Statement on Militarization of Downtown Minneapolis for Upcoming Chauvin Trial

It has been 9 months since Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd. On March 8, the Chauvin trial will officially begin and it is a time of tense anticipation for our city. Over the past few weeks we have seen our governments militarize the Hennepin County Government Center and downtown Minneapolis for this trial. This statement outlines my view on the approach being taken, as well as the limitations on Hennepin County Commissioners’ decision-making authority.

On Their Approach

I am concerned at how government leaders at all levels are collectively presenting in preparation for the trial. There has been an immense emphasis placed on the security of buildings and physical spaces, and no clear emphasis placed on healing or community voices. I stand with the community members who oppose the militarization of our downtown community. And I am deeply concerned about recent Hennepin County signage that may criminalize, among other things, the use of sidewalk chalk and making noise.

The months to come will be retraumatizing for countless people, particularly for those who have had previously traumatic encounters with police. It’s essential that governments are truly taking this into consideration in all of our actions—and that is something I have not seen yet. I believe we must prioritize the safety of residents, especially those who are exercising their legal right for assembly.

I have informed Sheriff Hutchinson’s office that I condemn the use of chemical irritants or less-lethal ammunition on any crowd. I have also expressed the need for accessible and inclusive crowd dispersal orders, such as visual orders in addition to the vocal orders. I oppose the use of kettling and believe that increased law enforcement and military presence do not guarantee a safe or peaceful situation for everyone. Last summer, during the uprising, we saw how officers indiscriminately gassed and assaulted grieving residents, including young people and families.

On County Board Authority

While the 4th Judicial District Court resides in the Hennepin County Government Center, the trial is a function of the State of Minnesota. It’s been made clear to me that I’m not a decision maker during the trial, so I will continue to speak to our shared values and offer resident-centered feedback to those who do have decision-making authority. Specifically, nearly all decision-making related to security on County property falls under the purview of the Sheriff’s office, and his decisions are part of a multijurisdictional effort, including State and Federal agencies, in which the County Board has no decision-making.

Conclusion

I am very concerned with the current approach to ‘safety’ and the prioritizations being made by the law enforcement agencies responsible for security during the Chauvin trial.

We must respect the right to protest, prioritize the safety of people, and focus on healing and justice for the members of our community who are most impacted. We must act with immense empathy for the communities who have been affected by police violence and we must not retraumatize our residents.