St. paul, Minnesota – A protest near the Whipple Federal Building turned disorderly Saturday, prompting authorities to declare an unlawful assembly after a sheriffS deputy was hit in the head with a chunk of ice.
Exhibition Outside Federal Building Escalates,Leading to Arrests
Authorities say protesters became aggressive,throwing objects and damaging property during a demonstration Saturday.
- A Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office deputy was struck in the head with ice.
- the Whipple Building has been a frequent site of protests related to immigration enforcement.
- A total of 54 people were arrested during the demonstration.
- Minimal force was used by law enforcement during the arrests, officials said.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office reported its deputies were deployed to the Whipple Building on Saturday to ensure public safety. The building has become a focal point for demonstrations against ICE (Immigration and Customs enforcement) since the launch of Operation metro Surge.
While many participants engaged in peaceful protest, the sheriff’s office stated that some individuals began throwing objects, causing property damage and injuring a deputy.”While many individuals are peacefully protesting, some agitators have engaged in unlawful behavior, including damaging property and throwing ice chunks,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a public safety update Saturday. “A Deputy was struck in the head, and a squad vehicle windshield was broken.”
Due to the escalating situation, the sheriff’s office requested assistance from the Minnesota State patrol and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The gathering was then declared an unlawful assembly, and protesters were ordered to disperse or face arrest.
The Minnesota State Patrol, assisting the sheriff’s office, initially reported arresting 25 people. However, the total number of arrests reached 54, according to authorities.
Of those arrested by the State Patrol:
- 16 were cited and released for unlawful assembly
- One was cited and released for unlawful assembly and fleeing on foot
- Seven were booked into Hennepin County Jail for unlawful assembly and obstructing legal process
- One was booked into Hennepin County Jail for unlawful assembly, fourth-degree assault, and obstructing legal process
State Patrol officials said minimal force was used during the arrests, and no one taken into custody sustained injuries. Though, one trooper reported a minor injury.
Q&A: What led to the arrests at the protest? The arrests stemmed from escalating unlawful behavior by some protesters, including throwing objects at law enforcement and damaging property, after authorities were dispatched to maintain public safety at the Whipple Building.
