As authorities worked to regain control of the streets following days of unrest, some residents in Minneapolis found themselves on the receiving end of aggressive enforcement tactics last year. Video footage captured by onlookers shows law enforcement peppering individuals with projectiles despite a lack of any visible threats.
When Governor Tim Walz instituted a city-wide curfew in May 2020 amid ongoing protests, the Minnesota police were tasked with seeing it was upheld. However, their methods for urging compliance raised eyebrows in some circles. In one instance, officers patrolling an intersection in paintball gear could be seen firing rounds at pedestrians and cars in broad daylight.
Though the curfew aimed to prevent further clashes after dark, the video depicts individuals being targeted well before nightfall. With little provocation, paintballs were shot at those standing outside or pulling over to the side of the road. The audio captures shocked reactions and cries of pain from those hit. While maintaining public safety is important, the indiscriminate use of force against unarmed persons has fueled criticism of an overly aggressive response.
As the one year anniversary approaches, the footage serves as a reminder of how even well-intentioned policies can be carried out in problematic ways without proper oversight. As communities and law enforcement continue working to rebuild trust, open discussions around proportionality and de-escalation remain key.
