Minneapolis demonstrations swell after fatal shooting; winter storm batters Eastern U.S.

Minneapolis, Minnesota — Protests gathered momentum across Minneapolis on January 25, 2026, after a deadly shooting rekindled public anger in a city that has repeatedly faced unrest in recent years. Marches and vigils began in the early afternoon and extended into the night, drawing demonstrators to downtown intersections, neighborhood parks and outside government buildings.

Escalating street actions

Organizers urged participants to remain peaceful while demanding a transparent investigation into the shooting, which left one person dead earlier in the week. Police diverted traffic from several blocks near the city center as crowds swelled and chants echoed through surrounding streets. Officers in standard patrol gear followed the marches on bicycles and on foot, while tactical units remained on standby a few blocks away.

Law-enforcement officials released limited information about the incident, confirming only that the victim was an adult and that the shooting occurred during an encounter at a private residence. The department stated that body-worn camera footage is being reviewed and that preliminary findings will be forwarded to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. Authorities did not provide a timeline for making the video public.

Demonstrators carried signs calling for accountability and faster disclosure of evidence. Community advocates distributed water, hand warmers and pamphlets outlining legal rights in the event of arrest. Volunteers from several faith organizations set up tables offering first-aid supplies adjacent to protest routes.

Official reaction

At the State Capitol in Saint Paul, Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic addressed reporters and acknowledged the heightened tensions. She emphasized the need for a thorough, independent review and urged residents to voice concerns without resorting to violence. Dziedzic also noted that legislative committees are monitoring the situation and are prepared to consider policy proposals dealing with use-of-force standards once investigative findings are complete.

City officials in Minneapolis established a multi-agency command center to coordinate police, fire and emergency-management responses should demonstrations continue in the coming days. Mayor Jacob Frey instructed municipal departments to prioritize community outreach and keep public-safety updates accessible in multiple languages.

Community perspective

Neighborhood groups in North and South Minneapolis announced plans for additional gatherings, including candlelight vigils and forums on policing. Local business associations expressed concern about potential property damage but said most storefronts remained open. Some owners boarded windows as a precaution, while others placed placards supporting the right to protest peacefully.

School district officials stated that classes would proceed as scheduled, though extracurricular activities near demonstration hotspots could be rescheduled if crowd sizes grow. The district’s safety office advised families to monitor transportation routes and noted that bus drivers would avoid streets closed by police.

Investigation status

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the inquiry, assisted by forensic specialists and detectives from neighboring jurisdictions. Investigators collected evidence at the shooting scene and interviewed several witnesses. As of Tuesday evening, authorities had not disclosed whether any arrests were made or if suspects remained at large. The medical examiner’s office is expected to release the victim’s identity once next of kin are notified.

Imagem: imagem internet 49

Winter storm cripples Eastern U.S.

While Minnesota braced for continued protests, a massive cross-country winter storm shifted its focus toward the East Coast, bringing heavy snow, ice and sub-zero wind chills from the Carolinas to New England. Forecast models from the National Weather Service projected that the system would linger through the week, followed by an arctic blast likely to last into early February.

Utility companies in multiple states reported more than 200,000 customers without power at the storm’s peak. Crews struggled to restore service as falling branches and iced-over lines complicated repair work. Airline tracking services tallied more than 10,000 flight cancellations nationwide, with the highest concentrations at major hubs in Atlanta, Charlotte and New York.

Transportation departments urged motorists to avoid non-essential travel, citing treacherous road conditions and reduced visibility. Governors in several eastern states activated National Guard units to assist stranded drivers, distribute supplies and support local emergency responders. Numerous school districts shifted to virtual learning, and state offices offered employees remote-work options.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency pre-positioned generators, cots and blankets at staging areas along the I-95 corridor. Hospitals prepared for an influx of weather-related injuries, including hypothermia, slip-and-fall accidents and traffic-collision trauma.

Looking ahead

Authorities in Minneapolis expect demonstrations to persist as the investigation into the fatal shooting progresses. City leaders said additional public briefings would be scheduled once investigative milestones are reached. In the meantime, residents across the Eastern United States continue to cope with widespread travel disruptions and power outages as the winter storm pushes northward.

Crédito da imagem: ABC News Live