US: Additional protests over Dec. 30 officer-involved shooting possible in Minneapolis, Minn.

Event

The fatal officer-involved shooting of a man in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the evening of Dec. 30 may spark demonstrations over the coming days. Dozens of people gathered mostly peacefully at the scene of the incident near the incident of Cedar Avenue South and 36th Street East late Dec. 30.

Authorities have stated that witness accounts indicate the deceased man had fired on police first; the Minneapolis police chief has stated that officials intend to release the police body camera footage of the incident Dec. 31, around which time additional protests could occur. This is the first fatal police shooting in Minneapolis to have occurred since the killing of George Floyd in May, which prompted widespread protests nationwide. Even though the circumstances around the Dec. 30 incident are yet to be confirmed, continued sentiments against police violence are likely to spark protests over the coming days. Demonstrators may gather near the shooting location or around police precincts.

Increased security and localized traffic disruptions are likely near all large gatherings. Isolated skirmishes between police and demonstrators are possible if the latter are overly disruptive or engage in acts of vandalism.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a standard security precaution. Heed the directives of the authorities. Leave at the first sign of violence. Plan for potential localized traffic disruptions near possible protest locations over the coming days.