Walz: National Guard on ‘standby’ in event Minneapolis unrest persists

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has told the Minnesota National Guard to be on standby in the event local law enforcement needs assistance if unrest persists.

According to the governor’s office, the request for the Guard was made by the city of Minneapolis. However, no operational orders have been given.

Recent unrest in the Uptown neighborhood has resulted in this decision.

Three people were arrested Tuesday night and 27 others were cited.

Protesters have recently set up road blocks in Uptown that have since been taken down by the Minneapolis Police Department. Authorities determined that the protest held Tuesday was unlawful when demonstrators began to block the street and placed makeshift barricades in the area.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the National Guard’s assistance has not been needed.

While the Soldiers are not currently in Minneapolis, they are standing by and prepared to respond if their presence is needed.

— MN National Guard (@MNNationalGuard) June 16, 2021