Just two hours after St. Paul Police cleared and reopened Summit Avenue in front of the governor's residence to traffic, demonstrators protesting the police shooting of Philandro Castile have once again taken over the street.
Police just after 4 a.m.Tuesday closed the street to vehicular traffic between Oxford and Chatsworth streets because demonstrators were once again in the street.
"Summit Avenue has been closed to vehicle traffic again between Chatsworth and Oxford as a safety precaution," spokesman Steve Linders said. "People are walking in street."
At 2 a.m., the police cleared out the campsite protesters set up July 7 after St. Anthony Police shot Castile during a routine traffic stop. Police told demonstrators that they could continue to exercise their First Amendment rights but could no longer block traffic with their tents, chairs and other property.
Police moved in and began cleaning up the area and collecting property left behind. The property will be available for pickup at a later time, Linders said.
"The Saint Paul Police Department will continue to work to ensure the safety of demonstrators as well as those who use Summit Avenue on a daily basis to get to work and make their way through the neighborhood," Linders said.
