Minneapolis Increases Security Ahead Of Derek Chauvin Trial

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Minneapolis leaders are working to increase security around the city in the hopes of quelling any unrest that may arise when the trial for the former police officer charged in George Floyd's death begins next month.

With jury selection set to begin the week of March 8 for Derek Chauvin’s trial, the city has begun installing security perimeters around the courthouse and several surrounding buildings, including City Hall, and is telling residents to prepare for road closures that will start next month.

Mayor Jacob Frey said during a press conference on Wednesday officials want to make sure the city’s various communities, businesses and families feel safe “regardless of where they live and regardless of where they work.”

In addition to the closures and perimeters, up to 2,000 members of the Minnesota National Guard and 1,100 law enforcements officers from a dozen jurisdictions will be on standby to aid the city in its peacekeeping efforts, according to the mayor.

Frey said residents should expect the police presence to increase in the city as the trial progresses.

City Councilman Jamal Osman said the success of these increased safety measures relies on good communication and a strong relationship between the city and its community members. In the past, poor communication from officials, particularly to its immigrant and minority populations, caused mistrust and unrest, according to Osman.

“The city cannot control what happens across the street in the courtroom, but we can control our future, how honest and transparent and direct we are in communicating with our affected communities,” Osman said.

Frey said the trial will especially be difficult for many people from a mental health standpoint because it involves a Black man who died while in police custody and such events are filled with frustration, anxiety and trauma.

“We believe it is on us to honor the magnitude of this moment and ensure that the families in this city feel safe,” Frey said.

Chauvin, who is white, was attempting to arrest Floyd, a Black man, last May and pressed his knee against Floyd's neck for several minutes as he laid face down on a street. A bystander videotaped the encounter and Floyd could be heard telling Chauvin and other officers who were there that he couldn't breathe.

Floyd's death sparked a national and global movement against racial injustice and calls for defunding the police.

Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. The now-former officers who were with him during the incident, J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao are charged with aiding and abetting in Floyd’s death.

The three men will be tried separately from Chauvin and are scheduled to appear in court sometime in August.