Public Record Media 331-Page Response From Gov. Tim Walz Office

From: Long, Nate (GOV)
To: Walz, Tim (GOV)

Cc: Lucero, Rebecca (MDHR); McQuerry, Dominic (GOV)
Subject: CALL TPs: 12:50 Call to Ben Crump
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2020 12:45:15 PM
Call to Ben Crump, Lawyer to Floyd Family

Hello, I wanted to give you a quick call in advance of an announcement I will be making this
afternoon.
Today, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights will begin an investigation into the
Minneapolis Police Department after a civil charge was issued due to the death of George
Floyd.
This investigation into policies, procedures, and practices over the past 10 years will
determine if the Minneapolis Police Department has utilized systemic discriminatory practices
towards people of color.
This unprecedented action against an entire police department will allow the Minnesota
Department of Human Rights to take swift action in response to any determination of civil
rights violations.
This is a step that we can and want to take from the state level to push for systemic changes
to the MPD.
What happened to George is horrific and we know that deep reforms are the only way that
we can be serious about creating changes to keep this from happening again.
Thank you.

From: Hormann, Madeline L (GOV)
To: Walz, Tim (GOV); Flanagan, Peggy (GOV); Walz, Gwen (GOV)
Cc: #GOV Gov Evening Update
Subject: Evening Update - Friday, June 5, 2020
Date: Friday, June 5, 2020 6:41:04 PM
Attachments: 2020 06 05 NGA Letter FY2021 Defense Appropriations Request.pdf
2020 06 05 NGA Letter FY2021 Defense Authorization Act Request.pdf
2020 06 04 MDVA Daily Update.pdf
Top Agency Media Hits

1. MDH – Responded to inquiries from Strib, KSTP, Pioneer Press, KARE 11, MPR, Washington
Post, and the New York Times. Topics included long-term care data, contact tracing, youth
sports guidance, protester testing guidance, and updated statistics.

2. DPS – Continued to respond to inquiries about the unrest in Minneapolis and St. Paul from
local and national media outlets. There were some specific questions around ATF being the
lead investigative agency on fires and the federal disaster declaration for small businesses
damaged last week.

3. DHS – Scott Peterson, MNN, interviewed Assistant Commissioner for Children and Family
Services Nikki Farago in response to today’s news release about Pandemic-EBT. Farago said
that the benefit is aimed at helping as many people as possible, especially schoolchildren,
have as much access as possible to health food during the pandemic. Additionally, DHS sent a
link to today’s news release about Pandemic-EBT to Rilyn Eischens, Minnesota Reformer;
Daniella Diaz, CNN; and Tim Nelson, MPR.

Top Legislative & Policy Issues

Legislator Contact of Significance
Chair Marquart and Senator Rest
Commissioner Bauerly spoke to Chair Marquart and Senator Rest this morning to discuss
Special Session.

Senator Bingham
Commissioner Bauerly had a phone call with Senator Bingham to discuss Coronavirus local
distribution aid.

Committee Hearing Notes from Significant Hearings
House Select Committee
Speaker Hortman began by asking Commissioner Grove about the preliminary work to
address economic hardship in Minneapolis and St. Paul following the killing of George Floyd.
Commissioner Grove noted that DEED is emphasizing partnership with city officials and
community leaders to identify and respond to needs. DEED is working on a disaster
declaration to unlock additional SBA funds. Other responses include working with the
congressional delegation to see what kind of aid or appropriation could be available, using
the SBDCs to provide technical assistance, and emphasizing the Dislocated Worker Program
to help with job resources.

In responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a mix of state and federal
resources. Unemployment Insurance has been the key program in responding to job losses.
Commissioner Grove explained the implementation of UI provisions from the CARES Act.
Commissioner Grove explained the SBA’s business response programs and the state business
response programs.

Speaker Hortman asked about the executive order process and how the administration came
to their decisions. Commissioner Grove spoke to the data driven decisions used to protect
public health as being the key drivers. Representative Lislegard is concerned that there will
not be a business for people to go back to when reopening expands. Representative
Lislegard noted that businesses shouldn’t be taking out loans but receiving grants.
Representative Lislegard wants to allow businesses to open. Representative Jurgens argued
that public health is no longer a reason to require businesses to stay closed. Representative
Jurgens asked what specific criteria are being used to determine when businesses can be
reopened.

A restaurant from Virginia, MN testified and described some of the hardships that they have
faced. The testifiers were wondering if it would be possible to forgive some of the licensing
fees for the time they have had to remain closed. Representative Baker was concerned
about how the governor declares emergency powers and being underutilized in the decision
making process. Steve Peterson, Community Resource Development in Virginia, MN, echoed
a number of concerns shared by restaurant owners. Representative Baker wants to know
how we can get businesses open at maximum operations.

Federal Update
Administration:
National Guard in Washington, D.C.
Without consulting the White House, the Department of Defense ordered members of the
National Guard in Washington, D.C., and those who are being sent to Washington to not use
firearms or ammunition in their work as part of the federal government's response to mass
demonstrations, according to officials. Muriel Bowser, mayor of the District of Columbia, has
criticized the Trump administration's response in the capital city, which includes calling in
active-duty military to wait outside the capital and sending law enforcement officials from
the Bureau of Prisons and Customs and Border Protection into the streets of Washington.
(Per The Washington Post via Morning Consult)

Congress:
Police Reform Legislation
Led by the Congressional Black Caucus, Democrats on Capitol Hill are set to announce
legislation that would ban law enforcement officers from using racial-profiling practices and
excessive force, according to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The California Democrat said one
measure to be unveiled would end a legal doctrine called "qualified immunity," which shields
government officials from being sued for actions performed on the job. (Per Roll Call via
Morning Consult)

Fiscal Year 2021 Defense Appropriations
Yesterday, NGA sent a letter calling on House and Senate Appropriations Defense
Subcommittee leadership to continue to support top NGA priorities for Fiscal Year 2021
Defense Appropriations and the National Guard. NGA also sent a letter calling on Senate and
House Armed Services Committee leadership to continue to support top NGA priorities for
Fiscal Year 2021 NDAA and the National Guard. Letters are attached.

Other:
CBO Releases Report on $600 UI Supplement
Yesterday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a report on Federal Pandemic
Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) that uncovered that five out of six claimants receiving
the benefit are receiving more than they were paid before they lost their job. CBO also
indicates that extending the program would likely lead to lower employment later in 2020
and into 2021. Since the passage of the CARES Act, every unemployment insurance (UI)
claimant has received a $600 supplement in addition to their regular UI benefits each week
through FPUC. FPUC expires on July 31. CBO Report.

Other Items of Interest
MDE ESSER Nonpublic Aid Guidance
ESSER: Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief. MDE has received
inquiries/suggestions from nonpublic schools and Senators Gazelka and Nelson on the
appropriate distribution of aid to nonpublic schools under CARES. The law states that the
distribution should be based on the proportion of children living in low-income households
who attend nonpublic schools. This is how Title 1a funding normally is allocated. However,
USDOE has stated in guidance that funds therefore should be allocated in proportion to all
students who attend nonpublic schools. The Center for Law and Education believes the
guidance is erroneous as it conflates allocation with uses. However, it seems that the USDOE
is going to codify its guidance in rule to make it have the effect of law.

MDE is being cautious and sending out the aid to nonpublic schools in proportion to the
number of low-income students attend nonpublic schools. MDE is advising districts to
reserve the difference between that and the amount in proportion to all students attending
nonpublic schools in an escrow account in the case that the USDOE guidance is codified. This
direction will be placed in the ESSER funds applications that go live on Monday.

U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocks sale of Dicamba
Yesterday, The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked Bayer AG from selling the weed killer
Dicamba in the United States. This will have an impact Minnesota soybean farmers, many of
whom planted Dicamba-ready beans and have a short window of time to spray. MDA had a
call with the Soybean Growers today to learn more. A news article on the ruling is available
here.

Tax Relief for Destroyed Property
Minnesota Statutes 273.1231 through 273.1235 provides property tax relief for disaster or
emergency areas. Local jurisdictions may make the emergency declaration. The relief is
designed to provide a reduction of current year and next year property taxes for property
owners of damaged properties. The state reimburses counties for the tax loss in areas
covered by an emergency declaration from the general fund. Each county must submit an
application for aid. The applications must be approved by the Executive Council.
Historically, this type of aid has been used in natural disaster situations and situations where
there is substantial fire damage to a community.

So far the Department of Revenue has been contacted about disasters in Minneapolis and
St. Paul. DOR understands that other local jurisdictions have made local emergency
declarations, also. DOR is advising the assessors that contact us of the disaster relief
application process and assisting in any way they can. DOR anticipates that applications will
be received by November for review by the Executive Council. DOR is evaluating the need
for additional communication to the assessor community.

MDVA Commissioner’s Daily COVID-19 Update
Attached is MDVA’s daily COVID-19 from today and yesterday detailing the case counts in
veterans homes, among staff, etc.

--
Madeline Hormann | Legislative Coordinator
Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Ste. 130
Saint Paul, MN 55155-1611
Office: 651-201-3427 |Fax: 651-797-1850

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Subject: Evening Update - Friday, May 29, 2020
Date: Friday, May 29, 2020 7:15:05 PM
Attachments: 2020 05 29 Minneapolis Delegation Letter AGO.pdf
2020 05 29 Klobuchar Smith Letter to Barr.pdf

1. DPS – Continued to respond to the inquiries about the situations in Minneapolis and St. Paul,
last night’s events, and today’s announcements from multiple local and national media
outlets.

2. DNR – Bob Timmons, Strib, inquired about the extent to which COs are involved in the law
enforcement end of what's occurring in Minneapolis and St. Paul. DNR told him there's a
significant number of COs there and that they're working alongside the Minnesota State
Patrol and Minnesota National Guard. Officers are committed to keeping people safe and
ensuring they have the opportunity to practice their First Amendment rights. Provided the
following statement from Commissioner Strommen: “DNR conservation officers are part of
Minnesota’s valued law enforcement community. I’m proud of the way our conservation
officers are supporting public safety efforts in Minneapolis and St. Paul. It’s important that we
serve this role when the Governor calls upon us.”

