Minnesota governor declares ‘peacetime emergency’ ahead of Chauvin verdict

by Jordan Williams - 04/20/21 2:49 PM ET

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) has declared a “peacetime emergency” ahead of the verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with murder in the death of George Floyd last May.

Walz issued an executive order on Monday declaring the emergency for several counties amid the potential for unrest sparked by the Chauvin verdict and ongoing protests sparked by the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Daunte Wright in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center last week.

The governor’s order notes that while many demonstrations have been peaceful, “some individuals have engaged in unlawful and dangerous activity, including looting and damaging public and private property.”

“Local and state resources have been reallocated to assist in the unrest in Brooklyn Center and nearby communities,” Walz’s order reads. “This reallocation has drawn resources away from the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and nearby communities, where there is a threat of civil unrest.”

Walz’s order says that he’s declaring a “peacetime emergency” to allow Minnesota officials to seek assistance from other states to help respond to possible unrest, as local law enforcement agencies requested.

Jury deliberations began on Monday after closing arguments in Chauvin’s trial concluded. The former officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes before his death. Chauvin is facing charges of second- and third-degree murder, as well as second-degree manslaughter.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday that President Biden has spoken with the Floyd’s family “to check in with them and also share that the family was in his prayers.”

The deliberations come as the nation grapples with the death of Wright, another Black man. He was shot by former Brooklyn Center Police Officer Kim Potter during a traffic stop.

Potter, who officials said meant to draw her Taser, has since resigned from the police department, and is charged with second-degree manslaughter.