Summit Avenue Reopens After Police Clear Protesters
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A portion of Summit Avenue previously closed due to protests has been reopened.
Demonstrators protesting the death of Philando Castile had been camped on Summit Avenue outside of the Governor's Residence for nearly three weeks.
Castile was shot and killed by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights earlier this month. The shooting was captured on Facebook Live by Castile's girlfriend Diamond Reynolds.
The video went viral, sparking protests across the state and country.
Police tried multiple times to reopen the street, but protesters continued to come back to camp outside the Governor's Mansion.
On Tuesday, police informed protesters once more that they needed to clear the street.
Officers told them could have no tents, tarps or chairs – or anything that could be seen as an object for occupation – at the scene or they would be subject to arrest.
Gallery: Images From Summit Avenue
Protesters refused to leave and tensions began to rise. In all, 70 people were arrested for public nuisance and unlawful protest.
After clearing all demonstrators and their belongings, police reopened Summit Avenue to the public.
