Second night of protests over release of Floyd officer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Demonstrators hit the streets for a second night Thursday in the Twin Cities to protest the release of the former Minneapolis police officer charged with killing George Floyd last May.

The rallies in St. Paul and Minneapolis followed a march Wednesday night in south Minneapolis during which 51 people were arrested near the Fifth Precinct police headquarters.

As of late Thursday, there were no reported arrests.

In St. Paul event, hundreds of people, including family members of Minnesotans killed by police, marched down University Avenue to the State Capitol.

The marchers carried signs bearing the names of 100 people killed by police in Minnesota, along with five coffins and a sign that said, “Who will be next?”

“That’s the feeling amongst the people right now,” said Royce White, a march organizer. “Obviously we are extremely dissatisfied with the decision to release Derek Chauvin on bond.”

In Minneapolis, several hundred people gathered outside the Hennepin County Government Center, the Star Tribune reported.

Speakers standing on the steps of the government center called for Chauvin to be taken back into custody as Aztec dancers from Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli circled two drum players.

The crowd chanted, “Say his name! George Floyd!” and “No justice, no peace!”

Chauvin left Oak Park Heights prison Wednesday after posting bail on a $1 million bond. Chauvin, who has been fired, is charged with second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s death.