3. MDH – Responded to inquiries from the Strib, MPR, Reuters, and CNN. Topics included long
term care facilities, testing, data, occupation tracking of cases, and cases at the Long Prairie
meat packing plant.

Minneapolis House Delegation
Attached is a letter from the Minneapolis House delegation requesting that the prosecution
of Officer Chauvin be transferred to AG Ellison’s office.

Senator Frentz
DOR spoke to Senator Frentz regarding Coronavirus Relief Aid. Senator Frentz said he would
be supportive of holding funds back for future hotspots. Senator Frentz offered to help the
Department of Revenue if the agency needed anything.

Upcoming Hearings
Senate Finance
On Tuesday, June 2 the Senate Finance Committee will be holding a remote informational
hearing regarding Coronavirus Relief Federal Funds.

Federal Update
Letter to Attorney General Barr
Senator Klobuchar and Senator Smith, accompanied by 26 other US Senators, sent the
attached letter to Attorney General Bill Barr calling for the Department of Justice to
investigate “the patterns and practices of racially discriminatory and violent policing in the
Minneapolis Police Department.”

Local Government Groups
Commissioner Bauerly, Assistant Commissioner Robert Doty, Legislative Director Joanna
Bayers, and Policy Advisor Beth Johnston met with local government groups to discuss
distributing the Coronavirus Relief Funds.

Attached is MDVA’s daily COVID-19 detailing the case counts in veterans homes, among
staff, etc.

--
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Office: 651-201-3427 |Fax: 651-797-1850

One Minnesota


May 29, 2020
Commissioner Tim Walz

Department of Public Safety
445 Minnesota Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101
Dear Governor Walz:
We are writing to request that the case against the police officers who killed George Floyd, or
may have been otherwise culpable in his death, be transferred to the jurisdiction of the attorney
general's office. Unfortunately, our constituents, especially constituents of color, have lost faith
in the ability of Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman to fairly and impartially investigate
and prosecute these cases. Freeman's press conference on May 28th, in which he seemed ill-
prepared and suggested that there was unseen exculpatory evidence that might exonerate the
officers, further ruptured this trust.
Given the present circumstances, we believe that this case should be handled in a way that
maximizes public trust and gives confidence to the public that justice will be done. Under the
circumstances, transferring the case to the attorney general's office would be one of the most
decisive actions that you could take to calm public anger and guarantee a fair process. Attorney
General Ellison has earned goodwill of Minneapolis residents through years of service to the
city, and is known and respected throughout the community. It is imperative to signal to our
constituents, as strongly and quickly as possible, that the authorities are treating this case with
the special attention it deserves, and to demonstrate that all Minnesotans are equal in the eyes of
the law.
Sincerely,
Representative Fue Lee, 59A Representative Ray Dehn, 59B
Representative Sydney Jordan, 60A Representative Mohamud Noor, 60B
Representative Frank Hornstein, 61A Representative Jamie Long, 61B
Representative Hodan Hassan, 62A Representative Aisha Gomez, 62B

May 27, 2020
Page 2
Representative Jim Davnie, 63A Representative Jean Wagenius, 63B
CC: Lieutenant Governor Flanagan

County Attorney Freeman
Representative Omar
Senator Klobuchar
Senator Smith
May 29, 2020
The Honorable William P. Barr

Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20530
Dear Attorney General Barr:
We write to request that the Department of Justice work with state and local officials to
investigate the death of George Floyd and to immediately open an investigation to evaluate
unconstitutional patterns and practices of violent policing targeting communities of color in the
Minneapolis Police Department that contributed to Mr. Floyd’s tragic and unjust death on May
25, 2020.
Video taken by several witnesses shows that George Floyd—who is black and was unarmed—
was handcuffed and pinned to the ground by a police officer who held his knee against Mr.
Floyd’s neck as he pleaded for his life. Mr. Floyd was on the ground repeatedly telling the
officer that he could not breathe, and despite that fact that bystanders are heard on video begging
the officer to relent, he did not remove his knee from Mr. Floyd’s neck until after an ambulance
arrived. Eventually Mr. Floyd loses consciousness; he was pronounced dead after being
transported to a local hospital. 1
The City of Minneapolis has fired the officers involved and has requested that the Federal
Bureau of Investigation review the incident along with local authorities. But that is not enough.
Given the repeated instances of police violence that have resulted in the deaths of several
citizens—a disproportionate share of whom have been black men—we ask that the Civil Rights
Division of the Justice Department conduct an investigation into the patterns and practices of
racially discriminatory and violent policing in the MPD. The Department should also be prepared
to use the strongest tools available—including the use of court-supervised consent decrees—to
ensure oversight, enforcement, and accountability on an ongoing basis.
Those responsible must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law in order to serve
justice for George Floyd and his loved ones. And we must work toward justice for the
community, which means ensuring that the MPD accounts for and eliminates any
1
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/05/26/fbi-bca-investigate-death-of-man-in-minneapolis-police-custody
unconstitutional police practices. It is imperative that the Department of Justice do its part
toward that end.
Sincerely,
______________________________ ______________________________
Amy Klobuchar Tina Smith
United States Senator United States Senator
/s/ Charles E. Schumer /s/ Patrick Leahy

/s/ Edward J. Markey /s/ Thomas R. Carper

/s/ Chris Van Hollen /s/ Mazie K. Hirono

/s/ Sherrod Brown /s/ Christopher A. Coons

/s/ Jack Reed /s/ Sheldon Whitehouse

/s/ Benjamin L. Cardin /s/ Jon Tester

/s/ Richard J. Durbin /s/ Tammy Baldwin

/s/ Tammy Duckworth /s/ Robert P. Casey, Jr.

2
/s/ Jacky Rosen /s/ Kirsten Gillibrand
/s/ Catherine Cortez Masto /s/ Brian Schatz

/s/ Debbie Stabenow /s/ Richard Blumenthal

/s/ Michael F. Bennet /s/ Jeanne Shaheen

/s/ Gary C. Peters /s/ Christopher S. Murphy

3
Subject: Evening Update - Monday, June 1, 2020
Date: Monday, June 1, 2020 7:35:00 PM
Attachments: 2020 06 01 CARES Act Funding Request.pdf
2020 06 01 Township Association President Letter.pdf

1. DPS – Continued to respond to inquiries about the situations in Minneapolis and St. Paul from
local and national media outlets.

2. DOC – Received a number of inquiries about the custody status of Derek Chauvin.DOC
provided the following information, which tracks the information released by the
Commissioner last night at the briefing. In keeping with DOC practice, they also provided the
booking photo taken at OPH to multiple outlets that requested it. At the request of the
Hennepin County Sheriff, the Minnesota Department of Corrections took custody of Derek
Chauvin on May 31, 2020, in Hennepin County case number 27-CR-20-12646. He is being held
at MCF-Oak Park Heights. The move to DOC custody was made out of an abundance of
caution to ensure he is safely held and after concern about space in the jail due to large
numbers of arrests related to the unrest over the last few nights.

3. MDH – Responded to inquiries from MPR, Pioneer Press, Strib, Wall Street Journal, and
Politico, . Topics included asymptomatic testing, contact tracing, data, lab closures, and
impacts of the week’s protests.

4. METC – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today
announced a $226.5 million grant award to the Metropolitan Council of Minnesota (Metro
Transit) as part of the CARES Act. The grant will fund transit operations and wages for
employees on paid administrative leave due to service reductions during the COVID-19 public
health emergency.


Significant Upcoming Hearings
Senate Finance
Tomorrow, the Senate Finance Committee will hold a remote informational hearing
regarding Coronavirus Relief Federal Funds.

Range Association of Municipalities & Schools
Attached is a letter from the Range Association of Municipalities & Schools regarding CARES
Act funds.

Township Association President
Attached is a letter to Governor Walz from President of the Board of Directors of the
Minnesota Association of Townships Gary Burdorf thanking the Governor for his service.

staff, etc.

St. Olaf College President
St. Olaf College President David R. Anderson sent the Governor a note of appreciation.
Thanking him for his steady, transparent, thoughtful, disciplined, and authentic response to
the pandemic and the death of George Floyd.

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One Minnesota


Subject: Evening Update - Monday, June 8, 2020
Attachments: 2020 06 08 Letter to EPA Administrator Wheeler.pdf
2020 06 08 MNA Letter to Governor Walz.pdf
2020 06 08 IAM Letter to Governor Walz.pdf
2020 06 08 North-Rhine-Westphalian Climate Smart Municipalities Letter.pdf
2020 06 08 Region 7 MASA School Reopening.pdf
2020 06 08 Letter re Max Mason.pdf

1. MDH – Responded to inquiries from Strib, KSTP, MPR, TPT/Almanac, KARE 11, Fox 9, Politico,
and the Washington Post. Topics included protester testing guidance, data clarification,
race/ethnicity data, Senator Housley’s data request, the next phase of reopening, contact
tracing, and asymptomatic testing.

2. DPS – Strib, FOX 9, KSTP, WCCO, The Hill, and Washington Post inquired about deflating tires
in Minneapolis during the recent riots. DPS responded that while they can’t speak for other
law enforcement agencies and their tactics, there were instances when State Patrol troopers
strategically deflated tires to keep vehicles from being used in attacks, and so they could tow
the vehicles later for collection of evidence if necessary. This was done in order to stop
behaviors such as: vehicles driving dangerously and at high speeds in and around protesters
and law enforcement; vehicles that contained items used to cause harm during violent
protests (rocks, concrete, sticks, etc.); and one case where an unoccupied vehicle was pushed
toward law enforcement while running and without any keys.

3. DPS – Riham Feshir, MPR, interviewed Superintendent Drew Evan where he discussed the
role of the BCA, the working group review and the agency’s ongoing efforts to make
improvements and the hiring of the Victim, Family and Community Relations Coordinator.

Representative Lesch
Commissioner Lucero updated Representative Lesch on Minneapolis PD investigation.
Representative Lesch is fully supportive and stated his committee would be supportive if
there was a need for any supplemental budget requests. He may invite Commissioner Lucero
to his town hall in the coming weeks to discuss the MPD investigation

Federal Update
Additional info will be included in event summary for the CODEL call tomorrow morning.

