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Uprisings and Justice in Minneapolis

Photojournal by Brian Feinzimer

Published on

As the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd continued in Minneapolis, another young Black man, Daunte Wright, was killed by a police officer in the suburb city of Brooklyn Center, only 10 miles away. The April 11 killing of Wright immediately sparked  protests in the community and resulted in a heavy-handed response from the Brooklyn Center police, Hennepin County Sheriff’s office and National Guard members that featured chemical irritants and projectile weapons. Mass arrests of protesters and journalists sparked more outrage as the community, and the country, waited for the conclusion of the Chauvin trial. After only 10 hours, Chauvin’s jury found him guilty on all three counts, second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. In Minneapolis the mood was a mix of hope, joy and a much-needed sense of relief. Community celebrations erupted outside the courthouse downtown and in George Floyd Square at 38th and Chicago, on the spot where Floyd was murdered.

A recently wed couple visit George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on April 2. Floyd was killed in an encounter with Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

Protesters face off against law enforcement in riot gear outside the Brooklyn Center police station in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on April 14. Demonstrators gathered after Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter allegedly shot and killed Daunte Wright during a traffic stop.

Protesters demonstrate outside the Brooklyn Center police station in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on April 14.

A protester leads the crowd in chants in the name of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center.

A line of protesters that have formed a shield of umbrellas confront riot police outside the headquarters of the Brooklyn Center Police Department.

Brooklyn Center riot police clear protesters on April 14.

Protesters march in Minneapolis on April 19. Demonstrators march downtown in support of the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.

National Guard members watching a protest in Minneapolis on April 19.

Members of the crowd embrace in front of the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis as the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin is announced.

Musicians play as a crowd gathers in George Floyd Square in reaction to the guilty verdicts against Derek Chauvin on April 20.

A community member reacts to the guilty verdict by waving a flag and signaling the three guilty counts in front of the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis on April 20.

Members of the community react to the guilty verdicts in the street near the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis.

“Pouring one out for George Floyd” in front of the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis on April 20.

Members of the community observe a mural of George Floyd after the guilty verdicts are reached.

A crowd gathers in George Floyd Square in reaction to the guilty verdicts against Derek Chauvin.

All Photographs by Brian Feinzimer

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