Minneapolis Braces For Upcoming Trial Of Officer Charged In Killing Of George Floyd

Derek Chauvin will finally see his day in court for the killing of George Floyd.

Last spring, the white Minneapolis police officer was seen on video kneeling into Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes.

The city is on edge as the start date approaches, Yahoo reports. The city has already seen protests form and has begun barricading and bordering up.

Several hundred people gathered to protest for the former officer’s conviction across from the Mississippi River on Saturday in front of the governor’s mansion.

“Prosecute the police!” the crowd chanted.

More protests were scheduled for Sunday and Monday outside the courthouse, where the case is set to be heard. The courthouse located in downtown Minneapolis is now lined with protective concrete barriers and razor wire.

Chauvin’s trial will be broadcasted live on Court TV and will likely become the most-watched case in U.S. history.

Proceedings are scheduled to start on Monday but may be postponed since an appellate court ruling Friday.

Last week, the city’s mayor, police chief, and City Council addressed the public safety response they’ve been developing since last summer, which is similar to the security provided for the Super Bowl in 2018 and following the 1992 trial of the Los Angeles police officers who beat motorist Rodney King.

Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said 2,000 National Guard troops would be deployed in the city when lawyers are expected to make their opening statements. Other law enforcement officers from surrounding areas, state and federal agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security will also assist.

“We as a city have to make sure we can distinguish between peaceful protesters and those that seek to cause destruction,” Mayor Jacob Frey said at a Thursday briefing. “I am very hopeful that the next few weeks will mark an important chapter for progress in our city, and of course for justice.”

Adding that the department was prepared to support “peaceful, civic demonstration” while guarding against “riotous behavior” — such as damaging buildings, throwing objects and marching on highways — that he said would “re-traumatize our city.”

“Last year, we were more reactionary,” Arradondo said at a Monday briefing. “This year, I think we’re on better footing.”