, providing spiritual guidance and a gathering space for local residents.

Al Sharpton at the Dereck Chauvin Trial — Al Sharpton arrives for a press conference outside the Hennepin County Government Center where opening statements in the Derek Chauvin were set to begin an hour later.

George Floyd's brothers arrive to Chauvin murder trial — Terrence and Philonise Floyd, brother and sister of George Floyd, arrive at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. They are present for the opening statements of the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is accused of murder in connection with Floyd's death. The trial began on March 29, 2021, and drew significant national and international attention due to the circumstances of Floyd's killing and the subsequent protests against police brutality.

Rev Al Sharpton arrives to courthouse for George Floyd trial — Reverend Al Sharpton, a prominent civil rights activist, arrived at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, alongside the family of George Floyd. They were present for a press conference held outside the courthouse before the opening statements of the Derek Chauvin trial. The trial, which began on March 29, 2021, concerned the death of George Floyd, an African American man whose killing by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was captured on video and sparked widespread protests against police brutality.

Ben Crump holds up fist outside Derek Chauvin murder trial — Civil rights attorney Ben Crump addresses members of the press outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. Crump, representing the family of George Floyd, spoke before the opening statements of the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was accused of murdering Floyd on May 25, 2020, an event that sparked widespread protests against police brutality.

Opening Statement Protest in downtown Minneapolis — Protesters gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on March 29, 2021, as opening statements began in the murder trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin. The trial followed the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis in May 2020, sparking widespread protests against police brutality. The signs held by the demonstrators reflect sentiments of community support and a call for justice, with one banner stating, "America's Very Soul is on Trial!" The Hennepin County Government Center serves as a key judicial and administrative hub for the county.

Al Sharpton speaks outside George Floyd murder trial — Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton speaks outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on March 29, 2021. He was joined by George Floyd's brothers, Philonise and Terrence Floyd, as opening statements were set to begin in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. The trial stemmed from the May 25, 2020, death of George Floyd, whose murder by Chauvin was captured on video and sparked widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice across the United States and globally.

Al Sharpton Ben Crump George Floyd family kneels — On March 29, 2021, civil rights attorney Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton, along with members of George Floyd's family, knelt for 8 minutes and 46 seconds outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. This act of remembrance occurred just prior to the opening statements in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer accused of murdering George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The duration of the kneeling symbolized the amount of time Chauvin's knee was on Floyd's neck during the fatal arrest, an event that sparked widespread protests against police brutality.

Armed security on courthouse balcony during Chauvin trial — Members of the National Guard are stationed outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. The building, located at 300 South 6th Street, serves as a central hub for county government operations. Its security was heightened during the trial of Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer charged in the death of George Floyd. The presence of the National Guard underscored the significant public attention and potential for unrest surrounding the trial.

Ben Crump Al Sharpton and Floyd family arrive to courthouse — Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton arrived at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis on March 29, 2021. Their arrival marked the beginning of opening statements in the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was charged in the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. The courthouse was heavily fortified with law enforcement and National Guard personnel due to widespread protests and civil unrest that followed Floyd's death.

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

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

Abolition Is a Practice poster on a pillar along the Midtown Greenway in Minneapolis. — A poster advocating for police abolition is affixed to a pillar along the Minneapolis Midtown Greenway, a multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor. The poster, titled "Abolition is a Practice," outlines the philosophy and actions of abolitionist movements, emphasizing collective care, support, and the development of freedom-building practices. It also lists concrete actions such as prisoner support, court and jail support, and tactics of self and collective defense. The presence of such messaging on public infrastructure reflects the ongoing discourse and activism surrounding policing and justice, particularly in the context of events like the Minneapolis Uprising of 2020.

Protester holding "Defund Disband No More Cops" sign in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. — A protester holds a sign reading "Defund Disband No More Cops" outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department. This protest occurred in the wake of the killing of Daunte Wright by police officer Kim Potter in April 2021. The incident sparked widespread demonstrations and calls for police reform and accountability in Minneapolis and across the United States. The movement to "defund the police" advocates for reallocating funds from law enforcement to community services and social programs.

Protesters outside Brooklyn Center Police Department hold a "Silence is Violence" sign. — Protesters gathered outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department following the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright by officer Kim Potter on April 11, 2021. The incident sparked widespread protests and unrest in the Minneapolis suburb. The signs held by demonstrators, such as "Silence is Violence," reflect the broader movement against police brutality and racial injustice that gained national attention following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The Brooklyn Center Police Department serves a diverse community and has been the focal point of public scrutiny regarding its policing practices.

Protesters with umbrellas face sheriff's deputies outside Brooklyn Center Police Department, Minnesota. — Protesters gathered outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on April 12, 2021. The protest was in response to the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright by a police officer the previous day. The Brooklyn Center Police Department is a municipal law enforcement agency serving the city of Brooklyn Center. The events of April 2021 marked a period of significant unrest and public outcry regarding police brutality and racial injustice in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area.

Daunte Wright memorial at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, surrounded by flowers and candles. — A memorial for Daunte Wright is visible at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis. Wright, a Black man, was fatally shot by Brooklyn Center Police Officer Kim Potter on April 11, 2021, during a traffic stop in nearby Brooklyn Center. The incident sparked protests and unrest in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. George Floyd Square, located in South Minneapolis, became a focal point for protests following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

Sweeps Are Police Brutality sign — A flyer posted on a pole in South Minneapolis reads "Sweeps are police brutality" and "We support and defend our neighbors in tents." The flyer's imagery includes a "no" symbol over a boot, and stylized tents. This message protests the practice of "sweeps," which often involve the removal of encampments of unhoused individuals by authorities.

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