Local Minnesota news revealed everything but names in exposing Chauvin jurors identities

An article written by the Star Tribune in Minnesota that has revealed copious amounts of personal information but falling short of revealing names and addresses has many wondering if the article has put the jurors selected for the Derek Chauvin trial in danger.

Published on Monday, the Star Tribune article that meant to announce the dismissal of two alternate jurors reveals personal information such as profession, marital status, race, general age, and some information about immigration and moves.

Many of the identifying information given in the article is specific enough that readers could potentially find out the identities of the jurors, especially those close enough to the jurors to recognize the identifying information.

"Though the jurors will remain anonymous, here's what we know about the jury seated for Derek Chauvin's trial in the killing of George Floyd," the article begins.

Some entries remain just vague enough that determining the identity would be difficult, while other entries, like that of juror 89, reveal both her profession and the town she lives in, narrowing the search pool greatly. Another entry for one of the alternative jurors dismissed Monday reveal her recent marital status change and profession including the county she works in.

Public Safety Editor of the Star Tribune Abby Simons posted the article to twitter, which was met with outcry from users.

"Are you insane?" Asks one twitter user. "When one of these jurors dies at the hands of an angry mob, I hope you're willing to take responsibility for your part in doxing them. This is despicable."

"Nice job Abby. All you've don eis to ensure the next high profile case... or maybe ANY case... requiring a jury that people will run from their civic responsibility for fear of being doxed and attacked," wrote radio host Don Dix.

"This is jury intimidation," wrote Rachel Bovard.

"Ah, another voice like Maxine Waters adding to the fray & increasing the likelihood of a mistrial. Is that the goal? Or just straight up intimidation?" wrote another Twitter user.

Maxine Waters added complications to the outcome of the Chauvin trial with her comments late Saturday night telling protestors to "get more confrontational" and if a murder verdict is not reached that 'we cannot go away." Many view this as intimidation against the jurors

Judge Peter Cahill said in response "I'll give you that Congresswoman Waters may have given you something on appeal that may result in this whole trial being overturned," adding that "I wish that elected officials would stop talking about this case, especially in a manner that is disrespectful to the rule of law and the judicial branch and our function."

According to an article by Minnesota-based BK Law Group, the jurors are meant to be protected by an Order of Anonymity, protecting their identities amidst fears of personal danger.

BK Law Group cited a September protest last year in which defendants were harassed and property damaged as one of many examples that would warrant anonymity of the jurors. In Minnesota, requests for anonymity of jurors must be made with cause.