One hundred and two protesters were arrested Saturday night while twenty-one officers were injured as protesters threw bottles, bricks, chunks of concrete and fireworks from the I-94 overpass. Demonstrations spanned Falcon Heights from the location of the Philandro Castile shooting to the Governor’s mansion and onto the freeway. The anger over the recent killings in both Minnesota and Louisiana have sparked protest and even sharp words of criticism from Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton.
It is estimated that over 1,000 protesters marched on I-94 in St. Paul shutting down traffic in both directions. The demonstration started at around 8:00pm. Despite the Governor’s plea for peaceful protests, the night became a violent and tragic scene for both protesters and police. Police Chief Todd Axtell held a press conference to address the protests stating “This is my first time in my 28 years we have observed this level of violence toward our public servants. It’s really a disgrace.”
Politicians across Minnesota chimed in to condemn the violence during Saturday’s protests. Governor Mark Dayton thanked the officers who performed their duty in the chaotic conditions. He also thanked the leaders of the Black Lives Matter movement who tried to put an end to the violence on the scene. The Governor made a plea for calm,“Again, I urge all Minnesotans to remain calm and peaceful during this very difficult time. I urge everyone exercising their First Amendment rights to do so lawfully and without endangering themselves or others.”
Senator Al Franken also made a statement in response to the violence; “The attacks last night on state and local law enforcement that left 21 officers injured were completely unacceptable, do not advance the cause of justice, and make it more difficult for our communities to begin the long and difficult healing process. I share the pain and heartache that Minnesotans are feeling following the tragic death of Philando Castile. And I believe that a full and fair investigation of his death is a necessary first step to securing justice for Philando, his family, and his loved ones. But as we all await the results of that investigation, I ask all Minnesotans calling for change to honor his memory through peaceful protest, and to resist the temptation to engage in violence.”
At 3:25 am photographs of smoke bombs being used by police to disperse crowds were posted to Twitter. Police also turned to Twitter using the hashtag #94closed to keep people informed on the status of the protests. Bricks now being thrown at officers, along with more rocks and bottles was posted at 4:42 am from the St Paul Public Information Office. Another officer hit in the head with a large piece of concrete, possibly dropped from bridge posted at 5:02. Molotov cocktail thrown at officers. Unclear if anyone injured posted at 5:05.
Protests were held across the country, however, arrests were isolated to St Paul and Baton Rouge. Over 100 demonstrators in Baton Rouge were also arrested overnight Saturday while protesting the killing of Alton Sterling by Baton Rouge Police. Despite the violence and arrests, Black Lives Matter activists will continue to march in Minnesota, Louisiana and around the country in the coming weeks while we await further information from the investigation.
BLM and Black Panthers are nothing more than terrorists groups. Racists terrorists.
Why aren’t you guys doing anything about them?
And wow, dropping bricks on peoples heads from a freeway overpass….sounds like a play right out of ISIS’ playbook.
Did you hear how the white woman they pulverized and beat to a bloody pulp during on of their recent “peaceful” protests?
Oh that’s right, probably not….she’s white, it didn’t make the news headline.