As the country waits for the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis Police officer charged with killing George Floyd, the city where the Hennepin County Government Center sits braces for the verdict and what may come after. While protests have remained peaceful leading up to the verdict, tensions in the area remain high as much of downtown Minneapolis is boarded up and is protected by the National Guard.
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While many businesses remain open in the area, they're still having a tough time. The manager of Hen House Eatery, Kristen Berg, says that she hopes no matter what the verdict is that there is peace after it.
"I think that the feeling that everyone is in, we're definitely waiting with bated breath to figure out what happens and we hope that, no matter what happens, that some sort of peace can be found amongst everybody."
Berg says that while downtown is boarded up and protected with the National Guard on many corners, business has remained steady. She notes that media and other people who are here for the trial need to eat.