George Floyd Archives - Page 2 of 6

Commentary: Critical Race Theory Destroys American Justice

November 28, 2021November 27, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

The George Floyd riots, conveniently shut off this past summer, were as much theater as reality. They were designed to associate Donald Trump with police abuses and disorder, while painting Democrats and their notions of “racial justice” as the path forward.

Ordinary citizens standing up for themselves interfere with this guerilla theater indoctrination; after all, there are a lot more normal people who do not want their towns burned down than there are maniacs willing to do street violence. This is why individuals like Kyle Rittenhouse and citizen self-defense groups are dealt with so harshly by the government and the media.

Government Did Not Protect Us Last Summer

Consider that there were dozens of fires and beatings and a significant number of killings in Minneapolis, Kenosha, Chicago, Portland, St. Louis, and Seattle in the summer of 2020. Hardly any Antifa and BLM rioters have been brought to justice. Federal authorities have made no significant effort to roll up these groups.

George Floyd’s Aunt Says Activist Was Sent Cease and Desist Letter After Claiming to Be Floyd’s Nephew

November 15, 2021November 14, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

George Floyd’s aunt told Alpha News that Cortez Rice was sent a cease and desist letter in 2020 to make him stop claiming to be Floyd’s nephew.

Rice is a BLM activist who has been in the media spotlight since Floyd’s death. Last year, both the Washington Post and New York Times reported that the activist was George Floyd’s nephew. He even appeared on a Florida TV news station claiming that Floyd was his uncle in April of this year.

Criminal Defense Attorney Calls Demonstrators ‘Abusive’ Who Protested at Potter Judge’s Minneapolis Home

November 11, 2021November 10, 2021 Hayley Feland

Minnesota criminal defense attorney Thomas Gallagher, with Gallagher Criminal Defense, told The Minnesota Sun that he believes that protesters who went to Judge Regina Chu’s apartment in the Loring Park neighborhood are being “abusive.”

Antifa Harasses Judge After Decision to Bar Cameras from Kim Potter Trial

November 9, 2021November 9, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

Antifa and Black Lives Matter (BLM) protestors set out to harass Judge Regina Chu, presiding over the trial of former Brooklyn Center Police officer Kimberly Potter, at Chu’s home over the weekend.

Potter is charged with first and second-degree manslaughter after killing 20-year-old Daunte Wright as Wright began to flee a traffic stop in April. Potter says she intended to shoot him with her taser, but shot him with her handgun instead.

School District Racially Segregates Students, Threatens Them for ‘Biased’ Statements: Lawsuit

October 25, 2021 Admin

A Massachusetts school district is racially segregating students and threatening to punish them for subjectively “offensive” statements they make, violating their civil and constitutional rights at both the state and federal level, according to a new lawsuit seeking permanent injunctions.

Parents Defending Education is challenging the “affinity groups” and associated spaces created by Wellesley Public Schools’ diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) plan for 2020-2025.

Minneapolis Police Department Down 296 Officers, Seeks $27 Million Funding Boost

October 21, 2021October 20, 2021 The Center Square

The Minneapolis Police Department has lost nearly 300 officers since 2020, and the city is trying to fund a budget that replaces those officers and protects residents from an increase in violent crime.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s 2022 recommended budget would increase the Minneapolis Police Department’s (MPD) budget by $27 million, or 17%, if approved by the City Council.

Analysis: Woke Teaching Programs Create K-12 ‘Social Justice Educators’

October 20, 2021October 19, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Integrating activism in the K-12 classroom is the trickle-down of liberal bias in higher education. The results are seen as educators mirror anti-racist trainings and social justice workshops, which evolved from college campuses.

For instance, University of California, Los Angeles’ Teacher Education Program (TEP), trains “social justice educators” and follows an “anti-racist and social justice agenda.”

Minneapolis Police Department Short by over 200 Officers Due to Defund Police Movement

October 6, 2021October 5, 2021 Hayley Feland

The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) is short by over 200 officers due in part to the defund the police movement, according to the MPD Union president. She said that they should have around 888 officers, but their current staffing numbers are under 600 total officers.

FBI Reports Most Murders in Decades, Police Point to George Floyd Fallout

September 28, 2021September 27, 2021 The Center Square

The Federal Bureau of Investigation released crime data Monday showing a sharp spike in homicides in 2020.

