Minneapolis city leaders provide update on public safety preparations leading up to Chauvin trial

Wednesday, Minneapolis city leaders held their second briefing to provide their plans for public safety ahead of former police officer Derek Chauvin’s trial.

During the press conference, city leaders said law enforcement and community outreach groups have spent the last eight months preparing for possible unrest.

According to officials with the Minneapolis Police Department, people can expect to see more security measures put in place in downtown Minneapolis during the next week. This includes a National Guard presence in the area.

Minneapolis city leaders share preparation efforts ahead of former police officer Chauvin’s trial

City leaders also announced plans to close Sixth Street South between Third and Fourth avenues.

Metro Transit is also planning for potential disruptions, which they say will be communicated through rider alerts and social media throughout the trial.

"We have been using this time to our advantage to be able to come through and identify what are the most likely scenarios we need to prepare for to ensure that we can keep our employees and customers safe," Brian Funk, with Metro Transit, said.

The city continues to work with businesses to develop information on what property owners need to know leading up to the trial.

While most Minneapolis businesses will stay open during the trial, Director of Economic Policy and Development Erik Hansen said business owners should develop emergency plans.