Judge Dismisses Second $30M Lawsuit by George Floyd Square Businesses

A Hennepin County judge dismissed a $30 million lawsuit filed by five businesses near George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, including the owners of Cup Foods, who claimed the city's actions after Floyd's murder led to economic losses and constituted an unlawful taking of their property without just compensation. The businesses argued that barricades and reduced police presence increased crime and isolated the area, harming revenue, real estate values, and rental income. Judge Edward T. Wahl ruled that the city's measures were temporary, discretionary public safety actions and found insufficient evidence that the city caused substantial economic harm or unlawfully interfered with property rights. This dismissal with prejudice means the businesses cannot refile the same claims. Minneapolis City Attorney Kristyn Anderson expressed satisfaction with the outcome, while Cup Foods' attorney indicated plans to appeal. A separate lawsuit by other businesses in the area remains open, with a hearing scheduled for August.