Walz activates Minnesota National Guard to help keep peace in Twin Cities
Minnesota National Guard mobilize on Oct. 7, 2020.[Minnesota National Guard]
Gov. Tim Walz on Wednesday activated the Minnesota National Guard to help local law enforcement keep the peace in the Twin Cities.
"Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of Minnesotans, we have asked the Minnesota National Guard to prepare to assist in keeping the peace," Walz said.
Walz said the city of Minneapolis requested the assistance after former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged in George Floyd’s death, was released after posting bond Wednesday.
The governor’s office said 100 National Guard soldiers are mobilizing and providing equipment and facilites needed to support public safety services.
The Minnesota State Patrol has also mobilized 100 state troopers, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has mobilized 75 conservations officers to help local law enforcement.
Out of an abundance of caution, Soldiers from the @MNNationalGuard are being activated by @GovTimWalz under Executive Order. The Soldiers will report for duty and stage in preparation for potential response in support of local law enforcement pending specific mission requests. pic.twitter.com/As09Fvf3M6
— MN National Guard (@MNNationalGuard) October 7, 2020