Hundreds of Minnesotans say they’re going to protest Governor Tim Walz’s economic shutdown and stay at home orders outside the executive residence on April 17.
An event called “Liberate Minnesota” has attracted the attention of 2,000 people, 462 of which say they plan to protest from noon until 3PM outside the Governor’s mansion on Friday, according to a Facebook event page. The protest was organized by Michele Even, Don Huizenga, Randy Quick, Marni Hockenberg and Doug Malsom.
Walz does live in the 16,000+ square foot state-owned mansion where the demonstration is set to occur. (RELATED: Mayo Clinic Says It’s Ready To Reopen The Economy)
“Now is the time to demand Governor Walz and our state legislators end this lock down! Thousands of lives are being destroyed right now. It is not the governor’s place to restrict free movement of Minnesota citizens,” event organizers say.
“Our freedoms and economy are under full blown attack by a radical anti-American Governor — and we must act quickly if we are going to save them,” they add.
They also highlight how “already, Minnesota’s unemployment claims were some of the highest in the nation when the recent numbers came out.
Those who cannot physically attend the protest are encouraged to “please call the governor’s line during the three hour protest 651-201-3400,” according to the event page.
Facebook displays a message above the page for the protest reminding its users to “avoid large gatherings during this time.”
A similar protest in Raleigh, North Carolina ended in the arrest of at least one person earlier this week, according to Reason. When a citizen asked what part of Carolina’s COVID-19 related orders were violated during the protest, police responded saying that “protesting is a non-essential activity.”
Protesting is a non-essential activity.
— Raleigh Police (@raleighpolice) April 14, 2020
This statement drew nationwide criticism from those who feel that civil rights have been disregarded amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
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.
