Minneapolis 'autonomous zone' jeopardizes residents amid Derek Chauvin trial, police association says

EXCLUSIVE: The National Police Association (NPA) is putting pressure on the Minneapolis City Council, arguing residents living near George Floyd Square have suffered alone for months under an "autonomous zone," as already depleted police resources are pulled away from the neighborhood to prepare for "inevitable rioting" to come in the trial of ex-cop Derek Chauvin. 

"George Floyd Square is now an autonomous zone. They just had a homicide there," Smith told Fox News, explaining that violence in the area has been an ongoing problem since last summer's riots. "There are businesses especially near the Third Precinct -- that was allowed to burn down -- that get robbed by the same people two to three times a week. There are citizens who just can’t get police services." The six-block area, which Smith says has a rule that "no White people" are allowed, further exacerbates problems for the Minneapolis Police Department -- down about 250 officers from what’s required by the City Charter. And the council, which was forced to hand over $6.4 million last month for officer recruitment, is already advancing another proposal to replace the police department altogether.