Saint Paul police officers arrested more than 20 people who were creating an ongoing public nuisance in front of the Governor’s Residence this morning. The arrests occurred after protesters refused several lawful orders to stop blocking traffic on Summit Avenue and leave the area so it could be cleared of debris.
Officers arrived in front of the residence at 7 a.m. this morning and informed about 40 protesters that they would no longer be allowed to block the street and sidewalk.
Protesters, who had been sleeping on blankets and under large umbrellas in the middle of the street and on the sidewalk, were told they were welcome to return to the area to demonstrate—as long as they did not create obstructions on the street, sidewalk or right-of-way using:
- Tents
- Tarps, structures or other enclosures
- Furniture
- Fires
- Supplies or materials that obstruct the sidewalk, street or right-of-way.
Many initially agreed to leave and began gathering their belongings.
Over the next several hours, protesters remained on scene, shouting profanities at officers and asserting their intentions to continue to block traffic and create a public nuisance. Once the area was cleared of debris and other structures, officers re-opened Summit Avenue to vehicle traffic and began to leave the area.
At this point, the protesters who remained in front of the Governor’s Residence were informed that they were welcome to continue to exercise their First Amendment rights—as long as they stayed on the sidewalk, did not impede vehicle, foot or bike traffic, and did not damage property.
Unfortunately, a protester threw city property into the street and several others again began walking into the middle of Summit Avenue to block traffic. At this point, officers arrested five people.
After several minutes, officers gave numerous dispersal orders to those who remained on scene, telling them that they must leave the area immediately. When protesters refused to leave, at least 17 more protesters were arrested for unlawful assembly. Those who were arrested were transported to the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center, cited and released.
As it has demonstrated over the past 20 days while protesters gathered in front of the Governor’s Residence, the Saint Paul Police Department respects the rights of those who wish to make their voices heard—just not at the expense of safety, public and private property, and the rights of others who live and work in the City of Saint Paul.
Saint Paul police officers were speaking with protesters for more than four hours this morning before an arrest was made. They used great restraint, treated protesters with respect and dignity, and took action only when necessary. You can download four hours worth of police radio communications audio from today's protest as well as view over 15 hours of CCTV of the protests using the below links.