by Anthony Gockowski
A group of agitators dressed in black-bloc attire and carrying makeshift shields crashed a pro-Trump demonstration outside the Minnesota governor’s residence Saturday.
Activists with Hold the Line Minnesota have been holding “Stop the Steal” protests outside Gov. Tim Walz’s home every weekend since Nov. 3, part of a national movement to draw attention to alleged voter fraud in the 2020 election.
At one point, left-wing Antifa and Black Lives Matter demonstrators showed up carrying a sign that said “follow your leader,” which was accompanied by a picture of Hitler shooting himself in the head, according to video provided to Alpha News.
Officers used their bicycles to form a barricade between the two groups of demonstrators, such that they lined either side of the intersection of Chatsworth Street and Summit Avenue. Minnesota State Patrol officers in riot gear were on the ground.
According to the St. Paul Police Department, the capital city experienced various protests Saturday. About 250 gathered at the Capitol for a demonstration and dozens more congregated outside the governor’s residence.
WCCO reported that vehicles, some belonging to Trump supporters, were vandalized and spray-painted, in one case obstructing the view out of a car’s front window.
The St. Paul Police Department confirmed in a statement that “several tires were slashed on Chatsworth Street between Summit and Grand.”
“We have investigators looking into these incidents, but nobody has been arrested or cited at this time,” the department said, noting that two people were cited for disorderly conduct following an altercation on Summit Avenue.
There were “some tense moments and confrontations,” but the protests remained “largely peaceful,” police said.
“Today, several groups came to Saint Paul to make their voices heard. As the state’s capital city, this happens all year long. As always, our officers were on-scene to protect people, property and free speech,” the St. Paul Police Department said.
The department was careful to note that its officers “did not use any force today.”
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Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News.