While some crimes diminished in the unusual, COVID-shutdown year, homicides rose nearly 30% and aggravated assaults rose more than 12% in one year, the first time in four years that violent crime increased from the previous year.

Minneapolis DFL Chair Devin Hogan Says Burning Third Precinct ‘Act of Pure Righteousness

August 11, 2021August 11, 2021 Hayley Feland

The Minneapolis DFL Chair Devin Hogan said in an op-ed that the burning down of the Third Precinct last summer was an “act of pure righteousness.” Hogan wrote a column in the Southside Pride, saying that lighting the precinct on fire was a “genuine revolutionary moment.”

Battle to Replace Minneapolis Police Department Heats Up With Ballot Explainer Lawsuit

August 10, 2021August 9, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

Minneapolis Police officer with dog and children

The battle over a November ballot measure to replace the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) is now subject to a lawsuit, as anti-police activists cry foul.

“The Yes 4 Minneapolis campaign filed a lawsuit against the city and the city clerk’s office,” Fox 9 reported. “The group accuses the city of ‘attempting to mislead voters’ about a proposed amendment that would replace the MPD with a department of public safety.”

University of Minnesota Professor Opposes School Hiring Police ‘in the City of George Floyd Uprising’

August 9, 2021August 8, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

A professor at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is pushing back against the school’s decision to hire more police officers.

Nate Mills, a professor of English, criticized the school in a tweet saying “In consistency with the city of Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota has decided, in the city of the George Floyd Uprising and continued racist police violence, that it too needs *more* police officers.”

In consistency with the city of Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota has decided, in the city of the George Floyd Uprising and continued racist police violence, that it too needs *more* police officers: pic.twitter.com/WANoIeaY5S— Nate Mills (@frozenagitation) July 23, 2021

Columbia Medical School Will Teach Students How to ‘Disrupt Racism’ and Confront Microaggressions

August 2, 2021August 1, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health entrance

Columbia University has developed new programming to help black and Hispanic medical students “disrupt racism” and confront microaggressions they could face.

A medical school professor, who is also the diversity director, said that the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota has made the situation worse at the New York institution.

Professor Jean Alves-Bradford said in a news release that “it’s been very difficult for students in general, but especially for students underrepresented in medicine.”

Former Minneapolis Police Officer Starts Nonprofit to Combat PTSD

July 27, 2021July 26, 2021 Hayley Feland

A former Minneapolis police officer started a nonprofit with the goal of helping fellow officers to overcome PTSD. Former Officer Chris Steward served the Minneapolis Police Department for over 14 years. Steward said, “This was my opportunity to serve the community that I loved and respected. I love my profession. I loved the people I served. I loved the people I worked with.”

Minneapolis City Council Frustrated over Slow Review of 2020 Unrest Response

July 24, 2021July 23, 2021 Hayley Feland

The Minneapolis City Council is frustrated over the slow review of the city’s response to the unrest in 2020. Minneapolis was plagued by riots as well as peaceful protests after the death of Goerge Floyd on May 25, 2020. Due to the massive amounts of damage and the repercussions of the violence, the city contracted a third party consulting group to assess the city’s response to the situation. As reported on FOX 9, “A final report and its recommendations aren’t due until January of next year but some city council members say that’s too long to wait.”

Minneapolis Restaurant Burned Down in 2020 Summer Riots, Now It Has Its Delivery Van Stolen in 2021

July 22, 2021July 21, 2021 Hayley Feland

A Minneapolis restaurant burned to the ground during the riots in May 2020 and now the owner’s delivery van was stolen. Ruhel Islam, a Bangladeshi immigrant, was the owner of Gandhi Mahal, a restaurant that burned down in 2020. Islam got attention after he took to social media saying “let my building burn. Justice needs to be served.” A Go Fund Me was started and raised over $125,000 for Islam to rebuild. The fundraising site reads, “Thanks for your outpouring of support. And for continuing to demand justice for George Floyd.”

Pentagon Contractor Paid to Tackle ‘Extremism’ Claims Searching for ‘The Truth About’ BLM Implies White Supremacist Behavior

July 21, 2021July 20, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

The Pentagon is working with a contractor to reportedly look into web searches such as “George Floyd deserved to die,” “Jews will not replace us” and “the truth about black lives matter” as potential signals of white supremacism, Fox News reported.

