The Minnesota State Patrol made eight arrests and issued two citations Monday evening after a vehicle caravan of pro-Palestine protesters blocked traffic in and around the Lowry Tunnel in Minneapolis.
“We received reports around 4:30 p.m. that groups were gathering on the pedestrian bridge near the tunnel and were affixing signs to state property. As troopers were working to handle that incident, it was reported that several vehicles were blocking the eastbound lanes of Interstate 94 in the tunnel. Troopers went to that scene and encountered vehicles intentionally impeding their response. Troopers made several arrests,” the State Patrol said in a statement.
— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) December 11, 2023
In total, five adult males were arrested for obstruction and impeding traffic, one adult male was arrested for fleeing in a motor vehicle, and one adult female was arrested for possession of a firearm without a permit. A juvenile male was also booked into the Hennepin County Detention Center for fleeing in a motor vehicle.
— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) December 11, 2023
Two citations were issued for impeding traffic. Eight vehicles and three trailers were towed from the scene, according to the State Patrol.
State Patrol is blocking them into the tunnel to "sort out who needs to be arrested."
Well hot damn, at least one law enforcement agency in this town is allowed to do their job. pic.twitter.com/EEWeiTAlch
— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) December 11, 2023
Traffic camera images show the illegal demonstration causing a large traffic jam. Progressive Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said she has requested the release of some of the protesters who were arrested.
Every person in this stand-still traffic jam because of selfish, self-entitled people are checking Crime Watch on their phone to see what's going on. pic.twitter.com/G9T30bR7pQ
— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) December 11, 2023
“We support the right to exercise one’s First Amendment rights, but the freeway is not the place to do so. The closure of an interstate freeway for the purposes of a demonstration is unacceptable,” the State Patrol said. “Freeways are used by everyone and are an artery for emergency vehicles. It is illegal to walk on the freeway and blocking traffic is dangerous for everyone involved or impacted.”
