Rochester, MN - This week, federal prosecutors brought charges against 15 Minnesotans, related to the protests that took place during Operation Metro Surge. The DFL members of the Rochester Delegation in the Minnesota Legislature release the following statement:
“Trump’s Department of Justice has already proven it exists for retribution against Trump’s political opponents, not justice or the rule of law. The recent arrest of Minnesotans for protesting the brutal and unconstitutional attack on Minnesota appears to be more of the same. The prosecution is intended to frighten us into silence and abandon efforts to protect our neighbors from the federal government’s campaign of terror. We must not let it succeed.
“Those who advocate for violence do not speak for the overwhelming majority of Minnesotans who have peacefully exercised their Constitutional right to protest. Trump’s Department of Justice is seeking to paint all Minnesotans in the same light – a transparent attempt to discredit peaceful resistance to the occupation of our state, and more evidence that the DOJ is acting on political motivations rather than justice and the rule of law.”
“We are also discouraged by the fact that there have been little, if any, developments in the DOJ’s investigations into the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The continued lack of action implies that Trump’s DOJ is shielding their killers from any accountability. This is unsurprising considering the fact that Donald Trump provided blanket pardons for convicted violent criminals who participated in the January 6th Insurrection. It seems that as long as you commit violence on his behalf, Donald Trump has your back. It’s a perversion of our country’s justice system.
“Political violence is always wrong. We urge Minnesotans to continue standing together in courageous, peaceful protest and mutual support. Do not give Trump a pretext for further violence. Resist anyone who tries to provoke you into violence.
“As elected officials, we stand with you. We will prevail.”
The DFL Rochester Delegation includes Senator Liz Boldon (DFL—Rochester), Representative Kim Hicks (DFL—Rochester), Representative Tina Liebling (DFL—Rochester), and Representative Andy Smith (DFL—Rochester).
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