Pentagon contractor Moonshot CVE (Countering Violent Extremism), which has ties to the Obama Foundation, is gathering data to determine which bases and branches of the military have the most troops searching for domestic extremist content, Defense One and Fox News reported.

The exact details of the project are not clear, but the data is expected to be available in three weeks, Defense One reported. Moonshot Founder and CEO Vidhya Ramalingam said the data suggested active duty troops are less prone than the general American public to searching for violent extremism information.

Chauvin Trial Cost Hennepin County $3.7 Million

July 21, 2021July 20, 2021 The Center Square

Hennepin County spent $3.7 million on the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, according to documents obtained by The Center Square via the Freedom of Information Act.

Securing the Hennepin County courthouse was the second-largest expense – $773,412 paying for barbed wire, razor fencing, barricades, and boarding up windows. The most significant expense was employee overtime costing $1.1 million.

Minneapolis Police Open Investigation About Destroyed Records

July 19, 2021July 18, 2021 Hayley Feland

After the Star Tribune did a report regarding some destroyed records from the Minneapolis Police Department’s 2nd precinct, an investigation was opened regarding the circumstances surrounding the destruction. The officers involved got rid of files while the 3rd precinct was burning after being looted just blocks away. The report reads investigators disposed of “inactive case files, search warrants and records of confidential informants.”

Chauvin Judge Will Not Change Memo, Despite Prosecutor Demands

July 14, 2021July 13, 2021 Hayley Feland

Judge Peter Cahill announced that he will not change the memo regarding former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s trial. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has requested that Cahill change the memo to reflect the supposed trauma that the young girls experienced. As was reported on FOX 9, Judge Cahill has declined Ellison’s request to change the wording of the memo.

Chauvin Prosecutors Want Wording Changed in Memo

July 10, 2021July 9, 2021 Hayley Feland

Those who were involved in prosecuting former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin want the judge to change wording in the memo. According to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, they want the wording to be changed to indicate that the girls who witnessed the death of George Floyd did in fact experience trauma.

Uncle of Girl Who Filmed Viral George Floyd Video Killed in Minneapolis Police Squad Car Crash

July 8, 2021July 7, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

The uncle of Darnella Frazier, the Minneapolis teenager who was recently awarded an honorary Pulitzer for filming the viral video of the arrest of George Floyd, which led to his death at the hands of ex-Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin, has died after a collision with police.

While officers from the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) were pursuing a suspect in an armed robbery Tuesday morning, one officer’s squad car struck an unrelated vehicle.

Minnesota Police Officer Shoots, Kills Person During ‘Altercation’

July 7, 2021July 6, 2021 Hayley Feland

A police officer from Olivia, Minnesota shot and killed a suspect on Sunday morning after the person supposedly approached them with a weapon in an alleyway. The shooting happened around 2:00a.m. and the race of the people involved has not been specified. Police said that there was an “altercation” but no other details surrounding the death of the person have been given.

America’s First Black Billionaire Calls for $14 Trillion in Reparations — and Wants His Own Check, Too

July 6, 2021July 5, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

America’s first black billionaire proposed $14 trillion in reparations from the U.S. government, which he says is enough to close to black-white wealth gap, VICE reported.

Robert L. Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television, owns several homes, leads an asset management firm and is the first black person to own a majority stake in an NBA team, but wants cash reparations himself, VICE reported. Along with the check Johnson wants an apology for racism, including slavery and Jim Crow laws, he told VICE in an interview.

He believes the new reparations are Critical Race Theory (CRT) in education, COVID-19 relief solely for black farmers, local reparations for housing in Evanston, Illinois and pledges from corporations the past year, following the death of George Floyd in May 2020.

Minnesota Law Enforcement Coalitions Sue to Changes to Deadly Force Law

July 6, 2021July 5, 2021 Hayley Feland

Several large law enforcement coalitions are suing the state after changes were made to Minnesota’s deadly force laws. The organizations based the lawsuit on the idea that the changes “violates officers’ rights to self-defense and unconstitutionally compels officers to forfeit their rights to refuse to testify against themselves in deadly force cases.”

Left-Wing Politicians Push Claim That Chauvin Sentence Is Not ‘True Justice’

July 5, 2021July 4, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Screen cap in Hennepin County on Chauvin case

A slew of left-wing politicians and activists continue to push the rhetoric that Derek Chauvin’s sentence does not show justice, but only “accountability.”

