ST. PAUL, Minn. – Following demonstrations by Republican activists demanding the prosecution of violent anti-Trump protesters the Ramsey County attorney’s office clarified Friday that its investigation into Sen. Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) son Woody Kaine remains open.
The Pioneer Press reports that Ramsey County Attorney John Choi’s office released a statement reading in part, “At this time, as there is an active investigation into the incidents that occurred on March 4, 2017, we encourage any and all witnesses to call the State Patrol at 651.296.6741 to assist in their investigation.”
Kaine was among the protesters charged with felony level riot violations. Choi then declined to press charges citing insufficient evidence at the time.
Choi has now clarified that the investigation is ongoing. He claimed Friday that he did not know who Kaine was and that politics will not sway the course of the investigation, reports the Pioneer Press. The office wants “any and all witnesses” to come forward.
Linwood “Woody” Kaine, along with four other rioters, were forcibly arrested by police after disrupting a March 4 Trump rally inside the Minnesota Capitol and charged with second degree rioting. A sixth person was charged with disorderly conduct. As Alpha News reported, the rioters used mace, tasers, smoke bombs, and firecrackers on members of the pro-Trump rally, and punched others in the face.
“As we have stated previously, as with any other case we decline, if additional investigation provides sufficient admissible evidence that proves individuals committed crimes, we will charge those individuals – as we do in all cases – without any consideration of their political viewpoints or affiliations,” the office said in a statement, according to the Pioneer Press.
The St. Paul city attorney’s office is still in consultation with the State Patrol concerning the possibility of bringing misdemeanor charges against Kaine and the others, reports the Pioneer Press.
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