Minneapolis will prepare and fortify key government buildings ahead of the first trial over the death of George Floyd while in the city’s police custody.
Additional law enforcement and National Guard forces are expected to arrive in the coming days as preventive preparation for the city of Minneapolis after weeks of civil unrest and property damage sent the city into turmoil during the summer.
Security fencing and barricades will be brought to cover government buildings ahead of the trial, said Hennepin County Board Chairwoman Marion Greene.
“We want to make sure that it’s understood in the community that what we are working to do is preserve safety for those involved in the trial to ensure that the trial can proceed without any hindrance or disruption,” Greene told a local KSTP affiliate Monday.
Fencing & barricades going up around #Mpls city hall today. Law enforcement sources confirm it is beginning of #GeorgeFloyd security infrastructure build up for upcoming Chauvin murder trial. Told to expect Super Bowl-like security around Gov Center area ?: Phillip Murphy. @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/vBMTikBdCS
— Paul Blume (@PaulBlume_FOX9) February 17, 2021
A jury selection is slated for March 8 to commence the trial for former officer Derek Chauvin, who faces second-degree murder charges in Floyd’s May 25, 2020, death.
Floyd, a black man, died after Chauvin knelt on his neck for around eight minutes during an arrest. Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe.
A small group of National Guard troops will test radio systems in the days before a jury is selected, and local law enforcement will bring added security to commercial sectors around the city that were damaged during the summer riots.
State and local officials could request multiple thousands of soldiers, officers, and sheriff’s deputies to aid with security during the trial. Leaders expect tensions to escalate toward the end of the trial when the public will see whether the jury acquits or convicts the former officer.
The death of Floyd prompted national and international outrage, leading to protests and demonstrations against police brutality. Some protests became violent and damaging. Minnesota reported in June 2020 that Minneapolis sustained at least $55 million in damages from demonstrations.
City officials are urging business owners to consider whether they want to board up buildings and check whether their insurance policies are updated to cover their needs.
Mayor Jacob Frey on Wednesday announced updates to security measures for the trial, saying Sixth Street South would be closed off, adding “demonstration zones” would be open for protesters on the north and south sides of the Hennepin County Government Center.
The city council will decide Wednesday afternoon whether to allocate $1.5 million in mutual aid contracts with nearby law enforcement agencies that could grant additional assistance.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other city officials provide an update on security efforts underway to protect the city and its residents in the event of unrest during the Derek Chauvin murder trial.https://t.co/ReeZPNfDPz pic.twitter.com/Uwi8TuYewV
— KARE 11 (@kare11) February 17, 2021
Gov. Tim Walz asked legislators on Monday to pass special funding that could be used during public safety events, which could apply to public safety funding for Chauvin’s trial, less than two weeks away.
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The Washington Examiner reached out to Hennepin County but did not immediately receive a response.
