Makeshift Barriers Removed In Uptown, Mayor Frey Warns Of Arrests

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis public works employees and the Minneapolis Police Department Tuesday removed debris and makeshift barriers that were blocking a stretch of West Lake Street between Hennepin Avenue and Girard Avenue.

The barriers were put up by protesters who've held ongoing demonstrations in the area after a federal task force shot and killed Winston Boogie Smith, Jr., a Black man from St. Paul.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said police will monitor any demonstrations in Uptown Tuesday night. Frey said a dispersal order will be issued and arrests will be made "if anything goes beyond peaceful protests."

On Sunday, a protest at Lake Street and Girard Avenue became deadly when a car drove into a crowd of demonstrators, killing one.

Deona M. Knajdek, of Minneapolis, would have turned 32 Wednesday, the Star Tribune reported. Knajdek had two daughters, ages 11 and 13.

Just after 11:30 p.m. Sunday, a car drove into the group of protesters, police said. Protesters pulled the driver from the vehicle and attacked him, witnesses told police. Officers took custody of the driver.

Knajdek and another protester were taken to the Hennepin County Medical Center. Knajdek died at the hosital.

Drugs or alcohol use by the driver may have contributed to the crash, authorities said.

Read more: Deputies In Uptown Shooting Were Undercover, Won't Be Identified