Administration:
Letter to EPA Administrator
Last week, a federal district court of appeals issued a ruling, the effect of which will be that
Dicamba-based herbicides can no longer be used. Commissioner Peterson wrote the
attached letter to EPA administrator Wheeler. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture
announced today that it will continue operating under the existing pesticide program
authorities while awaiting guidance from the USA EPA on the ruling.

Congress:
National Defense Authorization Act
SASC begins markup of the National Defense Authorization Act today. There may be
amendments to address the military’s role in responding to racial justice protests, including
limitations on the President’s authority to deploy service members under the Insurrection
Act. House Armed Services Committee is expected to mark up the NDAA early July.

Policing Legislation
Democrats on Capitol Hill unveiled broad policing legislation that would create a national
database to track incidents of misconduct and reform the standards for prosecuting
instances of misbehavior, as well as imposing restrictions on federal funds to cities that do
not ban officers from using chokeholds, among other measures. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
(D-Calif.) said the Judiciary Committee will mark up the legislation in the coming weeks
ahead of a House floor vote, though Democratic leaders expressed dim hopes about the
legislation's chances of passage in the Republican-controlled Senate. (From Roll Call via
Morning Consult)

Other:
Federal Budget Deficit
The federal budget deficit is nearing $2 trillion for the fiscal year after more than doubling in
May amid a revenue decline and a surge in government spending to respond to the
coronavirus pandemic, according to the Congressional Budget Office. (From The Wall Street
Journal via Morning Consult)

Update on MDHR-Minneapolis Police Department Investigation
Hennepin County judge signed MDHR’s Temporary Restraining Order. Now City of
Minneapolis/MPD will have ten days to implement the terms of the agreement. It is still
possible for the Minneapolis Police Federation to file a motion seeking to intervene and alter
or terminate the TRO. However, this effort would now be harder to accomplish given that
the court has signed the TRO.

Minnesota Nurses Association
Attached is a letter from MNA following their recent tele townhall renewing their demand
that nurses in Minnesota have the necessary personal protection equipment and access to
safety, that patients have access to testing no questions asked, that hospitals be required to
take measures to slow the spread of the virus such as ensuring nurses are not taking care of
a mix of COVID and non-COVID patients, and that the state make public health efforts to
curtail the spread of COVID-19 at this time.

Indian Association of Minnesota
Attached is a letter from the Indian Association of Minnesota expressing their solidarity with
the Governor, and the Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, following the murder of George
Floyd.

Minneapolis Property Tax Relief for Properties Damaged and Destroyed
Minneapolis is moving forward with property tax relief to property owners whose property
was damaged or destroyed during recent events as described in this update on June 5. They
are offering abatements for current 2020 tax year and tax credits for taxes payable in 2021.
The Minneapolis Assessor’s office will be evaluating the damaged and destroyed and
contacting taxpayers who are eligible for an abatement or credit. These tax abatements and
credits are described in Minnesota Statutes 273.1231 through 273.1235. The Minneapolis
Assessor’s office will submit a disaster relief application for consideration by the Executive
Council later this year.

North-Rhine-Westphalian Climate Smart Municipalities
Attached is a letter from the North-Rhine-Westphalian Climate Smart Municipalities
expressing their support for the Governor’s response to recent events.

Minnesota Association of School Administrators Region 7
MASA Region 7 (Iron Range and Northeast MN) sent the attached letter to the Governor and
Commissioner Ricker regarding reopening for the 2020-2021 school opening.

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Subject: Evening Update - Thursday, June 4, 2020
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2020 7:27:57 PM
Attachments: 2020 06 04 Senator Benson Letter EO 20-34.pdf
2020 06 04 Ramsey County Board Letter.pdf
2020 06 04 Consul General of Germany Letter.pdf

1. MDH – Responded to inquiries from Strib, MinnPost, and Ampers. Topics included protester
testing guidance, the long-term data request made by Senator Housley, and diversity/equity
issues relating to pandemic response.

2. MDHR – This week, Commissioner Lucero did interviews with the following outlets regarding
the commissioner’s charge: WCCO, MPR, MinnPost, Spokesman Recorder, and KSTP.


4. METC – Received a media inquiries regarding Metro Transit’s work with the Minneapolis
Police Department. METC will provide the state statute that guides their work with “primary
jurisdictions.” Metropolitan Council Chair Zelle has a further statement on the issue to provide
to media members, as needed.

5. MHFA – Provided current statewide data on the disparity in homeownership rates between
white and black Minnesotans to Max Bayer, CBS. Story will air tonight.

6. MPCA – Greg Aamot, MinnPost, is writing a Line 3 process piece focused on the number of
comments, the agency’s engagement efforts and how MPCA processes comments. MPCA
answered questions on the process focusing on the robust engagement the agency did during
COVID-19 and the value of the comments. The story is likely to run next week.

7. DHS – Assistant Commissioner / State Medicaid Director Matt Anderson was interviewed by
Glenn Howatt, Strib, about public health care program enrollment increases since the start of
the pandemic. Howatt expects his story to be posted online this evening and in print
tomorrow.


Senator Hayden, Senator Champion, and Representative Moran
Commissioner Lucero is meeting with Senator Hayden, Senator Champion, and
Representative Moran to discuss the next steps in the Minneapolis PD investigation.

Senator Benson
Senator Benson sent the attached letter to the Governor asking him to rescind EO 20-34:
Protecting Minnesota’s First Responders by Directing the Commissioner of Health to Share
Information with the Department of Public Safety, 911 Dispatchers, and First Responders.

Federal Update
CODEL Guard Update
The Minnesota National Guard provided the CODEL with the following update about the NG
activity. Currently has more than 3500 citizen Soldiers and Airmen actively engaged in
support to civil authorities, and nearly 2000 in process of deactivation. The Minnesota
National Guard had a high of more than 7000 activated in response to the civil unrest
throughout the state. The Guard is in the process of drawing down our activated forces, with
a focus on units with urgent follow on missions or training, such as 1/34th ABCT's National
Training Center rotation. That unit played a large role in our ability to rapidly mobilize and
protect the citizens of Minnesota during this crisis. Through Sunday, our numbers will
decrease gradually as the missions we support become stabilized, and they are no longer
needed. We are here to help, and we will stay as long as we are needed, but at some point
we will need to send our service members home to their families. During this draw down,
one of the main concerns is that the residents of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and other
communities feel safe in the wake of the recent violence. In order to inspire confidence and
security, the Minnesota National Guard presence remains fully capable to respond to all
assigned missions in these communities as we start to return our citizen Soldiers and Airmen
to their homes. The Guard continues to meet all Multi-Agency Coordination Cell assigned
missions (between 22 and 29 missions a day), including providing presence patrols, securing
key infrastructure, and providing ready support to civilian law enforcement agencies. The
Governor and Adjutant General have coordinated to test every Soldier and Airman at the
end of their support. To date they have taken 3,000 test samples and submitted them to labs
for testing. So far our only positive COVID test was a Soldier identified and tested shortly
after coming on duty, however due to close quarters during this mission and almost no
ability to social distance that number could grow as the test results come back. That Soldier
was sent home to quarantine, and did not participate in the mission. The Guard’s community
COVID19 testing support to the Minnesota Department of Health also continues. Those
teams conducted 1400 tests yesterday, and continues that mission during the civil unrest.

Paycheck Protection Program Legislation
The Senate unanimously approved House-passed legislation that would loosen the reins on
the Paycheck Protection Program, allowing businesses 24 weeks to spend coronavirus relief
loans that were set to lapse in the coming days and eliminating other restrictions on the
program. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature. (The New York
Times)

Ramsey County Board
Attached is a letter from Ramsey County Board expressing their alarm and concern regarding
the decision to purchase the former Bix site for use as a morgue during the COVID-19
emergency.

Consul General of Germany
Attached is a letter from the Consulate General of Germany in Chicago regarding an incident
between the Police and German Press during the last week.

Commissioner’s Charge
Commissioner Lucero will present the terms of a stipulation for a proposed temporary
restraining order to the Minneapolis City Council in relation to Lucero vs. City of Minneapolis
Police Department. The Council is meeting tomorrow at 12:30

State of MN Business COVID-19 Business Call
Today Commissioner Bauerly attended the weekly COVID-19 business call hosted by
Commissioner Grove from the Department of Employment Economic Development (DEED).
This weekly public phone call is an opportunity for Minnesota businesses to ask questions to
executive leaders from DEED, Commerce, Department of Labor and Industry and the
Department of Revenue (DOR). Commissioner Bauerly gave an overview on the federal
Coronavirus Relief Fund. Commissioner Bauerly explained that due to population size,
Ramsey and Hennepin counties have already received their portions of the funds. She states
that the DOR is continuing to work with the legislature on a formula to distribute the
remainder of the funds to the rest of the 85 counties and parties are close to an agreement.
One caller asked if any of the Federal CARES Act money had been spent yet, and if so, how
had it been spent? Commissioner Bauerly said that Hennepin and Ramsey counties have
spent money on rental assistance, rental payments, and supports for local businesses. The
DOR will reach out to the counties to get more detailed information on expenditures.
Another caller asked if there was a website to track federal Coronavirus spending?
Commissioner Bauerly said that MMB will be setting up a website. It is unclear if local
government spending will be included. DOR and MMB will explore this option. Commissioner
Bauerly also let businesses know that they can work with the DOR to abate penalties and
interest on delayed tax payments for businesses that have been affected by COVID-19 or the
recent civil unrest.

