Updated Mar 8, 2021 - Politics

In photos: Thousands rally for George Floyd ahead of Derek Chauvin's trial

Demonstrators march outside the Hennepin County Government Center  in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Demonstrators on March 7 outside the Hennepin County Government Center, where the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, charged with murdering George Floyd, will begin in Minneapolis. Photo: Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images

Thousands of protesters marched through Minneapolis' streets Sunday, urging justice for George Floyd on the eve of the start of former police officer Derek Chauvin's trial over the 46-year-old's death, per AFP.

The big picture: Chauvin faces charges for second-degree murder and manslaughter over Floyd's death last May, which ignited massive nationwide and global protests against racism and for police reform. His trial is due to start Monday, with jury selection procedures.

 The "I Can't Breathe Silent March for Justice" protest on March 7.
The "I Can't Breathe Silent March for Justice" protest in Minneapolis on March 7. Photo: Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images
Chaz Neal, a Redwing community activist, outside the Minnesota Governor's residence during a protest in support of George Floyd in St.Paul, Minnesota, on March 6.
Chaz Neal, a community activist, outside the Minnesota governor's residence during a protest in support of George Floyd in St. Paul, Minn., on March 6. Photo: Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images
 People gather for a protest demonstration outside the Governors Mansion on March 6, 2021 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Protesters gather outside the governors mansion on March 6. The rally was organized by the Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence, a support group for people affected by police confrontations. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Activists hold pictures of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery outside outside Minnesota Governor's residence in St Paul, Minnesota
Community activists hold images of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man shot and killed by two white men in Georgia last year. Photo: Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images
Demonstrators march while holding placards during the protest for George Floyd in St.Paul, Minnesota, on March 6
Demonstrators march during a rally for George Floyd in St. Paul on March 6. The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Friday that Chauvin should face a third-degree murder charge. Photo: Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images
Demonstrators march while holding placards during a protest in St.Paul, Minnesota, on March 6
Black Lives Matter demonstrators march in St. Paul on March 6. Photo: Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images

Go deeper: Subscribe for free to the Axios Twin Cities newsletter here.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with details from the latest protest and more photos.

avatar

Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Twin Cities.

🌱

Support local journalism by becoming a member.

Learn more

More Twin Cities stories

No stories could be found

Twin Citiespostcard

Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios Twin Cities.

🌱

Support local journalism by becoming a member.

Learn more