George Floyd protests in Minnesota

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George Floyd protests in Minnesota

After George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25, 2020, protests began in Minneapolis–Saint Paul on May 26 and quickly spread across Minnesota and beyond. People gathered to demand justice for Floyd, accountability for police, and an end to racial bias. Most protests were peaceful, but some involved damage or clashes with police. In response, cities imposed curfews and the National Guard was called in at times.

Protests took place in many Minnesota towns and cities, including Albert Lea, Bemidji, Brainerd, Duluth, Austin, Mankato, Marshall, St. Cloud, Forest Lake, Ely, Grand Marais, and Woodbury, among others. Notable moments included hundreds marching in Duluth and at times blocking highways like I-35, with curfews set in several places. On May 28, demonstrators gathered outside the home of Derek Chauvin, and six people were arrested for unlawful assembly. In some towns the demonstrations stayed peaceful, while others saw property damage or confrontations.

Over the weeks, cities sometimes closed roads, declared curfews, and, in Duluth, large crowds continued to march, including a Juneteenth gathering on June 19. In various communities, people held moments of reflection, chants, and vigils to honor Floyd and discuss racism and police practices. On June 9, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a statewide moment of silence of 8 minutes and 46 seconds to align with Floyd’s death and funeral.

The protests lasted for nearly three years in different forms and places, ending in May 2023 when all four involved officers were convicted. The movement led to continued conversations about policing, justice, and racial equality across Minnesota and beyond.