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SENATOR MICHELLE BENSON
SENATE DISTRICT 31
Deputy Majority Leader
Chair, Health & Human Services Finance & Policy
Minnesota Senate Building, Room 3109

95 University Avenue West Senate
Saint Paul, MN 55155
Phone: (651) 296-3219 State of Minnesota
Email: sen.michelle.benson@senate.mn
June 4, 2020
Honorable Governor Tim Walz

Office of the Governor
130 State Capitol
75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Dear Honorable Governor,
Thank you for the hard work you and your staff are doing dealing with the great crises facing our
state. COVID-19 and the tragic death of George Floyd highlight the necessity that the executive
branch and the legislative branch must work together to tackle the challenges that face our state.
These challenges are greater than one person or one legislative body and I appreciate your
consideration of an important issue that intersects both current crises. I am writing this letter to
express my desire that law enforcement officers do not receive the personal information of
patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. I send this letter as a follow up to a letter I sent
to Commissioner Malcolm on April 8th.
Large scale protests and public gatherings in the last week to mourn and call for justice for
George Floyd have added new urgency to this issue that I raised almost two months ago. I am
concerned these public gatherings have exacerbated the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota.
Especially in communities of color who already are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. It
is my concern that individuals who have contracted coronavirus may not seek testing or care
because of fear their personal information will be shared with law enforcement. We cannot
afford to have Minnesotans refuse to seek vital health care at this crucial time.
I am asking that you rescind Executive Order 20-34 effective immediately. Giving data of
positive COVID-19 patients will not and has not made an emergency responder any safer when
going into a home of someone who is an unknown carrier of COVID-19. First responders must
be aware, that given the characteristics COVID-19, that any environment may risk their exposure
without proper equipment. To protect first responders, we need to supply them with appropriate
PPE and other protections.
Patient privacy is an important principle to uphold in our state health care system. The rights of
patients should not be compromised. The State of Minnesota should follow tradition and
precedent by not sharing patients’ private diagnoses with law enforcement. Please respect the
rights of patients and their privacy.
My office is ready to be a partner and assist in whatever manner possible.
Sincerely,
Senator Michelle Benson

Chair, Senate Health & Human Services
Finance & Policy Committee
cc: Commissioner Jan Malcolm, Minnesota Department of Health

Commissioner John Harrington, Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Subject: Evening Update - Thursday, May 28, 2020
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2020 7:36:31 PM
Attachments: 2020 05 28 POCI Caucus Letter.pdf

1. DPS – Continued to responds the inquiries about the evolving situation in Minneapolis and
the Metro from multiple local and national media outlets. The BCA will release additional
information about the investigation once initial interviews with incident participants and
witnesses are completed. The BCA will release all public data, including body camera video,
once the case is closed as they would in any other investigation in accordance with Minnesota
law.

2. MDH – Responded to inquiries from the Strib, MNN, Forum, NBC, ABC, and the Wall Street.
Topics included gyms and fitness centers, long term care facilities, testing, data update,
nursing homes, and the closing of healthcare facilities.
3. METC – Sent a release announcing the suspension of transit service out of concern for the
safety of riders and employees. METRO Blue Line service will continue between both airport
terminals and Fort Snelling. Northstar will complete its remaining afternoon trips before
suspending service.

4. DOC – Walker Orenstein, MinnPost, spoke with Commissioner Schnell about COVID-19 testing
in DOC facilities. DOC recently completed testing of all inmates at Stillwater, with zero positive
inmates. DOC will be moving on to Lino Lakes next including mandatory testing for staff.
Comprehensive testing is a critical part of a broader strategy to combat COVID-19 across the
DOC, with the Stay-with-Unit plans, handwashing stations, isolation and quarantine
procedures, and employee screening as other central components of that strategy.

5. DHS – Provided Chris Serres, Strib, with information about the USDA’s approval of Pandemic-
EBT for Minnesota. He plans to write for Friday about P-EBT and our announcement today
about online SNAP purchasing. Also provided him this statement from Commissioner Jodi
Harpstead: “Hundreds of thousands of school children depend on one or more healthy meals a
day through the school meal program. This new program will ensure families can purchase
healthy food to fill their children’s stomachs while easing the financial burden of extra grocery
purchases.”

6. MDE – Commissioner Ricker was interviewed by Brandi Powell, KSTP, taking a look back at
distance learning, the decisions were made, and how we got here. Commissioner Ricker had a
thoughtful, in depth conversation with Brandi, reflecting on the first decision to move to
distance learning, the planning period, the new focuses and commitments when MDE
extended distance learning, and the announcement of the use of the federal dollars and the
launch of the hybrid summer school model. Brandi did ask Commissioner Ricker about what
she thinks might be in store for the fall, and she said MDE is working closely with MDH to
monitor the situation and will inform schools as soon as we are able.


POCI Caucus
Attached is a letter the POCI Caucus sent to the Governor, Commissioner Harrington,
Attorney General Ellison, and Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman requesting action in
response to the killing of George Floyd.

Senator Rosen
Commissioner Bauerly had a phone call with Senator Rosen yesterday to discuss Coronavirus
Relief Aid.

Representative Edelson and Representative Moller
Commissioner Tomes met with Representative Edelson and Representative Moller and
several fitness center, gym, and boutique fitness studio owners and leaders who requested
to meet with leadership. The business owners and community leaders sought an opportunity
to share their perspectives and ensure their unique environments were accounted for as the
state plans continued guidance on business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The
owners and leaders also shared suggestions they feel would allow them to reopen in
modified capacities; asked for a timeline of when they can plan to reopen; and sought
perimeters they would need to meet in order to reopen. They shared concerns about access
to PPE and that their supplies are running out. Commissioner Tomes will share their
comments and questions with MDH and leadership preparing reopening guidance and
preparations.

Call with County IT Leaders on COVID-19 Response
Commissioner Tomes and other MNIT leadership joined county IT leaders to discuss ongoing
IT operations related to COVID-19 response. Commissioner Tomes shared an overview of
increased cyberattacks and Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) activity; an overview of
MNIT’s efforts supporting the development of contact tracing activities at MDH; and an
overview of the Dial Back Dashboard.

Weekly DEED Phone Call with Local Businesses
Today DOR and DLI participated in the weekly DEED phone call with local businesses. The
DOR is working on appropriation of Federal CARES Act dollars to local governments and the
DOR is has also reopened VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites on a virtual basis.
One business asked the DOR if federal forgiven PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans
would be considered taxable, and DOR responded that they would not be taxed. The
Department of Commerce and the Department of Labor and Industry were also on the call.
The remainder of the call centered around specific questions regarding reopening of certain
establishments (small and large gyms, garage sales, firework displays, outdoor dining,
community pools, etc.)

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One Minnesota


Minnesota Minnesota House
Senate of Representatives
Senator Foung Hawj Representative Rena Moran
POCI Caucus Co-Chair POCI Caucus Co-Chair
95 University Ave. W., Suite 3413 575 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155 St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: 651-296-5285 Phone: 651- 296-2491
May 28, 2020
Governor Tim Walz Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman

130 State Capitol C-2000 Government Center
75 Rev. Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 300 South Sixth Street
St. Paul, MN 55155 Minneapolis, MN 55487
Commissioner John Harrington Attorney General Keith Ellison

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1000 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400
St. Paul, MN 55101 St. Paul, MN 55101
Sent via electronic mail
To the above named officials,
We address this to all of you, who hold the power to determine what happens next in response to
the killing of George Floyd.
Some members of our caucus are attorneys and many have experience with our criminal justice
system, but none of that is necessary to know that swift action is necessary. One need only be
human and to have watched the video of Mr. Floyd’s last minutes of life to know that justice
requires criminal accountability for those responsible for his death.
We acknowledge that legislative action is needed on various fronts to address the pervasive,
serious problems with law enforcement in our state. We will continue as a caucus and as
individuals to actively press for change at the Capitol. But none of that is relevant to whether it
was wrong for Officer Chauvin to hear “I can’t breathe” and to continue pressing down on Mr.
Floyd’s neck, or for Officers Thao, Lane, and Kueng to hear “I can’t breathe” and to do nothing
to save Mr. Floyd’s life.
If the duty of law enforcement is to serve and protect, they failed at the most basic level.
Nobody was protected by their actions, and they have caused irreparable harm to Mr. Floyd’s
family and the entire community. Please do all that is in your power to expeditiously complete
the investigation and file criminal charges against all of the officers responsible. No excuses,
only justice.
Respectfully,
Representative Rena Moran (65A) Senator Foung Hawj (67)

Co-Chair POCI Caucus Co-Chair POCI Caucus
Representative Samantha Vang (40B) Representative Mary Kunesh-Podein (41B)
Representative Jamie Becker-Finn (42B) Senator Melisa Franzen (49)
Representative Ruth Richardson (52B) Representative Tou Xiong (53A)
Representative Alice Mann (56B) Senator Bobby Joe Champion (59)
Representative Fue Lee (59A) Representative Mohamud Noor (60B)
Senator Jeff Hayden (62) Representative Hodan Hassan (62A)
Representative Aisha Gomez (62B) Senator Patricia Torres Ray (63)
Representative Kaohly Her (64A) Representative Carlos Mariani (65B)
Representative Jay Xiong (67B)

Subject: Evening Update - Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2020 8:25:36 PM
Attachments: 2020 06 02 NGA Memo Actions Related to Use of National Guard and Insurrection Act.pdf


2. MDH – Responded to inquiries from the Strib, WCCO, Duluth News Tribune, MPR, Pioneer
Press, MinnPost, ABC, NBC, and New York Times. Topics included contact tracing, testing,
long-term care facilities and deaths, special testing for protesters, increase in cases due to
protests, and processing plants.

