keep our city peaceful this evening. As a result, we have more public safety
agencies assisting and there is a curfew in place for tonight and tomorrow that
will go from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am each night, starting this evening. During
curfew hours, all persons must not travel on any public street or in any public
place.
Media, first responders, people traveling directly to or returning home from
work, people fleeing danger or seeking care and those experiencing homelessness
are among those exempt from curfew. You can find the full emergency order at
http://lims.minneapolismn.gov/Download/File/3682/Emergency%20Regulation%202020-2-1%20(Amended)
With my full support and advocacy, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety/
National Guard will function as the lead public safety agency in coordination
with Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Met Transit, Anoka County, Hennepin
County, Ramsey County, the U of MN and other partners to restore peace and
security for the residents of the region. The State will oversee resource
allocation and overall strategy as a part of unified command structure. Under
this structure, both Minneapolis and St. Paul are now operating at the
direction of the Guard. Minneapolis Police Department policies such as not
requiring proof of immigration status remain in effect and our City Police
Forces will be the jurisdiction primarily responsible for work in the City. Our
911 and Fire Departments will be fully staffed and working to assist as needed.
I have asked the Mayor’s office for information about what the plan is for
keeping our neighborhoods safe tonight. Here’s what I heard:
“The support we expect extends beyond the public safety agencies and includes
the DNR, MNDOT, Met Council, and other law enforcement partners. During the
curfew put in place by the Governor, and reinforced by both Mayor Frey and
Mayor Carter, we can expect our partners to help by clearing the streets of
trash and abandoned vehicles, directing traffic, and protecting essential
infrastructure especially critical during this pandemic.”
“In addition, we expect that hot spots will be monitored throughout the night
and morning hours, and as activities change, so will the activity levels of the
various jurisdictions.”
I am cautiously hopeful that with these things in place for tonight and
tomorrow we will see improvements in safety and security in our area compared
to the previous two nights where it was seriously lacking. I have been
stressing the need for better security in our area, including street patrols
and will continue to do so throughout the night. Calling 911 will help public
safety professionals better understand and target resources. You may also text
or email me so that I can also be monitoring concerns and activity throughout
the night. 612 296-0579, <email obscured>
Cam Gordon
Seward