Leftists in Minneapolis are so unhappy with the results of their city’s democratic process that they want to burn down another police precinct.
“Do you want more burned precincts? Because this is how you get more burned precincts,” said Ian Coldwater, a widely followed, Twitter-verified, Minneapolis-based anarchist after the city reelected Mayor Jacob Frey and voted decisively to not remove the police department from its City Charter. This sentiment was echoed by dozens of other Twin Cities anarchists who said they’re ready to commit violence.
Many accounts, including the Twin Cities Workers Defense Alliance, a left-wing organizing group, have also posted pictures of the Third Precinct burning last summer. This act of terrorism “did way more good than voting ever could,” one commenter added under the Alliance’s post.
"They did not get the message."
The infamous images of MPD 3rd precinct burning down are getting posted around a lot too. pic.twitter.com/xWSPmbLNBt
— Rebecca Brannon (@RebsBrannon) November 3, 2021
Dr. Julie Tilsen, a member of the University of Minnesota’s “community faculty,” fondly reminisced about the takeover of the Third Precinct, suggested that she participated, and warned that “after tonight, Minneapolis is a lot less safe.”
We burned a precinct and all we got was the most lying corrupt mayor the city's ever seen & a bunch of corporate obstructionist, cop-loving boot lickers. (and I t-shirt–i did get a t-shirt)
— It’s Julie. Dr. Tilsen if you’re nasty. (@Julietilsen) November 3, 2021
This is not the first time the professor, who frequently calls her followers “comrades,” has recommended violence against the police in response to current events. Over the summer, she encouraged the burning of another precinct.
Which precinct are we burning today, comrades?
— It’s Julie. Dr. Tilsen if you’re nasty. (@Julietilsen) June 3, 2021
Many leftists also cast doubt on the legitimacy of the municipal election.
“It’s almost like voting is bullshit,” said an account run by a local Antifa organizer, Natalina Slaughter, who is only interested in options that involve violence.
“Someone wake me back up when we [choose] violence,” she said.
Others called for violence against media outlets that provided a perspective that questioned left-wing narratives.
The Sun reposting articles from Minneapolis for gotcha clickbait. Burn this shit down already. https://t.co/se8zv2z2JO
— 🇻🇮 Vocal Advocacy Class 🇻🇮 #DefundBPD (@bmore_radical) November 1, 2021
The proposal to replace the Minneapolis Police Department with a department of public safety, which may or may not have included police officers, was defeated by 12 points in Tuesday’s election.
The plan was backed by several Minnesota Democrats, including Rep. Ilhan Omar and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
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.