Chauvin was sentenced to 22½ years in prison for the murder of George Floyd. In April, a jury found him guilty on all charges, which included second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.

Following his sentencing Friday, Rep. Ilhan Omar released a statement implying that the U.S. justice system does not promote “true justice.”

Minneapolis City Council Withdraws Request to Remove Police Department

July 2, 2021July 1, 2021 Hayley Feland

Council members Steve Fletcher, Phillipe Cunningham and Jeremy Schroeder withdrew the proposal they had written to replace the police force with a new agency, a Department of Public Safety. The City Council members withdrew their proposal after a community group also came forward with a similar proposal that made it onto the November ballot which would replace police with a community-led group.

Black Lives Matter Activists Forced Minneapolis City Council Member to Sign a Statement Dropping Charges Against Alleged Rioters

June 30, 2021June 30, 2021 Hayley Feland

On Sunday, during the Taking Back Pride March, Black Lives Matter activists blocked Minneapolis City Council Member Andrea Jenkins’ vehicle in the street. The activists can be seen screaming at Jenkins and the other white woman with her. It was reported that she spent over two hours stuck in her car surrounded by the activists.

Taking Back Pride March Called for Convictions of Other MPD Officers Involved in Floyd Death

June 29, 2021June 28, 2021 Hayley Feland

Hundreds attended the Taking Back Pride March that was held in Minneapolis last week, where activists demanded that the other officers involved in the death of George Floyd be convicted. This was the fifth annual Taking Back Pride March in Minnesota, where participants came to celebrate Pride Month. The marchers also called for, “no police officers at Pride festivals, justice for those killed by police, protection for Black trans people and community control over police.”

Rising Crime Forces Liberals to Reckon with Their Stance on the Police

June 28, 2021June 27, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

by Ailan Evans As rates of violent crime continue to rise across the country and once-safe neighborhoods face increased dangers, many liberal communities are having to confront their complicated relationship with the police. Following the killing of George Floyd in May 2020, the defund the police movement attracted attention and support…

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison Says Chauvin Sentencing ‘Not Justice’

June 28, 2021June 27, 2021 Hayley Feland

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a press conference that, “Today’s sentencing is not justice, but it is another moment of real accountability on the road to justice.” Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced on Friday to 22.5 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd. Chauvin was found guilty for the murder George Floyd on all counts in his trial that took place in April.

Minnesota Judge Sentences Chauvin to 22.5 Years in Prison for George Floyd Murder

June 26, 2021June 25, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Minnesota Judge Peter Cahill on Friday sentenced former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin to 22-and-a-half years in prison for the May 2020 murder of George Floyd.

A jury in April found Chauvin guilty of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, at the conclusion of a three-week trial that gained national attention.

Cahill in announcing the sentence urged people to read the legal analysis on how he reached his decision and said the amount of time was not based on “emotion or sympathy.”

Prosecutors Counter Chauvin Attorney’s Bid for New Trial

June 20, 2021June 19, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

The prosecutors in former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin’s murder trial argued Thursday that the now-convicted murderer received a fair trial and should not be granted a new one.

“The State firmly opposes Defendant’s post-verdict motions,” a memorandum submitted to the Hennepin County District Court says. “The jury unanimously convicted Defendant of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter based on the overwhelming evidence establishing Defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Minneapolis City Council Recommends Police Get $5 Million After Budget Cuts

June 16, 2021June 15, 2021 Hayley Feland

Due to the huge wave of violent crime sweeping Minneapolis, the City Council Committee has recommended that the Minneapolis Police Department receive $5 million in overtime funds after major budget cuts were implemented following the death of George Floyd.

Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo requested that the Minneapolis City Council assist in funding the projected $9.5 million dollar overtime bill for the Minneapolis Police Department. Overtime for officers during the murder trial of ex-Police Officer Derek Chauvin alone totaled over $2.9 million, due in part to a shortage of officers.

One Dead After Car Hits Minneapolis Protestors

June 15, 2021June 14, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

One person is dead and three injured after a car ran over a group of protestors in Minneapolis Sunday night.

“One person was taken into custody late Sunday night after driving a vehicle into a group of protesters gathered at West Lake Street and Girard Avenue South in Uptown,” according to WCCO. “Minneapolis Police said through a news release that police officers monitoring the protest on camera witnessed an eastbound vehicle drive into the a group of protesters at 11:39 p.m.”

