DFL apologizes after it says fight broke out at Minneapolis Ward 10 endorsing convention
UPDATE 11:15 p.m.:
Minnesota DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin released a second statement.
“As we learn more about the incident that took place at the Ward 10 endorsing convention, it is clear that the conflict was instigated by supporters of city council candidate Nasri Warsame. Harassment and violence are unacceptable, and we expect candidates and their campaign teams to work hard to curb such behavior when it comes from their supporters, staffers, or volunteers. Warsame and his team took the opposite approach at today’s convention by escalating the situation and encouraging conflict. Reprehensible behavior like this from any DFL Party candidate and campaign will not be tolerated.
I would like to apologize to City Council Member Aisha Chughtai, her supporters, and her campaign team for the way they were treated at the Ward 10 convention. Our candidates and supporters deserve a safe forum to campaign at, and the Ward 10 convention fell far short of that. Our party will work with local leaders in Minneapolis to ensure future events are not marred by reprehensible conduct.”
Minnesota DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS will continue tracking this story.
A fight broke out during the Minneapolis DFL Ward 10 endorsing convention, according to a statement from Minnesota DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin.
The statement reads:
“While we are still gathering all of the details of what transpired today, I am extremely disheartened by reports that a fight broke out at the Ward 10 endorsing convention in Minneapolis. Violence has no place in our politics, and it goes against our party’s most cherished values of democracy, inclusivity, and empathy. I sincerely hope that the perpetrators will be held accountable by law enforcement, and I will work to ensure they are held accountable within our party as well.
I would like to extend an apology to the delegates, volunteers, and campaign teams who attended today’s convention. This should never have happened, and it is deeply unfortunate that the actions of a small number of individuals could overshadow the hard work that so many put into this convention and the process of electing leaders they believe in. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the first responders for the help they rendered on site. The DFL Party is working with the Minneapolis DFL to determine what the next steps in the endorsing process will be given today’s events.”
Minnesota DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin
A spokesperson for Minneapolis Police Department said that officers responded to a report of a fight Saturday afternoon and saw a large crowd, but didn’t see any fighting.
Though there were reports of multiple injuries, only two people were treated by EMS, police said. A man was brought to the hospital for a “non-life-threatening medical condition” and a woman was treated on scene for non-life-threatening injuries.
No arrests were made and MPD is investigating.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.