Protests on Interstate Lead to 18 Arrests, Demonstrators Disperse

A bill that would have increased the penalty for protesting on a highway did not pass during this year's legislative session. 

RELATED: Police Clear Protesters from Interstate After Minor Clash and Few Arrests

About 1,500 people marched onto the Interstate at Dale Street before 10:30 Friday night, and the crowd gradually dispersed as the Minnesota State Patrol gave repeated warnings to exit the road.

At 12:30 a.m., State Patrol Troopers began making arrests. The Interstate reopened about an hour later. 

The protesters had blocked traffic in both directions for several hours as the State Patrol monitored the freeway and St. Paul police prevented vehicles from using nearby ramps to enter the road. 

RELATED: Timeline: KSTP Coverage of the Yanez Trial

As authorities closed in on the Interstate protesters, at least two people said police had sprayed them with mace. 

About 30 people later moved their demonstration to the Governor's Residence, where they stayed until almost 3 a.m. That smaller crowd peacefully dispersed when asked by police. 

Protesters march through the streets of St. Paul, demanding justice for Philando Castile.

KSTP

Protesters move along University Avenue.

Josh Rosenthal

Officers block the Western Avenue overpass with bikes.

Kirsten Swanson

Protesters begin to march through the streets of St. Paul.

Erik Altmann

Protesters gather outside the State Capitol, demanding justice for Philando Castile.

Kirsten Swanson

People kept arriving an hour into the rally.

Kirsten Swanson

Protesters gather outside the State Capitol, demanding justice for Philando Castile.

Josh Rosenthal

A protester has water poured in his eyes to recover from a mace spraying.

KSTP

Previous Next

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8.