Some Protesters Released From Jail After I-94 Protest
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- Some of the protesters who were arrested overnight were released from jail on Sunday. More than 100 protesters were arrested late Saturday night after they gathered on Interstate 94 in St. Paul, shutting down the busy highway in both directions.
At a press conference Sunday morning, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Police Chief Todd Axtell expressed disgust and anger over the violence. City officers and State Patrol troopers had rocks, bottles and firecrackers thrown at them. Fifteen police officers and six troopers were hurt; all are expected to recover.
The St. Paul Police Department said Sunday an officer hit by a piece of concrete has broken vertebrae.
The protest started on the interstate Saturday night as demonstrators left the Governor's Mansion, where they've gathered for several days following the fatal police shooting of Philando Castile in Falcon Heights, a suburb of St. Paul. The 32-year-old cafeteria worker's girlfriend live-streamed the immediate aftermath of the shooting on Facebook, and the video quickly went viral.
We talked to a couple of Saturday's protesters released from jail.
"In a sense I did see it spiraling out of control, but we kept it cordial, we kept it going you know. We just did what we thought was right," Sirjonathan Barnes said.
"And I want my son and daughters to be able to grow up and not be afraid to go outside, and not be ashamed or afraid when they see the police," Brooke Barslou said.
Senator Amy Klobuchar released a statement on Saturday's protests.
"Last night 21 St. Paul police officers were injured. As I said earlier today after speaking at Pilgrim Baptist Church, this is completely unacceptable. There have been many peaceful protests over the last few days in the wake of Philando Castile's death. That is a crucial part of our democracy and a way to bring about change. The actions on Highway 94 were far from a peaceful protest. I have called for a thorough investigation of Castile's death and continue to believe we need reforms to our criminal justice system. But I hope all Minnesotans will unify behind one simple principle: We cannot achieve justice through injustice."
Valerie Castile, the mother of Philando Castile, issued a statement Sunday calling for protesters to remain peaceful.
"On behalf of myself and our entire family, we urge all people to remain peaceful in all demonstrations throughout our community and our nation. When demonstrations become violent, it disrespects my son and his memory. Philando was a man of peace and dignity. Please, I ask you to at all times remain peaceful in your expressions of concern regarding his death at the hands of the police. I promise that we will not rest until justice prevails."