Black Lives Matter demonstration blocks light rail in St. Paul

Metro Transit police records show Abrams was arrested for standing on the light rail tracks and trespassing.

“It’s really about putting this pressure on them, making them step up to the plate and admit they’re wrong”, Turner said.

The group announced plans several days ago to interrupt light-rail service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the Green Line station at Lexington Parkway and University Avenue.

But if rail service is affected by the protest, a spokesman notes there will be alternative routes available.

Abrams and his mother attended, along with about 80 protesters. The plan is to disrupt light rail traffic before the Vikings’ first home game of the season at TCF Bank Stadium at noon. But Abrams’ mother said he could not cooperate with police because he has Autism.

But Caldwell said Metro Transit police “thought he was under the influence (of alcohol) because of how he looked”, she said.

A Metro Transit spokesperson says the incident remains under investigation.

Padilla says Metro Transit has successfully dealt with demonstrations before, but riders are advised to keep tabs on the situation and allow extra time for their trips this morning.

People at the pro-police rally on the state capitol grounds told WCCO protests like the ones organized by Black Lives Matter hurt the entire police community and their families.

Metro Transit officials are preparing for interruptions along the Green Line Sunday morning due to a planned protest by Black Lives Matter St. Paul.

More than 175 people responded to an invitation to today’s disruption on the group’s Facebook event page. Organizers later found themselves on the defensive after a video surfaced of marchers chanting a phrase that police said promoted violence against officers.

“This is a disciplined, peaceful protest against this injustice and all police excessive force”, the group posted last week.

Knutson said protests by groups like Black Lives Matter amount to a war on police…