3. MHFA – Responded to inquiries from Strib and MinnPost about the movement of people in
encampments to hotels.


Senator Draheim
Commissioner Leppink spoke with Senator Draheim on Tuesday regarding the problematic
policy provisions in the Housing bill passed on the last night of session. Staff walked through
changes made to the municipal construction and development fee report that Senator
Draheim and stakeholders requested. Senator Draheim said he thought the Department “did
a fantastic job on the form.” He is still pursuing changing the exemption threshold from
$5,000 to $7,000 which the Department could support. The Commissioner also described
the Department’s position on the provision exempting single family homes from the
requirement to install window fall prevention devices. Staff described the history around
requiring fall prevention devices when the bottom of the window is 36 inches or less above
the floor. Moving to 24 inches would conform with national codes and would still provide
needed safety precautions to prevent children from falling out of windows lower to the
ground. Regarding delays in changes to the building code, Sen Draheim said stakeholders
told him Minnesota’s code is the strictest in the nation and that’s why building costs are
more expensive in Minnesota, impacting the cost of housing. His proposal is a “time out.” He
is open to reconsidering making the prohibition retroactive to January 1, 2020, which would
impact the seven building codes that went into effect in March 2020. Staff described the
current process for code adoption, which is on a six-year cycle, with the 2018 code being
adopted in 2020. The next cycle would be the 2024 code being adopted in 2026. The
Department opposes the requirement in the bill that the Legislature approve the changes
prior to adoption. Senator Draheim would like public hearings in the Legislature. Regarding
the energy code, Senator Draheim said builders already have the choice to exceed the code.
This provision is the most important to him. Commissioner Leppink said the five-year
requirement to prove savings is too short and would be too difficult to calculate.
Commissioner Leppink said she would be happy to continue to work with him. Senator
Draheim said he appreciates her reaching out and the discussion. He would like to find a
middle ground.

Commissioner Leppink speaks with Senator Weber about these issues on Thursday.
Meetings have also been requested with Senator Dziedzic, Representative Hausman, and
Representative Howard.

Notes from Significant Committee Hearings
Senate Finance
Today Senate Finance presented an update on the Coronavirus Relief Federal Funds.
Commissioner Frans from MMB presented an update. Commissioner Frans said he had been
involving the legislature through the Legislative COVID Response Commission (LRC). Several
members of the Finance Committee said they did not get the invitation to be involved
through the LCRC and would prefer it in the future if MMB would coordinate through the
Senate Finance Chair (Senator Kiffmeyer, Senator Newman, Senator Rosen, Senator Nelson).
Senator Newman further requested that Commissioner Frans provide the committee a list of
all the ways that the Walz administration is working with the legislature on Coronavirus
funds distribution. Senator Nelson said the state is dealing with a whole lot of money and
constituents need to know the legislature is being accountable. Senator Nelson said that
these billions of dollars are coming from constituents’ pocketbooks. Constituents are
concerned that their elected representatives are not helping determine how best to spend
these dollars, people do not want to see the Governor making unilateral administrative
decisions when 201 legislators best know their districts.

Commissioner Frans indicated that the Walz Administration would be using some of the
funds for an outreach campaign. Senator Ingebrigtsen said that a public relations ad
campaign is not a necessary use of the funds, it is hard to believe that people do not know
what is going on. Commissioner Frans indicated that a lot of people still do not know where
to go for tests and if they will be paid for. The state cannot assume that every unique
community is receiving the same message. Mobile COVID testing and an ad campaign
benefits everyone. Senator Champion supported a public awareness campaign, there are
different audiences that do not hear information from the Governor’s and MN Department
of Health’s daily briefings. Commissioner Frans also said they have been working with a small
business grand program and a residential housing support program. Senator Champion
supported a public awareness campaign, there are different audiences that do not hear
information from the Governor’s and MN Department of Health’s daily briefings.

Senator Kiffmeyer and Senator Rosen are concerned that only 2 counties out of 87 counties
have received funds. There are 85 other counties that have expenditures and need money.
Senator Rosen said she was unable to get a hold of Commissioner Bauerly regarding
Coronavirus relief funds. Commissioner Frans said he is positive that Commissioner Bauerly
has indeed reached out, and he apologizes if there has been any miscommunication. Senator
Westrom asked about Housing Assistance and the Administration’s proposal and how it
differs with the Senate and House proposals. Specifically, if this would be something the
Administration would push to the Legislative Audit Commission (LAC) or allow the Legislature
to lead. Commissioner Frans said they would like the legislature to lead, but if something
does not come together, there is an immediate need for housing assistance. Senator
Kiffmeyer asked about the funds specifically allocated for childcare providers and how those
had been allocated. Commissioner Frans said he did not have the information for how those
funds have been spent.

Federal Update
President Activates D.C. National Guard
Yesterday, President Trump fully activated the D.C. National Guard, deploying 1,200
members and reportedly requested additional forces from other states. The Insurrection
Act, once invoked, allows the President to deploy active-duty forces within the United States
without the request or the consent of a governor. The Act also allows active-duty troops to
preform law enforcement missions which are normally prohibited by the Posse Comitatus
Act (10 United States Code, Section 1385). Typically invoking the Insurrection Act is done via
Presidential Executive Order. At this time, no Executive Order has been issued, but is
possible in the near future. See attached memo from NGA.

Senate to vote on Paycheck Protection Program
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said the Senate will "soon" vote on House-
passed legislation that would tweak the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection
Program to give small businesses more time to use the coronavirus relief loans and allow
them to use more money for nonpayroll expenses. The decision to extend the program, with
bipartisan backing but delayed by differences in the chambers' approaches, reflects the
longer-than-expected duration of stay-at-home orders that have stalled the nation's
economy. (Roll Call)

US House to Consider Outlawing Chokeholds
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said the House may convene before its
scheduled June 30 return date to consider legislation to overhaul federal policing laws amid
the nationwide protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd, voicing support for a
proposal from House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries of New York that would
outlaw the use of chokeholds by law enforcement officers. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-
Calif.) said the House has not decided whether to consider a comprehensive bill or take a
piecemeal approach to the issues, and Hoyer said the Congressional Black Caucus is taking
the lead on the legislation. (Roll Call)

staff, etc.

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June 1, 2020
M E M O R A N D U M
To: State-Federal Representatives

From: Mary Catherine Ott, Legislative Director
Re: Actions Related to Use of National Guard and the Insurrection Act
State of Play
White House
On Monday, President Trump fully activated the D.C. National Guard, deploying 1,200 members and reportedly
requested additional forces from other states.
The White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany stated that “The Insurrection Act, it’s one of the tools
available, whether the President decides to pursue that, that’s his prerogative.” McEnany also stated that the
Administration plans to set up a "central command center" that will include Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Mark
Milley, Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Attorney General William Barr, in conjunction with state and local
officials.
Department of Defense
On Monday night, the Pentagon stated that the Department of the Army is in contact with the Mayor of D.C.
and that the National Guard will be used to monitor monuments and the White House while additional forces
have been put on alert status. Active duty forces will not be sent at this time.
In the States
As of Monday, 23 states and the District of Columbia had called up more than 17,000 Guardsmen to aid state
and local law enforcement in responding to the civil unrest. Rules of Force vary from state to state. In all cases,
state and local law enforcement agencies remain responsible for security, with the National Guard responding
to their requests for assistance in augmenting law enforcement.
NGA will provide additional updates as they are made available. States should note that Guard forces
responding to COVID-19 could be impacted.
The Insurrection Act – 10 United States Code, Chapter 13
The Insurrection Act, once invoked, allows the President to deploy active-duty forces within the United States
without the request or the consent of a governor. The Act also allows active-duty troops to preform law
enforcement missions which are normally prohibited by the Posse Comitatus Act (10 United States Code,
Section 1385).
Invoking the Act

Typically invoking the Insurrection Act is done via Presidential Executive Order. At this time, no Executive
Order has been issued, but is possible in the near future.
• The Insurrection Act was last invoked in 1992 by President Bush during the Rodney King riots in Los
Angeles. Within President Bush’s Executive Order (Executive Order 12804), the President invoked 10
United States Code, Chapter 15 which governs military support to law enforcement.
Involuntary Mobilization Authorities for the National Guard
• Title 10 USC, Section 12406
o Specifically Section 3 notes “the President may call into Federal service members and units of
the National Guard of any State in such numbers as he considers necessary to repel the invasion,
suppress the rebellion, or execute those laws. Orders for these purposes shall be issued through
the governors of the States or, in the case of the District of Columbia, through the commanding
general of the National Guard of the District of Columbia.”
• Title 10 USC, Section 12302 – in the event of a national emergency, the President may order no more
than 1 million members of the ready reserve to active duty status without their consent for up to 24
consecutive months.
• Title 10 USC, Section 12301 - allows for involuntary mobilization of reserve component members
without their consent for not more than 15 days.
Other Resources
• CRS Report – The Posse Comitatus Act and Related Matter: A Sketch – 2018
• CRS Defense Primer: Legal Authorities for the Use of Military Force
• DOD Joint Publication: Defense Support of Civil Authorities – 2018
• CRS Defense Primer: Defense Support to Civil Authorities – 2019
For questions or concerns related to the contents of this memo, please contact NGA staff
(Mary Catherine Ott, mcott@nga.org)
Cc: Bailey, Erin K (MMB); Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV); Bergman, Sasha (GOV); Carlson, Charlie B (GOV); Castaneda,
Kayla J (GOV); Doty1, Robert (GOV); Frosch-Taylor, Elizabeth (GOV); GOVCampbell, Erin (GOV); Held, Jessi
(GOV); Kane, Celina (GOV); Leininger, Sophie (GOV); Long, Nate (GOV); Loyola, Migdalia (GOV); McDonnell1,
Craig (GOV); Nguyen, Hue (GOV); Procaccini, Karl C (GOV); Quinn, Hannah M (GOV); Sidley, Jane (GOV);
Simpson, Amanda (GOV); Tanis, Patrick (GOV); Taylor, Chris (GOV); Tschann, Teddy (GOV); Bauer, Emmalynn
(GOV); Frosch-Taylor, Elizabeth (GOV); Lamers, Kate R (GOV); Lancaster, Claire (GOV); Nelson, Madelyn (GOV);
Park, Patina (GOV); Rumicho, Kaleb (GOV); Parks, Emily M (GOV); Tschann, Teddy (GOV); Wallington, Brooke
(GOV)
Subject: Evening Update - Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 7:09:33 PM
Attachments: 2020 06 03 Dakota County Legislators on CARES Funding.pdf
2020 06 03 Representative Kresha Fitness Connection Letter.pdf
2020 06 03 Representative Craig Letter on CARES Act Funding Distribution.pdf
2020 06 03 Tri-signed letter to the Force.pdf
2020 06 03 CNGB Letter - We Must Do Better.pdf
2020 06 03 Agency Public Engagement Overview.pdf


2. MDH – Responded to inquiries from KARE 11, MPR, Wall Street Journal, Strib, and WCCO.
Topics included social distancing, mental health, contact tracing, congregate care facilities,
COVID support sites, restaurants, remdesivir shipment status, and protester testing guidance.

