Monday’s protest at the Minnesota State Capitol marked the fourth consecutive day of demonstrations denouncing the acquittal of St. Anthony, MN, police officer Jeronimo Yanez in the shooting death of Philando Castile during a traffic stop.
Around 2,000 protesters gathered at the Capitol on Friday evening before marching through the streets of St. Paul. A total of 18 were arrested after a group shut down Interstate 94. Saturday and Sunday’s gatherings were smaller, reports the Twin Cities Pioneer Press.
Hundreds of people gathered Sunday outside the St. Anthony Police Department, where Officer Jeronimo Yanez worked. Organizers of the rally say they wanted to voice their frustration and come together as one in opposition to a verdict they believe was not fair, reports WCCO.
Monday’s rally, billed as a "Families for Philando" event, attracted several dozen parents and children just starting summer vacation.
Meanwhile, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton said Monday that he’s hoping to meet with African-American leaders this week to discuss "what we can do at the state level" to address racial disparities and divisions.
