MINNEAPOLIS — Gov. Tim Walz has authorized the Minnesota National Guard to provide security assistance in St. Paul during the federal civil rights trial of three former Minneapolis police officers charged in connection with George Floyd's death.
Walz is readying the guard after a request from St. Paul, which asked for state assistance if necessary. The governor deployed the National Guard in Minneapolis last spring to provide security around the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of murder and manslaughter.
"Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of Minnesotans, and at the request of the City of Saint Paul, I have authorized the Minnesota National Guard to make preparations to assist local law enforcement agencies as needed," Walz said in a statement. "The National Guard will be available to help keep the peace, ensure public safety and allow for peaceful demonstrations."
