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Minnesota Officials Under Federal Investigation
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The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey regarding their handling of protests and civil unrest following the death of George Floyd in 2020. The investigation centers on potential civil rights violations and whether state and local officials adequately protected citizens during the unrest.
The George Floyd Protests and Initial Response
The death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis and across the United States. Thes protests quickly escalated into riots, resulting in property damage, looting, and confrontations between protesters and law enforcement. Governor Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard on May 28, 2020, to assist local authorities in restoring order. Minnesota Public Radio provides a detailed timeline of events.
Focus of the Department of Justice Investigation
The Department of Justice investigation, initiated in April 2021, is examining whether Walz and Frey violated the civil rights of protesters and residents. Specifically, the investigation is looking into allegations of excessive force used by law enforcement, and also potential failures to adequately protect citizens from violence. The Department of Justice announced the investigation on April 22, 2021, stating it would examine the minneapolis Police department and the City of Minneapolis.
Criticism from Walz and Frey
Both Governor Walz and Mayor Frey have criticized the investigation, arguing that it is politically motivated and undermines their efforts to address the complex challenges posed by the protests. They maintain that they acted in good faith to protect public safety and uphold the law. According to CBS News, both officials have expressed confidence they will be exonerated.
Several entities are connected to this investigation.The Minnesota National Guard was deployed at the direction of Governor Walz. The Minneapolis Police Department is also under scrutiny as part of a broader Department of Justice investigation into its practices. The legal framework guiding the investigation includes 42 U.S. Code § 1983, which allows individuals to sue state and local government officials for civil rights violations. The investigation also considers potential violations of the First, Fourth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Current Status (as of January 17, 2026)
as of January 17, 2026, the Department of Justice investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been filed against Governor Walz or Mayor Frey. The investigation has faced delays due to the complexity of the case and the volume of evidence to be reviewed. The Star Tribune reported in November 2023 that the investigation was still active,with no immediate resolution in sight. There have been no important updates reported since that time.