3. MHFA – Miguel Otarola, Strib, inquired about the movement of people in encampments to
hotels. He spoke with Cathy ten Broeke today. Cathy provided background on Minnesota
Interagency Council on Homelessness. She walked reporter through the coordinated effort of
moving people experiencing homelessness to hotel over the last week. Conversation was
positive and a story is expected to run tomorrow.

4. MDE – MDE’s Online Learning Specialist Jeff Plaman spoke to Tony Lonetree, Strib, for his
story on Minnesota’s online learning schools. Jeff answered questions about how he thinks
online schools are going by saying that we are in a state of constant improvement and
describing the type of student that chooses an online school – sometimes a student is just at
an online learning school for one semester or they are an elite athlete or juggling a job and
school. Tony specifically also wanted to discuss math scores and why it seems that online
learning schools are doing so poorly. Jeff was able to explain that online learning schools offer
a wide bredth of valuable courses that offer lots of different flexibility and options for
students, and their success should not be measured in test scores. MDE also sent the reporter
information from the most recent student survey around online schools, and what the
student reported experience is with them. The story is expected to run on Sunday.


Minneapolis Delegation
Commissioner Harrington is meeting with the Minneapolis delegation to discuss the unrest
and state response today. DOC Commissioner Schnell, BCA Superintendent Evans and
Legislative Director Knutson are met with the Minneapolis delegation to discuss accelerants
found in the community.

Coronavirus Local Distribution Aid
Today Commissioner Bauerly had phone calls with Senator Rosen, Senator Dziedzic, Senator
Bingham, and Chair Marquart to discuss Coronavirus local aid distribution.

Dakota County Legislators
Attached is a letter from Dakota County legislators regarding the distribution of CARES Act
Funding to local governments.

Representative Kresha
Attached is a letter from Representative Kresha requesting fitness facilities and clubs to
begin re-opening.

House Jobs and Economic Development Finance Committee
Rep. Stephenson presented his proposal for a small business grants program. Rep.
Stephenson has been in contact with Sen. Pratt and says they are close to a final deal. The
bill creates a $62.5M fund - $2.5M coming from the small business emergency loan
guarantee program. $60M comes from the CARES Act. These funds will go to grants for small
businesses. These funds cannot be used for forgivable loans. The funds will be split 50/50
between the metro and Greater Minnesota. $2.2M will be available for admin costs coming
from the small business emergency loan fund. Grants are up to $10 thousand. Funds are
administered via a lottery system should the ask exceed the available funds. There are
carveouts in the bill for micro-businesses, minority-owned businesses, veteran-owned
businesses, women-owned businesses, and cultural markets. The bill also includes language
to pay back the 21st Century Fund.

Rep. Lislegard presented a proposal for 18 year olds to receive unemployment insurance.
This bill would expire December 31, 2020. Rep. Lislegard had a number of youth testifiers in
support of the bill. Chair Mahoney and others noted that the bill still has some work to do.
Rep. Mahoney expressed general support for this idea. Rep. Stephenson presented a bill idea
on the Shared Work Program. This bill would change the requirement that an employee be
with their employer for three months rather than one year as is currently required. This bill
would sunset at the end of the year. Rep. Stephenson noted that the federal government
would pick up all shared work program costs and that there would be no cost to the state.

Federal Update
CODEL:
Letter from Congresswoman Craig
Congresswoman Craig sent you the attached letter today regarding the federal funds for
local governments.

Administration:
White House reacts to Secretary Esper comments
According to Politico, Defense Secretary Mark Esper said he opposes deploying active-duty
military troops to American cities to deal with protests, telling reporters he does "not
support invoking the Insurrection Act," as Trump has threatened to do. Following the
comments, which three sources said upset White House officials, White House spokesperson
Kayleigh McEnany did not say whether Esper had fallen out of favor with the president but
noted, "As of right now, Secretary Esper is still Secretary Esper." According to the article,
although Esper had ordered 200 active-duty soldiers from the 82nd Airborne to return home,
he later reversed that decision after a meeting at the White House.

A story from ABC noted that Esper also commented directly on the situation in Minneapolis,
calling it a horrible crime and indicating that the officers involved should be held
accountable for Floyd’s murder.

Messages from the National Guard Bureau, Army leadership, to the forces commenting on
civil unrest
Today, the Secretary of the Army, Chief of Staff, and Sergeant Major of the Army sent a
letter to the Force. The letter is attached.
Additionally, General Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau sent out the attached
letter to members of the National Guard. That letter is attached.

Presidential Memo authorizes Title 32 through August 21 for COVID-19 response
Yesterday, the President signed a Presidential Memorandum authorizing the use of the
National Guard under Title 32 to respond to COVID-19 and facilitate economic recovery
through August 21. The memo applies to all previously authorized states. The memo notes
“the orders include necessary to comply with health protection protocols,” therefore
requiring any isolation or quarantine of guard members must take place prior to August 21.

Congress:

Senate to vote on PPP extension
The Senate is likely to vote on and pass Rep. Phillips' Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act
today or tomorrow, which will hopefully give important flexibility to business owners
needing additional time to spend the PPP money they have received.

U.S. House aims to pass appropriations bills before end of July
House Leadership indicated that it will work to pass all 12 appropriations bills for Federal
Fiscal Year (FFY) 2021 by the end of July 2020. The current Federal Fiscal Year (FFY 2020)
ends on September 30, 2020.

Health coalition urge Congress to increase FMAP
A coalition of 20 leading health care organizations representing patients, health care and
health insurance providers and other stakeholders sent a letter urging Congress to increase
the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) by at least 12 percentage points. The
Families First Coronavirus Response Act from March increased the federal Medicaid
matching rate by 6.2 percentage points. The HEROES Act recently passed by the U.S. House
of Representatives includes a 14 percentage point increase.

House T&I Committee releases surface transportation reauthorization bill
Per NGA, today, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s
Democratic leadership released its surface transportation reauthorization bill, the
Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America
(INVEST in America) Act. The bill is led by Rep. DeFazio (D-OR), Rep. Holmes Norton (D-
DC), and Rep. Lipinski (D-IL). It authorizes nearly $500 billion over five years to address
urgent infrastructure needs throughout the country, including:
$319 billion in highway funding to address the repair and replacement of deficient
roads and bridges, build resilient infrastructure, and create several new green
initiatives.
$105 billion in transit investment to streamline project delivery through the Capital
Investments Grants program, increase funding for transit agencies to add new routes,
and create a Mobility Innovation program for mobility on demand services.
$60 billion in rail investment to create the Passenger Rail Improvement, Modernization
and Expansion (PRIME) grant program for passenger rail improvements and triple
funding for Amtrak.
The committee will hold a markup of the bill on Wednesday, June 17. The current
surface transportation authorization expires September 30. However, the committee’s
Republican leadership released a statement that it did not support the bill in its current
form.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced its surface
transportation reauthorization bill in July 2019, the America’s Transportation
Infrastructure Act of 2019. The Senate Commerce Committee, Senate Banking
Committee and Senate Finance Committee must act on their respective titles before a
comprehensive surface transportation bill makes it to the Senate floor.

staff, etc.

Weekly Public Engagement Report
This week's public engagement report is from Wednesday, May 27 – Tuesday, June 2.

Coronavirus Constituent Correspondence Issues
Tallied Phone Calls: 36,184
Tallied Incoming IQ Messages: 5,729
Current IQ Backlog: 55,010
In the last week, the most Justice for George Floyd
common themes were: Arrest all four officers involved
Deploy the National Guard
Transfer Prosecution of Floyd case to AGO
MPD Needs more Anti-Bias Training
Turn the dial more quickly for businesses
Thank you, Gov Walz

Proclamations
June: Pride Month
June: Refugee Recognition Month
June: Immigrant-Heritage Month
June: Caribbean-American Heritage Month

Petitions
There has been a national and international call-in campaign into the office seeking
Justice for George Floyd by ensuring 1) all four officers arrested and charged, and 2)
that the AGO takes over the investigation and that the AGO appoint a special
prosecutor. We can expect the final count to be in the tens of thousands.
Petitions mailed into the office not reflected in this report due to office closures.

Public Engagement Highlights
Ongoing – PE staff continue to sort through and respond to mail, answer live phone calls,
listen to voicemails, provide casework call-backs, and sort through and respond to
correspondence in IQ.

Ongoing – PE staff continues to work with Commissioner Lucero and the Lt. Governor on
standing up the Community Resiliency and Recovery workgroup, external advisor meetings,
and listening sessions with community members.

Ongoing – Nico and Taylor are restarting the summer internship program and identifying
candidates for the upcoming program.

Ongoing – PE Team fielded lots of calls on the protests, Justice for George Floyd, and other
topics surrounding the situation. PE and TSR also engaged with community leaders and
stakeholders to ensure that the State was doing everything possible to protect people's rights
to protest and to protect public safety.

Ongoing – Maggie and Lydia are managing the coordination with COVID-19 support staff from
across the enterprise to ensure we are responding to all COVID-19 related inquires into the
office.

Ongoing – Maddie and Lydia are managing the online tally form to ensure it is reflecting the
ever-changing constituent calls into the office around COVID-19 and George Floyd.

Ongoing – TSR held a check-in meeting with Tribal Nations Leaders to focus on exchanging
information on the safety and security of Native communities in the Twin Cities. TSR examined
the role of the National Guard to the protection of specific Native communities. TSR listened
to any concerns or questions tribal leaders had after the weekend.

Ongoing – TSR worked with DHS to clarify the expiration of waivers due to COVID-19 and the
peacetime emergency.

Ongoing – Held a weekly call with urban Indigenous community leaders to receive updates
from the organizations and coordinated the participation of relevant policy and agency
representatives to provide information on many topics.

Ongoing – Remained in contact with urban Indigenous organizations who were impacted by
the violence and property destruction over the past week following the killing of George Floyd
and coordinated with DPS to improve communication and response to security concerns.

