Minnesota Governor Vows ‘Never Forget’ at ‘No Kings’ Rally

Governor Walz to Attend ‘No Kings’ Rally in Twin Cities

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is set to attend a ‘No Kings’ rally this Saturday in Minneapolis-St. Paul, vowing to honor the memory of those affected by recent events. The governor stated his attendance is to stand with his neighbors and acknowledge the organic leadership that emerged during protests. He emphasized the importance of peaceful resistance and the defense of human and constitutional rights.

Remembering the Unforgettable

Governor Walz echoed a sentiment he attributed to Donald Trump, stating, “We will never forget what happened here.” He criticized the deployment of federal armed agents to the Twin Cities, citing the damage and harm caused to citizens. The governor believes Minneapolis and Minnesota have set a precedent for pushing back against such actions, highlighting that work remains to be done to achieve justice.

Lingering Impacts on the Community

The rally comes as the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the unrest. Many residents faced significant disruptions, including job losses, interrupted schooling for children, and delayed medical care. Governor Walz described the situation as “horrific,” referencing a story about a gentleman who missed chemotherapy due to the disruptions. He also noted that federal actions, like withholding Medicaid dollars, continue to worsen the situation and disrupt education, causing generational trauma.

Legal Battles for Justice and Evidence

Minnesota is actively pursuing legal avenues to seek accountability. Attorney General Keith Ellison and the Hennepin County Attorney are suing to gain access to evidence, as there has been no public investigation into the deaths of two residents. Governor Walz expressed frustration, stating that they are not even getting access to the evidence needed for warranted prosecutions. He highlighted this lack of federal cooperation as highly unusual, contrasting it with past partnerships.

Commission to Capture Stories and Ensure Accountability

In response to these challenges, Governor Walz has used his executive authority to establish a commission tasked with capturing the stories of those affected. This initiative involves collaboration with groups like the ACLU, immigrant organizations, and even international bodies like the United Nations. The goal is to thoroughly investigate and document the events, ensuring that the experiences of Minnesotans are recorded and acknowledged. The governor is determined that Minnesotans will continue to demand justice, not just for local events but also for broader federal actions.

Concerns Over Election Interference

Governor Walz also voiced serious concerns about potential federal interference in upcoming elections. He cited instances of ICE agents at airports and the subpoenaing of voter rolls as evidence of attempts to disrupt the electoral process. The governor believes actions like the ‘No Kings’ rallies are crucial to safeguard democracy. He urged everyone to find their own way to resist, whether through marching, volunteering, writing, or simply talking to others.

Normalization of Federal Presence

The governor drew parallels between the current situation and the post-9/11 normalization of TSA presence in airports. He argued that the increased visibility of federal agents, including military-style police, in public spaces is an attempt to normalize their presence where they do not belong. Walz stressed that these agents are not qualified to be in Minnesota, at airports, or near polling stations. He expressed deep concern that Democratic states are facing these “assaults” despite having secure elections, fearing that federal forces are being used as personal agents and are pushing boundaries to test and normalize their presence.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming ‘No Kings’ rally serves as a focal point for community solidarity and a demand for justice. Governor Walz’s commitment to remembering past events and his administration’s actions to gather evidence and stories underscore the ongoing struggle for accountability. As the state continues to navigate these challenges, the focus remains on ensuring justice, protecting democratic processes, and preventing the normalization of overreach by federal authorities.

Source: Walz: ‘We will never forget’ as Twin Cities gear up for No Kings rally (YouTube)