MINNEAPOLIS — A march from the Alex Pretti memorial to George Floyd Square is planned for Thursday evening in Minneapolis as part of the 31st annual National Day of Protest Against Police Brutality, according to organizers and Southwest Voices.
Participants will assemble at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Alex Pretti memorial site at 2614 Nicollet Avenue, according to Communities United Against Police Brutality, the organization leading the local events. The march will travel from the Pretti memorial to the memorial for Renee Good, then on to George Floyd Square, organizers said.
The protest calls to "protest all forms of police brutality, whether perpetrated by local, state or federal law enforcement, including ICE," according to the event announcement, and to demand accountability and an end to violence by law enforcement at every level, according to Southwest Voices.
The route connects two names that have shaped Minneapolis this year. Alex Pretti and Renee Good were both killed in encounters with federal immigration officers in Minneapolis earlier this year. NCN has covered both cases, including the two federal lawsuits filed this month over Good's death. Federal officials have said the agents involved acted in self-defense; the Justice Department has declined to press charges against the agents, according to prior reporting. The officers' actions remain the subject of civil litigation and continued public protest.
Thursday's events are part of the 31st annual observance of the national day. The local announcement lists supporting organizations including CAIR-Minnesota, the Racial Justice Network, and Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence, according to the event poster.
Two related events follow later in the week, both at 4200 Cedar Avenue in Minneapolis, according to organizers. On Friday, Oct. 23, at 6 p.m., a presentation and discussion titled "Why the Hell is it So Hard to Hold Cops Accountable?" will examine how courts and law enforcement agencies make accountability difficult. On Sunday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m., the Stolen Lives Remembrance Dinner will honor people who died in encounters with law enforcement and stand with their families. The dinner is free to the community, organizers said.
Organizers have not announced an expected turnout for Thursday's march, and Minneapolis officials had not issued a public statement about the event as of Wednesday evening. Streets along the route may be affected Thursday evening.
NCN will cover the march and will update this article as it develops.
- National Correspondent Network