Chauvin Trial Overtime Cost Nearly $3 million

June 13, 2021June 12, 2021 The Center Square

Ramped-up security during the three weeks of Derek Chauvin’s trial cost taxpayers nearly $3 million, the Minneapolis Police Department said Thursday.

Citing unexpected costs, Police Chief Medaria Arradondo asked the Minneapolis City Council for an additional $5 million.

The MPD has 632 sworn officers, down from 845 one year ago — a 25% drop — to protect the 425,000-person city that’s fighting spiking violent crime.

30 Shots Fired in George Floyd Square on One Year Anniversary

May 28, 2021May 27, 2021 Hayley Feland

In the middle of a gathering at George Floyd Square on May 25, 2021 commemorating the one year anniversary of the death of black man, George Floyd, while undergoing arrest by former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, 30 shots were fired, sending one victim to the hospital.

The gunfire erupted on live television, as seen on the ABC News live stream. A voice can be heard yelling at people to get down.

Gunfire Mars Festival at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis on Anniversary of His Death

May 26, 2021May 25, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

An apparent drive-by shooting at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis was caught live by news cameras Tuesday morning, as Black Lives Matter supporters gathered to observe the one-year anniversary of Floyd’s death in police hands.

Officers Will Not Be Charged in Fatal Shooting of Andrew Brown Jr., DA Announces

May 19, 2021May 18, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Pasquotank County District Attorney Andrew Womble

The police officers who fatally shot Andrew Brown Jr. in April outside of his North Carolina home will not be charged, Pasquotank County District Attorney Andrew Womble announced Tuesday.

“After reviewing the investigation conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Mr. Brown’s death, while tragic, was justified,” Womble said during a press conference Tuesday. “[His] actions caused three deputies within the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office to reasonably believe it was necessary to use deadly force to protect themselves and others.”

Brown was shot on the morning of April 21 in Elizabeth City, a small town in the eastern part of the state, after officers approached him with a search warrant and pair of arrest warrants on felony drug charges. Womble testified a week later that Brown made contact with officers while in his car, and that they opened fire afterwards.

Minneapolis First-Responder Settlements Could Top $35 Million, Attorney Says

May 17, 2021May 16, 2021 The Center Square

Protest in street with sign that reads"I CAN'T BREATHE. SAY HIS NAME! George Floyd"

The true cost of the riots after the death of George Floyd in police custody is starting to pile up on taxpayers.

This fallout could leave the Minneapolis Police Department short-staffed.

Minneapolis city leaders have begun signing large workers’ compensation packages for dozens of departing police officers, Fox 9 reports.

Over 200 Officers Have Left the Minneapolis Police Department Since Last May

May 15, 2021May 14, 2021 Cooper Moran

Over 200 police officers have left, are in the process of leaving, or are on extended leave from the Minneapolis Police Department.

Several police officers explained it is due to lack of support and the feeling that they had to defend themselves throughout the course of the riots that plagued the city last summer, according to a report from WCCO in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis Mayor Admits Anti-Police Rhetoric has Led to Crime Spike

May 13, 2021May 12, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

They mayor of Minneapolis, who himself has bashed police in order to placate the Black Lives Matter mob, now says that calls to “defund the police” have led to a spike in crime in the city.

“The violence needs to stop, it’s unacceptable. People deserve to feel safe in their neighborhood, they deserve to be able to send their kids out to the sidewalk to play and to recreate without bullets flying by. That’s unacceptable. We should be holding these perpetrators accountable,” Mayor Jacob Frey (D) said.

Violent Crime Surged in These Cities After Mass Black Lives Matter, Anti-Police Protests

May 9, 2021May 8, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Violent crime surged in several U.S. cities that saw massive Black Live Matter and anti-police protests in the wake of George Floyd’s death last summer.

The upswing of violent crime, including homicides, coincided with the protests, increased anti-police sentiment among Americans and declining morale in police departments, which have since struggled to recruit new officers. The number of murders alone increased by 36.7% in 2020 compared to 2019, according to public information compiled by data analytics reporter Jeff Asher.

“We are definitely at a critical manpower shortage here,” Louisville police union spokesperson Dave Mutchler told the Daily Caller News Foundation last week. “The climate that we all find ourselves in right now is a lot more demanding and stressful on officers.”

