Governor Tim Walz, at the request of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, has activated the National Guard to help keep Minnesotan's safe during the violent protests that have hit the city during the past week. This comes after extensive damage that was done during the protests last night to the south Minneapolis area.
“It is time to rebuild. Rebuild the city, rebuild our justice system, and rebuild the relationship between law enforcement and those they’re charged to protect. George Floyd’s death should lead to justice and systemic change, not more death and destruction. As George Floyd’s family has said, ‘Floyd would not want people to get hurt. He lived his life protecting people.’ Let’s come together to rebuild, remember, and seek justice for George Floyd,” said Governor Walz.
“The anger and grief of this moment is unbearable. People deserve to be seen. People deserve to be heard. People deserve to be safe,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “While many Minnesotans are taking extensive safety precautions while exercising their right to protest, the demonstration last night became incredibly unsafe for all involved. The purpose of the National Guard is to protect people, to protect people safely demonstrating, and to protect small business owners.”
The National Guard Adjutant General will work with city leaders in strategy for deployment and what assets will be provided from the National Guard. The Minnesota State Patrol will also help in keeping the peace over the next several days. More than 200 of their officers will be assigned to help during the protests.
While much of the protests have been peaceful around the site of George Floyd's death at 38th and Chicago, many protests at Minneapolis Police's 3rd precinct, uptown Minneapolis and the Midway area in St. Paul have been violent. Looting, assaults on officers and fires have happened for much of the last 24 hours. Governor Walz says that he supports protests but they need to stay safe.
“As Governor, I will always defend the right to protest,” Governor Walz continued. “It is how we express pain, process tragedy, and create change. That is why I am answering our local leaders’ request for Minnesota National Guard assistance to protect peaceful demonstrators, neighbors, and small businesses in Minnesota.”