May 28 – Migdalia, Nima, and Audel provided support to Patrick Tanis by identifying
community leaders to join a press conference and encourage folks to protest during the day
and stay home and off the streets during the curfew.

June 1 -- Nico and Migdalia participated in the weekly Latinx Community meeting hosted by
the City of Minneapolis.

June 1 – Nico worked with the scheduling team to coordinate Lt. Governor Flanagan's visit to
Mercado Central to speak with community members.

June 1 – Audel joined a call organized by Transform Minnesota to hear from over 200 church
leaders about the challenges their communities are facing in light of George Floyd. The call
focused on two main topics. First, church leaders want to identify ways that they can continue
to lead the charge for changes in our system to address discrimination in our society. The
second topic focused on a need to address food deserts due to local grocery stories being
burned down and looted.

June 2 – PE helped set up a meeting between the Governor's office and the Council for
Minnesotans of African Heritage. The meeting focused on what is currently going on with
George Floyd's murder and disparities in COVID 19 pandemic. The council shared their policy
agenda with the Governor's office. There will be a follow-up meeting with the group next
week.

Agency Public Engagement Overview
Attached is document detailing public engagement events agencies participated in as well as
upcoming events.

--
Ste. 130
Office: 651-201-3427 |Fax: 651-797-1850

One Minnesota


From: Lancaster, Claire (GOV)
To: Walz, Tim (GOV); Flanagan, Peggy (GOV)
Cc: #GOV Gov Communications; Procaccini, Karl C (GOV); Parks, Emily M (GOV); Schmitter, Chris L (GOV); Nguyen,
Hue (GOV); Carlson, Charlie B (GOV); Leininger, Sophie (GOV)
Subject: FOR APPROVAL: Governor Walz Announces Modified Nighttime Curfew
Attachments: image001.png
Governor and Lt. Governor,

Let us know if you approve of this curfew release, here are your quotes:

“Having a curfew in place has allowed law enforcement to separate out those who mean to
bring further pain and destruction in our communities from the thousands who have
peacefully demonstrated for systemic changes in George Floyd’s name,” said Governor Walz.
“I want to thank our public servants who’ve worked tirelessly to restore peace to our
neighborhoods, and all Minnesotans who have abided by the curfew to keep our
communities safe.”

“This past week has been one of the most painful in our state’s history,” said Lt. Governor
Flanagan. “It hurts to stay inside when we know our voices are critical to bringing the
systemic change we need, but we will continue this fight tomorrow, and every day after.
Please stay home to stay safe and help our communities heal.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 1, 2020
Contact: Teddy Tschann
teddy.tschann@state.mn.us
651-402-8841

Governor Walz Announces Modified Nighttime Curfew

Curfew will be in place 10pm to 4am Monday and Tuesday night

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-69 modifying and
extending the temporary nighttime Minneapolis and St. Paul curfew through Wednesday
morning to provide safety for Minnesota residents from individuals who have engaged in
unlawful and dangerous activity in recent days and threatened the security of lawful
demonstrators and first responders.

“Having a curfew in place has allowed law enforcement to separate out those who mean to
bring further pain and destruction in our communities from the thousands who have
peacefully demonstrated for systemic changes in George Floyd’s name,” said Governor Walz.
“I want to thank our public servants who’ve worked tirelessly to restore peace to our
neighborhoods, and all Minnesotans who have abided by the curfew to keep our
communities safe.”

“This past week has been one of the most painful in our state’s history,” said Lt. Governor
Flanagan. “It hurts to stay inside when we know our voices are critical to bringing the
systemic change we need, but we will continue this fight tomorrow, and every day after.
Please stay home to stay safe and help our communities heal.”

The temporary curfew is extended from 10pm to 4am for the next two nights, through the
morning of Wednesday, June 3. During the curfew, no one is allowed to travel on Minneapolis
and Saint Paul streets or public places, except for first responders, members of the media,
people going back and forth to work, individuals seeking emergency care or fleeing danger, and
people experiencing homelessness. Curfews are not limited to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Mayors and local governments across the state can issue their own curfews.

All Minnesotans in Minneapolis and Saint Paul are urged to comply, and to comply with
instructions from law enforcement. Peace officers will enforce the curfew and arrest those who
refuse to comply.

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd died while in custody of the Minneapolis Police Department.
The Walz-Flanagan Administration is committed to addressing the systemic inequities and
discrimination that led to this incident and seeking justice.

###

From: Castaneda, Kayla J (GOV)
To: Walz, Tim (GOV)
Cc: Schmitter, Chris L (GOV); Procaccini, Karl C (GOV); Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV); Tschann, Teddy (GOV); Frosch-
Taylor, Elizabeth (GOV)
Subject: FOR APPROVAL: Statement for Today
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2020 11:20:42 AM
Governor,

Below is a draft statement for the announcement of charges today. Please let me know if you
approve or have edits.

I laid flowers at George Floyd’s memorial this morning. As a former high school history teacher, I
looked up at the mural of George’s face painted above and I reflected on what his death will
mean for future generations. What will our young people learn about this moment? Will his
death be just another blip in a textbook? Or will it go down in history as when our country turned
toward justice and change?

It’s on each of us to determine that answer.

The charges announced by Attorney General Keith Ellison today are a meaningful step toward
justice for George Floyd.
But we must also recognize that the anguish driving protests around the world is about more
than one tragic incident.

George Floyd’s death is the symptom of a larger disease. We will not wake up one day and have
the disease of systemic racism cured for us. This is on each of us to solve together, and we have
hard work ahead.

We owe that much to George Floyd, and we owe that much to each other.

Kayla Castañeda | Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications
Ste. 130
Cell:

One Minnesota

To: Walz, Tim (GOV)
Cc: #GOV Gov Communications; Procaccini, Karl C (GOV); Schmitter, Chris L (GOV); Nguyen, Hue (GOV); Carlson,
Charlie B (GOV)
Subject: FOR AWARENESS: Governor Walz Activates Minnesota National Guard to Protect the People of Clay County
Governor,

For your awareness, we plan to send this release out shortly. Here is your quote:

“The Minnesota National Guard stands ready to provide protection for all
Minnesotans,” said Governor Walz. “While Minnesotans turn their attention to rebuilding
our communities and reexamining racial inequities in the wake of George Floyd’s death, our
administration is committed to providing protection for our neighborhoods, businesses, and
families in order for those meaningful conversations to happen.”


June 3, 2020
651-402-8841

Governor Walz Activates Minnesota National Guard to Protect the
People of Clay County

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-72, activating the
Minnesota National Guard to provide safety and protection for Clay County and surrounding
areas during demonstrations planned in North Dakota in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

“The Minnesota National Guard stands ready to provide protection for all
Minnesotans,” said Governor Walz. “While Minnesotans turn their attention to rebuilding
our communities and reexamining racial inequities in the wake of George Floyd’s death, our
administration is committed to providing protection for our neighborhoods, businesses, and
families in order for those meaningful conversations to happen.”

Local law enforcement authorities are aware of credible threats of violent activities during
demonstrations planned in North Dakota that could impact nearby Minnesota communities,
and have requested assistance from the Minnesota National Guard to help provide security
and preserve public safety. The National Guard Adjutant General will work with local
government agencies to provide personnel, equipment, and facilities needed to respond as
necessary.

The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is currently activated and has implemented the
Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan. The SEOC will support this mission in addition to its
current support of security operations in other communities and the State’s COVID-19
response.

This Executive Order is effective immediately.

###

To: Walz, Tim (GOV)
Cc: #GOV Gov Communications; Carlson, Charlie B (GOV); Nguyen, Hue (GOV); Schmitter, Chris L (GOV)
Subject: FOR AWARENESS: Governor Walz Extends Nighttime Curfew
Governor,

We plan to send this release announcing the curfew extension early this afternoon. Let us know if you
have any concerns.

Claire

June 3, 2020
651-402-8841

Governor Walz Extends Nighttime Curfew

Curfew will be in place 10pm to 4am Wednesday and Thursday night

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-71 extending the
temporary nighttime Minneapolis and St. Paul curfew through Friday morning to provide safety
for Minnesota residents from individuals who have engaged in unlawful and dangerous activity
in recent days and threatened the security of lawful demonstrators and first responders.

“Minnesotans need more than ever to lean on their neighbors, show up for their
communities, and add their voice to this urgent conversation on addressing our systemic
problems,” said Governor Walz. “Yet they’ve made those sacrifices to stay home through the
curfew to help keep our neighborhoods safe. We’re incredibly grateful that Minnesotans
are working with us so we can focus our conversation and energy on justice for George
Floyd.”

The temporary curfew is extended from 10pm to 4am, beginning tonight, through the morning
of Friday, June 5. During the curfew, no one is allowed to travel on Minneapolis and Saint Paul
streets or public places, except for first responders, members of the media, people going back
and forth to work, individuals seeking emergency care or fleeing danger, and people
experiencing homelessness. Curfews are not limited to Minneapolis and St. Paul. Mayors and
local governments across the state can issue their own curfews as necessary.

All Minnesotans in Minneapolis and Saint Paul are urged to comply, and to comply with
instructions from law enforcement. Peace officers will enforce the curfew and arrest those who
refuse to comply.

The Walz-Flanagan Administration is committed to addressing the systemic inequities and
discrimination that led to this incident and seeking justice.

