Minnesota seems to have increased the rate at which it cites those who violate Governor Tim Walz’s stay at home order as the number of total citation climbs above two dozen.
Walz initially ordered Minnesotans to stay in their homes when not conducting essential business late last month. Between his initial order and April 8, eight people were cited for improperly being outside their homes. However, over the last 7 days alone, 17 more individuals have been accused of violating the governor’s mandate, according to court data, reports KSTP.
Violators have been penalized in Crow Wing, Dakota, Faribault, Freeborn, Hennepin, Mille Lacs, Nicollet, Nobles, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Swift, Traverse, Washington and Watonwan counties, with Dakota counties, according to KSTP.
Dakota county law enforcement seems especially eager to enforce the stay at home order, and has issued the lion’s share (8) of the citations.
Violation of the order may carry a sentence of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
It does not appear that police are penalizing Minnesotans who only violate Walz’s decree. Rather, the charge of violating an emergency powers order or rule seems to be tacked onto other charges in most if not all cases.
One citation was issued recently to a man who was apprehended after meeting a prostitute. Another was given to a drunk driver, according to KARE 11.
Civil rights lawyer Teresa Nelson says that the presence of other crimes does not justify the enforcement of Walz’s order.
“What is the point of pursuing this misdemeanor charge along with the other things?” she asks, according to the Star Tribune. “Why not just focus on the main bad behaviors?”
Kyle Hooten
Kyle Hooten is Managing Editor of Alpha News. His coverage of Minneapolis has been featured on television shows like Tucker Carlson Tonight and in print media outlets like the Wall Street Journal.
