GOP denounces ‘dangerous rhetoric’ by DFL House candidate at Hugo rally

Minnesota Republicans are calling on DFL leaders to condemn a state House candidate’s rhetoric at a protest Saturday in Hugo.

Video shared on social media showed John Thompson using profanities at a protest in front of the home of Bob Kroll, the head of the Minneapolis Police Federation.

“This action, and the overall sentiment of today’s Democrats, is reprehensible," Minnesota GOP Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan wrote in a statement. "[DFL Chairman] Ken Martin, and all Minnesota leaders must speak out and put an end to the dangerous rhetoric and radical actions of their party and leaders.”

Thompson recently won the DFL primary for Minnesota House District 67A, which covers parts of St. Paul. He was also endorsed by DFL Gov. Tim Walz.

Thompson apologized for his remarks in a Facebook post on Sunday.

"I want to make a positive difference, and my comments on Saturday were not helpful," he wrote. "Inflammatory rhetoric is not how I want to address the important issues we’re facing, and I apologize."

KSTP has reached out to House DFL leaders for comment but has not heard back.