Protest diverts light-rail traffic to buses in St. Paul

– Metro Transit officials suspended Green Line light-rail service and added buses to ensure fans could make it to the Vikings home opener despite a planned Black Lives Matter protest responding to alleged police brutality in August. After staging the die-in, the group walked to the Western District police station before returning. Organizers later found themselves on the defensive after a video surfaced of marchers chanting a phrase that police said promoted violence against officers.

A handful of would-be light rail riders showed up during the protest to find the trains shut down. Caldwell said her son didn’t hear officers’ orders when they approached him because he was wearing headphones.

Many of those at the rally told WCCO they think protests like the one being organized by Black Lives Matter are hurtful toward police and their families.

Metro Transit said the officers involved are still working while an internal investigation into the incident continues.

He was taken to a hospital and eventually released without charges.

Abrams sustained a cut and swollen lip and cuts on his face and head, his mother said after the incident.

As Gale, a substitute teacher who lives in Roseville, marched, she said she was elated to see passersby support the demonstration.

In a statement, Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb said “we understand and appreciate the concerns” surrounding Abrams’ arrest. Metro Transit officer stated in police records that Abrams was refusing to cooperate and tried to kick and punch officers.

A half-dozen counterprotesters also showed up Sunday, carrying an American flag, a Confederate flag and a yellow flag with a picture of a snake and the Revolutionary-era slogan “Don’t tread on me“.

Turner likened the protest to the Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott of the civil rights movement.

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