Gov. Walz deploys Minnesota National Guard and State Patrol amid Mpls unrest

Calling for order and pledging full state support, Governor Walz declared a Peacetime State of Emergency in the City of Minneapolis

Amid unrest in Minneapolis, Governor Tim Walz today declared a Peacetime Emergency in the City of Minneapolis and mobilized the Minnesota National Guard. Pledging full state support, the governor also directed approximately 150 Minnesota State Patrol troopers to provide support to mitigate unrest.

The unrest reportedly stemmed from confusion over the apparent death by suicide of a man on 8th & Nicollet Avenue on Wednesday. The man was a suspect for murder and when confronted by police, he appeared to take his own life. The Minneapolis Police Department tweeted out a graphic surveillance video of the incident to clarify that officers did not fire their weapons in this incident.

“Minneapolis, it’s time to heal. We must rebuild and recover. Dangerous, unlawful behavior will not be tolerated,” said Walz. “The Minnesota National Guard and State Patrol are headed to Minneapolis to help restore order. I remain in close contact with the city and every state resource stands ready to help bring peace.”

Citing unlawful and dangerous looting and violence in downtown Minneapolis, the governor has mobilized the National Guard, including a military police unit, in response to a request from the City of Minneapolis.

The Minnesota State Patrol has mobilized approximately 150 troopers—including its Mobile Field Force, Special Response Team, and all available metro area state troopers—in response to rioting in Minneapolis. Troopers will assist Minneapolis Police in dispersing crowds, preventing looting, and making arrests for any violations of law.

Although protests against police violence continued throughout the summer, this is the first time the National Guard has been called to quell civil unrest since protests and riots broke out following the fatal arrest of George Floyd in May.