Protesters shut down I-494 after fatal police shooting
MN511
I-494 was closed in Richfield after protesters blocked the freeway in response to a fatal police shooting Saturday night.
Long tailbacks can be seen on the interstate, with protesters moving onto the westbound roadway at around 7:40 p.m.
The eastbound lane appeared to close as of 7:50 p.m., though protesters moved off the freeway a short time later.
"Protesters have left I-494," Unicorn Riot tweeted at 8:13 p.m. "Motorists who had been diverted from the Interstate are now witnessing the march, understanding the reason they were diverted. Cars honking in support."
Live-streaming of the protest by Unicorn Riot showed protesters a short time later sitting down on 77th Street at Portland Avenue, which prompted the closure of 77th for a further hour or so.
It follows the fatal shooting by police of 30-year-old Brian Quinones on Saturday night.
Quinones live streamed on Facebook the police chasing him from Edina to Richfield, before leaving his vehicle while appearing to have a knife in his left hand.
Edina and Richfield Police Departments released a statement Sunday evening stating that Quinones confronted officers with the knife, prompting them to open fire.
Quinones' brother has told media on Sunday that the 30-year-old had expressed suicidal thoughts recently. His last Facebook post prior to live streaming read: "So sorry."
After the shooting, a crowd of people gathered, some of whom remonstrated with the police, accusing officers of using excessive force.
