Critical Mass on trial: Ganley found not guilty

A four-day trial that pitted the testimony of several Minneapolis police officers against participants and eyewitnesses to a Critical Mass demonstration on Aug. 31, 2007, has resulted in a verdict of not guilty.

Augustin “Gus” Ganley had been charged with assaulting an officer during a melee in which police clashed with hundreds of demonstrating cyclists. Ganley’s supporters cite several videos taken during the confrontation as corroborating evidence for the defense and a key factor in the result of the trial in Hennepin County District Court. Ganley faced up to two years and three months in jail if convicted.

Two more individuals facing similar charges from the Critical Mass event have yet to stand trial.