A driver with a six-month-old child inside her car was “emotional” and “fearful” after being surrounded by a mob of pro-abortion protesters in Duluth Monday evening.
Duluth police said a large demonstration of about 400-500 people gathered at the intersection of 1st Avenue East and 1st Street in response to the Roe v. Wade overturn.
The crowd stayed on sidewalks and private property until around 6:05 p.m. when they began marching on the street, police said. Those marching in the street encountered a vehicle traveling down 1st Avenue East.
According to police, the driver was “unaware the path of the march would intersect with them and prevent [her and her child] from leaving the area.”
Multiple videos show protesters encircling the car, some pulling on door handles and grabbing onto the vehicle which prevented the driver from traveling.
“The video shows people surrounding and preventing the vehicle from traveling down bound to Superior Street with people hanging onto or on top of the vehicle,” police said.
Violent Abortion protesters in #duluth assult woman who made a wrong turn during an abortion protest.@nathanmhansen Do you think we need the #mndfl van to help@LarsonForDuluth must be proud. pic.twitter.com/xtf6WGkpC3
— Duluth Has An AIDS/HIV Problem Ultra Maga (@BulldogGop) June 28, 2022
Eventually the driver was able to accelerate away from the crowd. About mid-block, the car was struck with an object “believed to be a walking stick that damages the windshield.” Police said the person responsible has been identified and potential charges of criminal damage to property and disorderly conduct could be filed.
A man can also be seen chasing the car but was ultimately stopped and redirected by a person wearing a traffic vest.
Police said the driver pulled over and immediately reported the incident to a police sergeant. She was emotional and reported being fearful for her safety and that of her child, authorities said.
It was concluded that those marching in the roadway did so illegally and without a permit, permission or planning with police. Authorities said the woman turned onto the roadway legally and did not know there would be a march.
No citations will be issued to the driver.
“The driver was on the roadway legally and came upon a march that they could not or did not know about and did not prepare a contingency,” police said.
Pafoua Yang
Pafoua Yang is a reporter for Alpha News. She has worked as an on-air reporter for stations across the Twin Cities.
