Rochester police chief thanks community for keeping protests peaceful

Rochester’s police chief said protests here remained peaceful Saturday and that no arrests were made in connection to the demonstrations.

Overnight Saturday into Sunday, a curfew took effect in downtown Rochester. The action followed three nights of rioting in the Twin Cities. The after-hours destruction has at times overshadowed what have been mostly peaceful protests in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd.

In Rochester, there were some incidents of disorderly conduct Friday as a limited number of demonstrators on the streets deployed firecrackers, pushed down cones and vandalized areas with spray paint.

On Saturday, however, demonstrations remained peaceful as hundreds marched through the city to protest racial injustice. By Saturday evening, protesters dispersed as the curfew went into effect.

“We thank the community for their support in keeping our community safe while honoring the memory of George Floyd,” Rochester Police Chief Jim Franklin said in an email Sunday. “The leadership of those leading the vigils, marches and protests was key in the peace that occurred. We also appreciate that the community stayed home last night.”

While there will be no curfew in Rochester Sunday night, Franklin said his department will continue to maintain a visible profile for the next several days. Meanwhile, curfews remain in effect in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Cover photo: demonstrators gather outside the Government Center on Saturday to protest racial injustice / Kate Klaus