ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Trump supporters gathered at the State Capitol in St. Paul and a Veteran’s Park in Hastings, MN to express their support of President Donald Trump and to implore city officials to formally charge six individuals who became violent at a pro-Trump rally earlier this month.
The Capitol event started at noon on Saturday where local pro-Trump activists teamed up with the Republican Party of Minnesota to condemn the violence Republican supporters have faced in the wake of a Trump candidacy and subsequent election.
On March 4, Minnesota Republicans joined a national movement called March 4 Trump in celebrating and supporting the President’s administration. More than 400 people attended the event at the Capitol, but a group of roughly 50 counter protesters sought to disrupt the event. The MN State Patrol arrested six individuals after supporters of the President were maced, tasered, and physically assaulted by protesters.
Organizers and speakers on Saturday called on Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and St. Paul City Attorney Samuel Clark to charge Linwood “Woody” Kaine, son of Senator and former Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Kaine (D-Va.). Choi declined to file charges citing insufficient evidence.
Speaker and attendee of the March 4 Trump Rally Yazden Baksh spoke with Alpha News before the event. You can watch the video below:
One of the organizers, Jonathan Aanestad said, “I don’t know how you could not charge people after all the evidence police have collected.”
Outgoing MNGOP Chair Keith Downey told attendees, “This disturbing trend of Democrat assaults at political events is worsening, and if the authorities refuse to enforce the law it will get even worse. Counter demonstrations are one thing, but assault, using mace and physically attacking a peaceful political event, inside the State Capitol of all places, is a dangerous sign of just how radical the Democrats are becoming.”
Rep. Nick Zerwas (R-Elk River) wrote a letter in his absence stating, “We cannot allow lawlessness to take over.” Zerwas is currently pushing two pieces of legislation that would enhance criminal proceedings for violence during protests. Other Reps. like Kathy Lohmer (R-Stillwater) and Mary Franson (R-Alexandria) also sent letters calling for the prosecution of violent instigators and peace.
The rally attended by approximately 100 people also listened to testimony from those who were attacked. Many chose to send letters to be read via representative afraid or unwilling to return to the place where they were attacked. As reported by Alpha News, one man was tasered and a 17-year-old minor was punched in the face by protesters.
Ralliers left the event with a renewed hope for justice.
MAGA Rally In Hastings, MN
In Hastings, approximately 75 gathered along the river at a local Veterans park to show their support for President Trump. “As Americans, we need to start respecting our country and our President,” 25-year-old activist and organizer of the event Stephanie Eitel said.
Christopher William Chamberlain, the first Republican to officially announce his candidacy for Governor of Minnesota told Alpha News, “The very thing they are protesting is the right to protest. It’s guaranteed in our Constitution…I encourage you to speak out, but do not get violent,” in response to Republicans demanding justice in St. Paul.
Supporters of Trump have another rally planned for April at the State Capitol.
Preya Samsundar
Preya Samsundar was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities this Spring with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Strategic Communications. Preya has previously worked on several State Campaign Races.
