Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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The St. Paul city attorney will decide by Monday night whether to file charges against protesters 

 during demonstrations late Saturday night and early Sunday. 


Protesters have taken to the streets around the Twin Cities since Philando Castile was fatally shot by an officer during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights last Wednesday. The march on Saturday night 

The shooting death of Philando Castile

The shooting and its aftermath


Police officials say some protesters threw rocks, bottles or fireworks at officers during the protest. 


Officials reported 21 officers were injured, including one officer who suffered a broken vertebra after being hit by a concrete block. Police used smoke, blast balls and marking rounds against the protesters. 

Protesters and police clash on I-94 courtesy of KARE11


Minnesota State Patrol officials say they gave about 20 verbal warnings to disburse before arresting 50 people on the interstate, at least eight of whom were from outside the state. 

Another 52 were arrested by St. Paul police around 4 a.m. on Grand Avenue — members of that group were cited for unlawful assembly and public nuisance and released.


St. Paul City Attorney Samuel Clark said in a statement Monday that those arrested for riot "endangered others when they stormed Interstate 94."  

"My team is currently reviewing evidence from the event, including police reports, photos and video to determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence to charge at this time," Clark said. "We will make that initial determination as soon as reasonably possible and before the 10 p.m. deadline by which those arrested can be held without being charged."

Those arrested for third-degree riot will not be eligible for release on bail until a charging decision is made, which must be within 48 hours of arrest. 

A Twitter account associated with Black Lives Matter Minneapolis has called on supporters to pressure local authorities to release protesters. They've also called for donations to cover legal costs. 

Black Lives Matter Minneapolis organizers did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 


As of Monday morning, more than three dozen protesters were still occupying the boulevards in front of the governor's mansion on Summit Avenue in St. Paul. 


Protesters have set up tents and tarps on the grass there. Police have closed off the streets for blocks around the residence.

Crime, Law and Justice

Jon Collins

Author

The St. Paul city attorney will decide whether to file charges against protesters arrested for riot during demonstrations on late Saturday night and early Sunday.

Protesters stand on the concrete barrier.

Charging decision about I-94 protesters expected by tonight

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