Crowd Marches Through Downtown Mpls. On 2nd Day Of Yanez Verdict Protests
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Voices of concern were heard on the other side of the Mississippi Saturday night, after the acquittal of a Twin Cities police officer who killed a driver during a traffic stop.
A jury Friday found Officer Jeronimo Yanez not guilty on all three counts related to the shooting.
In Minneapolis Saturday night, a group marched in solidarity along Hennepin Avenue, after a rally was held in Loring Park.
It was organized by a mayoral candidate for the city of Minneapolis.
The protestors blocked traffic along some busy downtown intersections and protested briefly outside of the downtown police precinct.
Minneapolis police followed along, trying to keep protestors and drivers safe.
An estimated 200 people started the evening listening to speakers in Loring Park.
This was the second night protestors took to the streets, demanding justice for Philando Castile.
But this event was titled "Solidarity March Against Police Violence and White Silence."
"We are going to have to put more pressure on the system. And we are going to have to put pressure on our predominantly white churches to start for those who profess Christ, for those who claim to be people of faith, we have to put pressure on them to prove it," mayoral candidate Nekima Levy-Pounds said.
After about an hour of dialogue, the group marched through Hennepin Avenue, blocking intersections and a light rail stop along Fifth Street.
Holding a moment of silence for Philando Castile, hoping their actions will speak louder than words.
Minneapolis police did not make any arrests.
The entire protest lasted from 5 to about 8:30.
There is another demonstration planned tomorrow outside of the St. Anthony Police Department.
