Minneapolis preparing for former police Chauvin's trial
By maezee
@maezee (41985)
United States
March 6, 2021 1:44am CST
So, starting on Monday, the trials for former Minneapolis officer Chauvin (who killed George Floyd, caused riots across Minneapolis and the momentum snowballed across the world - or at least the United States). I work only a few blocks out of downtown Minneapolis and I took a drive around town to see what was happening in preparation for the trials. The city apparently expects uproar and riots. Even though the trials will take months, a lot of protective measures have been put into place - mostly physical and surrounding government buildings. I was driving, so I wasn't able to capture a VERY good picture, but surrounding the police precinct, city hall, the government center, federal court house, jail, and a city public works building - I see two layers of concrete jersey barricades. Fences. Plywood over windows. And even barbed wire over the top of some of the fences.
I pray for justice, but I have to also pray for PEACE. If there is any protest...PEACEFUL PROTEST. Last May after Floyd's murder, things were frightening, for us in Minneapolis but I'm sure those in other cities too. Arson, looting, general chaos, lack of police presence, national guard coming in, FIRES - everything on FIRE - violent, aggravated crime. CURFEW. State of Emergency. I have never been so afraid to be in Minneapolis. And I felt so bad for some of the good people out there, stuck in the middle of all the chaos, fire, violence, and destruction.
So, am praying for positive, peaceful protest. But time will tell.
I believe, starting on Monday, they will be picking out - or attempting to pick out - impartial jurors.
I know Minneapolis is where this travesty occurred and where the trial will take place, but are any of your cities doing anything like this to "prepare" for civil unrest?
5 people like this
5 responses
@kaylachan (84823)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Mar 21
Not that I'm aware of. I hope this doesn't start another wave, but I also think riots will only start if the trail fails to meet expectations. That would be my main concern. Both sides agree that George Floyd did not deserve to be murdered in such a way.
2 people like this
@kaylachan (84823)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Mar 21
@stephcjh While it was true, he was possibly high when arrested, He would've been fine if they had just followed through with the arrest. Putting him on the ground, then holding a knee to his neck was wrong. The man had already been restrained when the officer decided to knee him like that.
I agree, though. If 2020 has tought us anything, humanity will look for any excuse to lash out. Hell, 2021 didn't exactly start out great, with a riot on capatol hill where five people lost their lives. So they're right to prepare for the worse.
1 person likes this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
6 Mar 21
@kaylachan Yeah. I mentioned that somewhere on this discussion that the officer should have got off of him when he stopped moving. I honestly don't think the officer meant for him to die though but he should have removed himself. I would like to know why he didn't. We all would.
There is no excuse for these violent protests and riots though. Those people are no better when they do that, especially when it involves innocent people's businesses and such.
To me, it was just an excuse to some of their true colors anyway, no matter what race they are.
There are no such thing as peaceful protests anymore. Too many people do not want it be peaceful like some of the others do.
@kaylachan (84823)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Mar 21
This is very sad but very true at the same time. People started to protest prior to this event, due to restrictions and lock downs. This event only gave them yet, another excuse. Not that they needed one.@stephcjh
1 person likes this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
6 Mar 21
I have not watched the news for some time. I am tired of hearing about all of the looting, killing, protesting, rioting, corruption and you name it. I got tired of it being in my life every day. It was sickening and depressing honestly.
Every time there is supposedly a peaceful protest, bad things happen no matter who is doing it. The thing that happened with George Floyd got way out of hand.
I have mixed feelings over that whole ordeal.
2 people like this
@Fleura (35065)
• United Kingdom
6 Mar 21
I really hope things will be more peaceful. That was quite terrifying and spread all over. Even here people were protesting and it isn't even anything to do with us! The internet, social media and non-stop news have a lot to answer for, we get so much information from the US that some people seem to think we are one of the states!
1 person likes this
