Minnesota protest camp cleared out

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Nearly 70 people were arrested as officers cleared demonstrators from the street in front of the Minnesota Governor’s Mansion, police in St. Paul said Wednesday.

Demonstrators had been camping outside the governor’s residence since July 7, a day after Philando Castile, a black man, was shot and killed by a suburban police officer during a traffic stop. Castile’s girlfriend live-streamed the aftermath of his shooting on Facebook.

St. Paul police said the most recent arrests were made at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, when 23 people were taken into custody for public nuisance and unlawful assembly. They were taken from the scene by bus. Forty-six people were arrested Tuesday. Sgt. Michael Ernster said some were cited and released, while others who may have had outstanding warrants were taken to jail.

Police also cleared the street July 18, but protesters returned Sunday. Police told them Tuesday morning that they could no longer block the street, and demonstrators began to gather their belongings, police spokesman Steve Linders said.

AP/Pioneer Press/JEAN PIERI Cleanup continues with new signs posted in front of the Governor’s Residence on Summit Avenue in St. Paul, Minn., on Wednesday after police arrested dozens of protesters Tuesday and early Wednesday as they sought to reopen the street.