Philando Castile protesters asked to clear Summit Ave. once again

Police arrested close to 70 people protesting the death of Philando Castile outside the Minnesota governor’s residence in the last 24 hours.

Police have arrested at least 46 demonstrators who had gathered in front of the governor of Minnesota’s home to protest against Philando Castile’s shooting death.

St. Paul police officers began efforts to clear protesters from the road Tuesday morning but many didn’t budge.

Officers began their action around 7:15 a.m. when protesters were found “sleeping in the street on blankets”, Linders said.

Police told the demonstrators “they’re welcome to demonstrate on the sidewalk in front of the governor’s mansion, but they won’t be allowed in the street or to block the sidewalks”, Linders said. However, at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, 23 more people were taken into custody for unlawful assembly and public nuisance just one block west of the governor’s mansion, the first mass-arrest of the protest so far. Confrontations led to arrests after police moved to clear protesters and some wouldn’t go.

Charges included disorderly conduct, unlawful assembly and public nuisance.

Speakers also called for listening sessions where residents could voice concerns, as well as for de-escalation training for police officers.

Summit Avenue remains blocked from Lexington Avenue to Milton Street. Joshua Lawrence is arrested by St. Paul police after protesters refused to move from in front of the Governor’s residence on Summit Ave.in St. Paul, Minn. on Tuesday, July 26, 2016.

Despite the commotion occurring outside of the governor’s home, he had nothing to do with decision to clear the demonstration off the street.

Gov. Mark Dayton is in Philadelphia for the Democratic National Convention. A spokeswoman from the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension declined comment Wednesday, citing the ongoing investigation, and said she couldn’t provide an estimate on how long the probe may take.

Castile’s sister, Allysza Castile, briefly spoke to protesters Sunday, saying she loved them.