Police protesters cause partial shutdown at Mall of America

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — A mass of demonstrators chanting “Black lives matter” converged in the Mall of America rotunda Saturday as part of a protest against police brutality that caused part of the mall to shut down on a busy day for holiday shopping.

Official crowd estimates weren’t immediately available, but pictures posted to social media by local news organizations showed the rotunda was full. Organizer Mica Grimm estimated about 3,000 people participated.

The rally is part of protests happening nationwide after officers weren’t charged in the deaths of unarmed black men in Missouri and New York.

During the rally, protesters shouted “While you’re on your shopping spree, black people cannot breathe” — a reference to the chokehold police placed on Eric Garner, who died in New York.

Bloomington police said 25 people were arrested, mainly for reasons such as trespassing. Commander Mark Stehlik said he was not aware of any injuries or property damage.

Mall representatives had warned protesters in advance that they could be removed, arrested and banned. The mall’s management issued a statement Saturday saying it was “extremely disappointed” that organizers ignored the policy banning political protests.

“It’s clear from their actions that these political activists were more concerned about making a political statement and creating a media event than they were about the safety of others,” the statement said.

The Mall of America statement said the east side was shut down for the safety of shoppers and retailers while police in riot gear were clearing the mall. All stores had reopened by Saturday evening.

Associated Press