St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Governor Tim Walz this afternoon signed an executive order activating the Minnesota National Guard to assist authorities in the Twin Cities to maintain the peace in the wake of last night’s rioting in south Minneapolis.

The governor’s order states the City of Minneapolis has exhausted its resources and, after calling for and receiving assistance from neighboring communities, Minneapolis and St. Paul have requested assistance from the National Guard to help provide security and restore safety. The order also states that, while thousands of people have participated in peaceful protests since the officer-involved death of George Floyd, some individuals have engaged in "unlawful and dangerous activity that includes arson, rioting, looting, and damaging public and private property."

Governor Walz also indicated those activities “threaten the safety of lawful demonstrators and other Minnesotans, and both first responders and
demonstrators have already been injured.” The order activating the National Guard also stresses the importance of allowing Minnesotans to express their frustration through peaceful demonstrations.

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