Police Departments Say Budget Cuts Are the Reason They’ve Been Unable to Hire New Officers

May 9, 2021May 8, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Two police officers walking in front of LED American flag

Multiple police departments told the Daily Caller News Foundation that recruiting officers is not an issue, but budget constraints have limited their ability to increase manpower.

Almost a year after George Floyd died during an arrest where former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes resulting in nationwide civil unrest and the defund the police movement, most police departments say they still have a sufficient number of candidates but lack the funding to recruit them.

“The Minneapolis Police Department, like every department, has seen a drop in application numbers over the last several years,” Minneapolis Police Department Spokesperson John Elder told the DCNF. “Whereas we have seen a reduction in applications, we still have ample qualified candidates who wish to be Minneapolis Police Officers and Cadets [and the department’s] recruitment efforts are ongoing.”

Four Former Minneapolis Officers Indicted on Federal Civil Rights Charges in Floyd’s Death

May 8, 2021May 7, 2021 The Center Square

George Floyd protest in Minneapolis with "I can't breathe" cardboard sign

A federal grand jury has indicted four ex-Minneapolis police officers on federal civil rights charges related to the death of George Floyd.

The first indictment charges Derek Chauvin, 45; Tou Thao, 35; J. Alexander Kueng, 27; and Thomas Lane, 38. The three-count indictment alleges that all four defendants willfully deprived Floyd of his constitutional rights, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242.

Count one of the indictment alleges that on May 25, 2020, Chauvin pressed his left knee on Floyd’s neck, and his right knee on Floyd’s back and arm, as Floyd lay on the ground, handcuffed and unresisting, and kept his knees on Floyd’s neck and body even after Mr. Floyd became unresponsive.

Chauvin Juror Says He Attended BLM Protest Before Trial Because He'd 'Never Been to DC'

May 5, 2021May 4, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

A man who served on the jury that voted to convict former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin defended his participation in a Black Lives Matter protest prior to the trial.
Brandon Mitchell said he attended the Aug. 28 “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks!” protest organized by activist Al Sharpton because he had never been to Washington, D.C., according to the Associated Press. Photos recently circulated online show Mitchell wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt at the event.
“I’d never been to D.C.,” Mitchell told the AP. “The opportunity to go to D.C., the opportunity to be around thousands and thousands of Black people; I just thought it was a good opportunity to be a part of something.”

Police Refuse to Enter George Floyd Zone, Make Battered Woman Come to Them

May 3, 2021May 2, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Mural of George Floyd on the side of a building

The Minneapolis Police Department apparently will not enter the so-called “Free State of George Floyd” to respond to crimes.

In the early morning hours of April 29, a woman was pushed out of a window during a domestic dispute on the corner of East 38th Street and Elliot Avenue, sustaining multiple injuries, according to a police scanner watchdog. The woman dialed 911 to get help but was told that police would not come to her aid because she was inside George Floyd Square, an autonomous zone which has designated itself “cop-free.”

“Is it possible to have her move at least a block away, maybe [to] 38 and 10th?” a responding police officer can be heard asking dispatch in a recorded radio conversation.

Residents Complain About Lack of Police in Minneapolis

May 2, 2021May 1, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

Nearly a year after the death of George Floyd, prompting calls from activists and Democrat leaders to defund the police, residents of Minneapolis are complaining that police won’t respond to their calls.

“George Floyd Square has been a place for mourning and healing for the thousands who pay a visit,” WCCO reported. “But for the people who live there, once night falls, they say it becomes a place where lawlessness abounds.”

Minnesota Police Departments Saw Rise in Departures, Low Recruitment Numbers in 2020

April 30, 2021April 29, 2021 The Center Square

Following the death of George Floyd last May, police departments across the state of Minnesota saw a drastic rise in retirements and departures, in addition to experiencing low recruitment numbers.

Two months after the death of Floyd, in which former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter, 200 police officers out of the roughly 850 officers serving in the Minneapolis Police Department filed paperwork to leave their jobs with the department.

Three-Day George Floyd Commemoration Planned for May

April 30, 2021April 29, 2021 Peter D'Abrosca

A foundation created to memorialize George Floyd has announced a three-day commemoration planned for the year anniversary of his death at the end of May.

“Over three consecutive days at the end of May, the George Floyd Memorial Foundation will host a series of events to commemorate Floyd’s death,” KMSP reported.