Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Crime, Law and Justice
Riham Feshir

Damaged Lake St. restaurant sues Mpls. over response to civil unrest, in a first for the city

Protesters watch a burning Wells Fargo
Protesters watch a burning Wells Fargo branch on Lake Street in Minneapolis during a riot on May 29, 2020.
Chris Juhn for MPR News 2020

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The owners of a Minneapolis restaurant have filed the first lawsuit against the city over property damage caused by the civil unrest stemming from the police killing of George Floyd.

The Town Talk Diner and Gastropub was burned down during the riots that took place after Floyd died May 25 under a police officer’s knee. In a lawsuit filed this week in federal court, owners Kacey White and Charles Stotts say Mayor Jacob Frey was fully aware of the seriousness of the protests that turned violent, but that Frey and other city leaders failed to quell several nights of rioting or protect small businesses along Lake Street.

The complaint said that when the business owners called the police before the building burned down, they were simply told to get out — and offered no other assistance.

In a statement, City Attorney Jim Rowader disputed the lawsuit and said that Frey acted swiftly.

“Mayor Frey took quick and decisive action, requesting the support from the Minnesota National Guard immediately upon the police chief’s request to do so and as soon as there was any discernible risk of civil unrest and damage to neighborhoods and businesses,” Rowader said. “That same evening the Minneapolis Police Department submitted a detailed request outlining scope of the need and a mission plan for the additional support. The city has provided plaintiffs with these documents, and we are hopeful that they will amend their complaint given this clear and documented evidence.”

A person on a bike looks at a burned out building.
Demolition crews secure the remains of buildings on East Lake Street as people stop to photograph the ruins Tuesday on June 2, 2020.
Courtney Perry for MPR News file 2020

Blocks surrounding the city’s 3rd police precinct were heavily looted and damaged in the days after Floyd’s killing. The city’s decision to abandon the station in the face of violence drew national attention, and experts say it will be studied for years to come.

In the complaint, Town Talk’s owners say Frey initially tried to “negotiate with and appease the rioters rather than give law enforcement the authority to confront criminal acts with enough force to restore law and order,” and his failure to protect the public led to an increase in violence.

The diner’s owners are seeking $4.5 million in damages.