St. Paul cop car, Grand Ave. window damaged after peaceful protest of Falcon Heights shooting

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - Following a peaceful demonstration in front of the governor’s mansion on Summit Avenue, a smaller group broke away from the protest and headed toward Grand Avenue. Members of this group broke windows of an unoccupied police vehicle and also damaged a window of a Grand Avenue business.

St. Paul police officers responded and used a chemical irritant and marking rounds on the vandals. One arrest was made.

“After an incident like the one in Falcon Heights, Saint Paul welcomes people to gather in the capitol city to express their emotions,” the St. Paul Police Department said in a statement.

Community members continued to gather in front of the governor’s mansion on Friday morning. Summit Avenue is closed between Oxford and Chatsworth Streets to provide a safe and peaceful environment, and St. Paul police will maintain a presence in the area.

The shooting of Philando Castile

Philando Castile was shot by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights, Minnesota at about 9 p.m. Wednesday night, July 6. A graphic video streamed live on Facebook by Castile’s girlfriend, Diamond “Lavish” Reynolds, captured the aftermath of the shooting from inside the car and has been viewed millions of times. KEEP READING - Philando Castile shooting facts and reaction

Thousands gather outside St. Paul school to pay respect to Philando Castile

A huge crowd gathered outside the J.J. Hill Montessori School in St. Paul where Philando Castile once worked serving food to the kids. Students, teachers, community members and others held a vigil for the man shot and killed by St. Anthony police in Falcon Heights on Wednesday.