Organizer: Mall of America protest was a ‘decoy’

The Black Lives Matter protest that took place Wednesday at the Mall of America was used as a “decoy” to start a protest at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, an organizer of the demonstration said, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

“The mall was a decoy,” said Black Lives Matter organizer Miski Noor, who protested at the airport. “I think it was really effective.” 

{mosads}Protesters hoped to draw attention to the November police shooting of Jamar Clark, a 24-year-old unarmed black man. 

Dozens of stores closed for about an hour as police escorted the protesters off mall property. 

The group announced its plans to target the mall, according to the Tribune, but not the airport. 

Access to one terminal was closed after more than 100 protesters gathered inside and blocked roads to the building, airport spokesman Patrick Hogan said. He added that the protests caused some flights to be delayed but no cancellations. 

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (D) said the protesters’ move from the mall to the airport created a “very, very dangerous situation.” 

Police made 12 arrests total at the airport and mall, though no injuries or property damage were reported. 

“We accomplished exactly what we came here to accomplish — we wanted to shut down the highway, shut down the airport and show solidarity with other Black Lives Matter groups,” Michelle Barnes, one of the protest organizers, told the Star Tribune.