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Neighbors,
Our community is reeling from the murder of a man killed yesterday, at the intersection of 38th and Chicago, known to many as a protector of George Floyd Square. I offer my condolences to his family whom I met with yesterday. I condemn this tragic incident of gun violence. It is unacceptable. MPD has launched an active investigation into finding the suspect involved in this heinous act. Now more than ever, our community and residents are in need of trauma informed support and spaces that promote mental well-being and healing. There are spaces at George Floyd Square that offer solace and support, such as yoga and meditation practice. Community leaders have asked for marches being held today to not include this intersection out of respect for the deceased. Here at the City, our Office of Race and Equity will be working with community groups toward developing additional healing and support services, focused on 38th and Chicago.
As we embark on the trial and the media circus that accompanies this case, it is important to maintain a sense of calm and clear headedness, to keep ourselves and our families safe. Please know that the City has been preparing for this trial, you can learn more about those preparations below. As we go forward, I ask that we display compassion and empathy for each other. I know that many in our community are traumatized and in pain. People are experiencing a whole range of emotions, and that is ok. We will, as a city, get through this, whatever the outcome. I want to offer my deepest condolences to the family of George Perry Floyd, Jr., and peace to all neighbors and demonstrators alike.
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 Mayor Jacob Frey and other City leaders held a briefing on March 4 to share updates on preparations for the trial of former MPD officer Derek Chauvin. Jury selection for the trial is now scheduled to begin Tuesday, March 9. The Court will post public details about the trial to their website, including trial documents, and this information can be found on that site under State vs. Derek Chauvin, 27-CV-20-12646.
Briefing highlights
- The Minneapolis Police Department, along with its Operation Safety Net Partners, are committed to honoring First Amendment rights as demonstrations are scheduled to begin this weekend. MPD has held de-escalation training in preparation for the upcoming trials.
- The City’s Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) has published the Request for Proposals (RFP) for community-based organizations to assist in outreach and support services during and after the upcoming trial(s) to the City’s e-Supplier portal system, identified as Event #0000001445. You can find there RFP on the City's Online e-supplier portal under contracting opportunities.
Reminders
- Sixth Street South (the street and both sidewalks) is closed between Third and Fourth avenues next to the Hennepin County Government Center. Currently, other streets will remain open. The City will provide updates when other closures are anticipated.
- The City of Minneapolis is committed to working with the community to reconnect 38th and Chicago after the conclusion of the Chauvin trial. The City has sent out surveys to residents and businesses near the intersection to determine a preferred option to preserve the memorial and art while ensuring delivery of critical services in the area. You can learn more here.
Public Information Resources
Operation Safety Net
Operation Safety Net—representing the collective law enforcement and public safety agencies—has launched a public website where details are being made available to the community. You can access the Operation Safety Net website here. There are also number of social media sites available to extend public access to verified information, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
As the trial is just getting started, you may be interested in reviewing some of the resources made available like the ones listed below:
City of Minneapolis
The City launched a new web resource that offers information and updates about the upcoming trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder in the death of George Floyd.
City information and links to partners in the new web section will help residents, businesses and others:
- Find current street closures.
- Sign up for trial updates from MN District Court.
- Report suspicious activity.
- Look up mental health and well-being resources for support during traumatic times.
The web pages will be updated as new information becomes available and as situations change.
In addition, the City plans to continue providing weekly media briefings as well as twice-weekly updates via online newsletters and social media posts. Media briefings are livestreamed from the City’s Facebook and YouTube accounts. Furthermore, information will be pushed out through the City's four radio programs on KMOJ 89.9 FM (English), La Raza 95.7 FM (Spanish), KALY 101.7 FM (Somali) and WIXK AM 1590 (Hmong).
How to contact the City:
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911: For emergencies where someone’s safety is at risk that require an immediate response from police, firefighters, or medics.
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612-692-TIPS (8477): For reporting tips to the Minneapolis police about any suspicious activity that doesn't require an immediate response. [Example: Reporting a fast-moving car without license plates or spotting something odd in an alley.]
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800-222-8477: To contact Crime Stoppers of Minnesota with information regarding a crime or a fugitive. This can potentially lead to a reward. http://www.crimestoppersmn.org/sitemenu.aspx?ID=674&
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612-673-2499: For general questions from business and commercial property owners about preparations before the trial, operating during the trial and local regulations. Questions can also be sent by email to SmallBusiness@minneapolismn.gov.
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311: For all other non-emergency concerns.
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Hennepin County is offering emergency rent assistance. Households with unpaid rent and low incomes may qualify. The deadline to apply is noon Friday, March 19. Apply now.
While you can’t be evicted for not paying rent during Governor Walz’s executive order, rent is still due. When the order is lifted, people owing unpaid rent could be at risk for eviction.
This is an initial short-term program for urgent needs. More help will be offered through a statewide COVID-19 Emergency Rent Assistance program opening later this month.
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The City of Minneapolis is offering free COVID-19 saliva tests. Testing is encouraged and available to everyone, whether or not you have symptoms. It’s one of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and help prevent exposing your loved ones to the virus along with wearing masks correctly, keeping 6 feet from anyone you don’t live with and hand-washing.
Going back to school?
Testing is especially important now with people going back to school and because some of the recently found variants seem to spread more easily than the original strain – up to 70% more.
The State of Minnesota especially recommends people returning to school, sports or other extracurricular activities get tested, as well as everyone who lives with them. By getting them tested every two weeks through the end of the school year, the State hopes to keep schools and sports open.
Free COVID-19 tests
Do not eat, drink or use tobacco products for 30 minutes before taking a COVID-19 saliva test.
Minneapolis Public Schools Davis Center, 1250 West Broadway 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, March 13 and 20
Columbia Manor Golf Course, 3300 Central Ave. NE 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, March 11, 18 and 25
You can expect to get your test results in about two business days.
More free COVID-19 saliva tests
Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 Second Ave. S., Exhibit Room E 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing webpage to register.
Native American Community Clinic, 1213 E. Franklin Ave. 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Appointments required: Call 612-872-8086 to schedule an appointment.
Southside Community Health Services, 324 E. 35th St. 2-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays Appointments required: Call 612-821-3548 to schedule an appointment. You can expect to get your test results in about two-three business days. Same day testing can be done for health care workers, first responders and essential workers.
Brooklyn Park Starlight Center 11 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing webpage to register.
Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport 7 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week. Visit the State’s COVID-19 testing webpage to register.
Find a current list of free COVID-19 tests on the City website.
If you can’t attend one of these testing events, you can use this directory to find a testing location near you.
The State is also offering free at-home saliva tests. Any person in Minnesota can order a saliva test kit from the COVID-19 Test at Home program.
Resources
The COVID-19 test is free, and you do not need insurance for the test. If you need medical care but don’t have health insurance, the Minnesota Department of Health offers resources to find low-cost health care or health insurance.
Why get tested? Videos in Spanish, Somali and Hmong
Whether you feel sick or not, get tested. This will protect your loved ones and help us all return safely back to school, work and other activities.
Watch and share these short videos in Spanish, Somali and Hmong.
 Everyone is invited to sign up for updates on the State of MN vs. Chauvin case from the Minnesota Judicial Branch webpage.
The webpage includes all public documents filed in the case and other information. This case was filed in Hennepin County District Court May 29, 2020.
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