Thread by @LouRaguse

This morning, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and several other city leaders held a news conference about what to expect as far as communication and safety measures in the city during the Derek Chauvin Trial. The emphasis was on two-way communication to make sure residents are heard

It was really something to hear Econ Policy & Development Dir Erik Hansen say in the same breath "Mpls will be open for business" as well as advising boarding up and moving important docs off-site. I guess that represents the range of what they hope vs fear might happen.

Starting March 1st, S 6th street between 3rd and 4th Ave will be closed. That is the street and sidewalk that runs right underneath the Hennepin County Gov Center where the trial will be held. No other street closures announced, but they alluded that others will happen as needed.

The City Attorney gave an overview of timing, as they expect it. Jury selection begins March 8, and law enforcement presence will be elevated but not peak until closer to jury deliberation and verdict, which he says is expected mid to late-April.

Another press conference starting now with info on law enforcement preps for Chauvin trial. DPS, State Patrol, National Guard, Sheriff and more here.

Sheriff Hutchison says their main role will be court security for trial. Been planning for months. Asking people to respect the process and for expressions of free speech to be “respectful and lawful.”

Break things, burn things, hurt people, will be arrested he says.

Col Matt Langer from @MnDPS_MSP says full deployment of law enforcement and @MNNationalGuard will begin during Closing Arguments and Verdict. Smaller scale before that.

Also sharing list of what they encourage and what is unlawful

Col Langer, not explicitly saying freeway-blocking protesters will be immediately arrested, but signals that there may be measures taken to prevent them from reaching freeway.

Sheriff Hutch says there will be some areas downtown designated for protesters

Talking about outside agitators, Sheriff says as of right now not seeing a lot of intel that outsiders are planning to come here agitate and riot

DPS Commish Harrington says they are anticipating livestream of case to lead to more “discussion” among extremists of coming here and they are monitoring but..
“We don’t have current intelligence of groups coming here to cause violence”