The trial of Derek Chauvin, who has been accused of murdering George Floyd in May 2020, is nearing a final verdict from the jury due to which enhanced measures to maintain peace and security in the city of Minneapolis have been taken by law enforcement officials. The case has triggered ‘Operation Safety Net’, which is being called one of the biggest initiatives in the US to curb possible unrests.

A public information officer, Scott Wasserman said that the operation has been set up to ” preserve and protect lawful First Amendment non-violent protests and demonstrations.” He added, “They (law enforcement officials) will work to prevent large-scale violent civil disturbances, assaultive actions, property damage, fires, and looting to government buildings, businesses, and critical infrastructure”, reported New York Times.

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Increased deployment of officials in the area includes the presence of the state’s National Guard in addition to police and other state and federal agencies. More than 1,100 officials, including police officials along with representatives from Minnesota State Patrol and Hennepin County Sheriff’s office, will be present in the area.

Major streets in the Minneapolis area will be sealed off to prevent any outburst of violence like last year. Moreover, the possibility of further closure of surrounding streets will be on the table, if needed, The New York Times reported.

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However, state or local authorities have not announced a curfew in the area to prevent a violent turn for the predicted protests. 

The death of George Floyd triggered a huge wave of protests across the United States, with the epicenter being Minneapolis, where former officer Derek Chauvin was seen detaining Floyd in a position, that may have led to his death.