###

Fwd: Coverage shifts through Sunday am- UPDATED****
From: "Simpson, Amanda (GOV)" <

To: "Walz, Tim (GOV)" < "Flanagan, Peggy (GOV)" <
"Walz, Gwen (GOV)" <
Bcc: 15.20.3045.014
Date: Sat, 30 May 2020 06:31:16 -0500
Chris asked me to share the coverage schedule for protest response through Sunday at 10 am. The individuals listed
below represent each department and are on a text thread to help support our response. Chris and Kristin are
taking shifts throughout the night. Hopefully, other staff are also resting when they are off shift but can be
called up by their team representative. Let me know if have any questions and thank you!
Saturday
2am-6am:
6am-10am:
10am-2pm:
2pm-6pm:
6pm-10pm:
10pm 2am
Sunday
2am-6am:
6am-10am:
If you have any ques ons, please call me and thank you all! A
Amanda Simpson | Chief Opera ng Officer
Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan
75 Rev. Dr. Mar n Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Ste. 130
Office: 651-201-3416 |Cell:
One Minnesota
DISCLAIMER: This e-mail is intended to be read only by the intended recipient. It may contain confiden al and/or
privileged informa on, and may be protected from disclosure by law If you are not the intended recipient, any review,
dissemina on, retransmission, distribu on or copying of this e-mail (or its a achments) is strictly prohibited. If you
received this e mail in error, please no fy the sender immediately and delete this e mail and any a achments
Fwd: FOR APPROVAL: Quotes in 6 p.m. announcements release
From: "Bauer, Emmalynn (GOV)" <

To: "Tschann, Teddy (GOV)" <
Date: Wed, 13 May 2020 17:47:34 -0500
Thanks teddy!!!!
Emmalynn Bauer | Agency Communications Liaison

Ste. 130
Office: 651-201-3455 | Cell: | Fax: 651-797-1850
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Bauer, Emmalynn (GOV)" <

Date: May 13, 2020 at 5:11:00 PM CDT
To: "Walz, Tim (GOV)" <
C "Lancaster, Claire (G "Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV)
( < "Long, Nate (GOV) (
< "Carlson, Charlie B (GOV) (
< "Castaneda, Kayla J (GOV) (
< "Frosch-Taylor, Elizabeth (G
"Tschann, Teddy (GOV) ( < "Drucker, Jeremy (GOV)"
<
Sub ect FOR APPROVAL: Quotes in 6 p.m. announcements release
Hello Governor,
Below, please see your quotes in the press release for the 6 p.m. announcement today. Let me know if you approve or
have edits!
“Minnesotans, thank you for your continued sacrifices,” Governor Walz said. “You have saved
thousands of lives. You successfully pushed out the peak of this virus and bought our state time to get ready to
treat those who fall ill. We know there’s no stopping the storm of COVID-19 from hitting Minnesota, but we have
made great progress to prepare for it.”
“This is not the time for sudden movements,” Governor Walz continued. “We are not flipping a
switch and going back to normal all at once. We are slowly moving a dial and introducing more interaction
between people over time. As we take cautious steps forward, it is more important than ever that we protect
those most at risk, support workers, and all do our part to slow the spread of the virus.”
Full release is pasted below.
Thank you!
Emma
--

May 13, 2020
651 402 8841
Governor Walz Announces Next Phase of COVID-19

Response in Minnesota
Citing progress made to prepare for peak of infection, Walz announced measured,
cautious ‘turning of dial’ toward new normal
With Stay Home order set to expire on May 18, Walz will replace it with an order
continuing to encourage Minnesotans to stay close to home but allowing for gatherings
of friends and family of 10 people or less
Walz also opening retail stores and other main street businesses if they have a social
distancing plan and operate at 50 percent occupancy
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz announced the next phase of the COVID-19 response in
Minnesota. Citing progress made to prepare for peak of infection, the Governor announced a
measured, cautious turning of the dial toward a new normal. With the Stay Home Executive Order set
to expire on May 18, the Governor will replace it with an order continuing to encourage Minnesotans
to stay close to home but allowing for gatherings of friends and family of 10 people or less. The
Governor will also open retail stores and other main street businesses if they have a social distancing
plan and operate at 50 percent occupancy.
“Minnesotans, thank you for your continued sacrifices,” Governor Walz said “You have aved
thousands of lives. You successfully pushed out the peak of this virus and bought our state time to get ready to
treat those who fall ill. We know there’s no stopping the storm of COVID-19 from hitting Minnesota, but we have
made great progre to prepare for it ”
“This is not the time for sudden movements,” Governor Walz continued “We are not flipping a
switch and going back to normal all at once. We are slowly moving a dial and introducing more interaction
between people over time. As we take cautious steps forward, it is more important than ever that we protect
tho e mo t at ri k, upport worker , and all do our part to low the pread of the viru ”
[PINK BLOB PEAK GRAPHIC]
In conjunction with this announcement today, the Governor signed Executive Orders to protect
Minnesotans most at risk from the virus and safeguard workers. The first Executive Order strongly
encourages Minnesotans at greatest risk of serious illness to continue staying home. The second
Executive Order ensures workers can raise concerns regarding the safety of their work environments
without fear of discrimination or retaliation. It also protects workers from loss of income if they refuse
to work under unsafe or unhealthy conditions.
“As we slowly and cautiously move the dial, we are centering Minnesota workers in our
decisions,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “At this moment, worker protections are
paramount. Minnesotans with underlying conditions can and should continue staying home to protect their
health, and those who return to work can and should raise concerns about the health and safety practices of
their workplaces without fear of discrimination or retaliation. That’s how we stay safe together.”
Following the guidance of public health officials, the Governor today announced a preliminary set of
health indicators that could trigger a decision to re-impose restrictions to slow the spread of the virus.
These indicators will be refined over time as we learn more about the virus and the course of the
pandemic in Minnesota. They include the number of COVID-19 tests that can be conducted as well
as the rate of increase in:
Number of new COVID-19 cases
Percent of COVID-19 tests that are positive
Percent of COVID-19 cases for which the source of infection is unknown
“Minnesota is still in the early stages of the COVID 19 pandemic and we will be dealing with its
impacts for many months,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm “We’ve made
encouraging progress on preparedness and on safeguarding our most vulnerable, and that work will continue.
As Governor Walz adjusts the state’s response and guidance to meet current and future needs, we will continue
to track the cour e of the pandemic and apply the many thing we are learning about the viru and it ri k Our
goal is to protect the most vulnerable Minnesotans while also learning how to live with this pandemic until a
vaccine becomes widely available.”
[DIAL graphic]
When the Stay Home MN order ends on May 18, the Governor announced today that he will be
replacing it with a new order that brings back more social interactions. Titled “Stay Safe MN,”
Minnesotans are still asked to stay close to home and limit travel to what is essential. But the order
allows gatherings with friends and family in groups of 10 or less with social distancing. In all cases,
Minnesotans are asked not to gather in large groups. All gatherings are limited to 10 and social
distancing with masks, hand-washing and other safety measures should be followed to protect each
other.
An additional executive order announced today will allow retail stores, malls, and main street
businesses to reopen for in-person shopping as long as they have a COVID-19 Preparedness Plan in
place that incorporates social distancing protocols for workers and customers and limits occupancy to
no more than 50 percent of the establishment’s occupant capacity. The Department of Employment &
Economic Development (DEED) estimates that this action will enable up to 37,000 more workers to
safely return to work over the next several weeks. Additional guidance, including a template plan and
checklist for businesses, is available on DEED’s website at mn.gov/deed/safework.
“Ensuring the health and safety of workers and customers is the top priority as we gradually
reopen our economy and put more people back to work,” said DEED Commissioner Steve
Grove. “We have worked closely with our state’s business community and labor organizations and listened to
Minnesotans across the state about our next steps, and we’re eager to see more businesses expand operations
with the necessary safety protocols in place.”
The Governor also announced today that he is directing his cabinet to assemble similar guidance on
how to safely re-open bars, restaurants, barbershops, and salons beginning June 1. This will coincide
with a significant increase in testing, tracing, and isolating the virus in the state.
The Governor today also extended his peacetime emergency authority until June 12. Extending the
peacetime emergency in Minnesota allows the Governor to keep his toolbox open so he can take
critical, swift action to protect Minnesotans. Being in a peacetime state of emergency has allowed
Minnesota to: enhance protections for veterans in our veterans homes; activate the National Guard to
assist in relief efforts; provide economic relief and stability to those impacted by the pandemic; and
more. The Governor’s letter to state legislative leaders on the peacetime emergency extension is
attached.
###
Emmalynn Bauer | Agency Communications Liaison

Ste. 130
Office: 651-201-3455 |Fax: 651-797-1850
One Minnesota
DISCLAIMER: This e-mail is intended to be read only by the intended recipient. It may contain confidential and/or
privileged information, and may be protected from disclosure by law. If you are not the intended recipient, any review,
dissemination, retransmission, distribution or copying of this e-mail (or its attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you
received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this e-mail and any attachments.
From: Procaccini, Karl C (GOV)
To: Lancaster, Claire (GOV); Walz, Tim (GOV); Flanagan, Peggy (GOV)
Cc: #GOV Gov Communications; Carlson, Charlie B (GOV); Leininger, Sophie (GOV); Nguyen, Hue (GOV); Schmitter,
Chris L (GOV)
Subject: RE: FOR APPROVAL: Governor Walz Signs Executive Order Activating National Guard to Protect the People of
Minneapolis
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:27:58 PM
Attachments: EO 20-64, Peacetime Emergency Civil Unrest City of Mpls May 28 2020 (FINAL).docx
image001.png

For your approval, attached is the is the near-final EO (we are proofreading it now).
Karl
Karl C. Procaccini | General Counsel & Deputy Chief of Staff
Ste. 130
Office: (651) 201-3411 | Cell:
One Minnesota
Web | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
From: Lancaster, Claire (GOV) <
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2020 3:03 PM
To: Walz, Tim (GOV) < Flanagan, Peggy (GOV)
<
Cc: #GOV_Gov Communications < Carlson, Charlie B (GOV)
< Leininger, Sophie (GOV) < Nguyen,
Hue (GOV) < Schmitter, Chris L (GOV) <
Procaccini, Karl C (GOV) <
Subject: FOR APPROVAL: Governor Walz Signs Executive Order Activating National Guard to Protect
the People of Minneapolis
Let us know if you have revisions to this release. Here are your quotes:
“It is time to rebuild. Rebuild the city, rebuild our justice system, and rebuild the
relationship between law enforcement and those they’re charged to protect. George Floyd’s
death should lead to justice and systemic change, not more death and destruction. As
George Floyd’s family has said, ‘Floyd would not want people to get hurt. He lived his life
protecting people.’ Let’s come together to rebuild, remember, and seek justice for George
Floyd,” said Governor Walz.
“The anger and grief of this moment is unbearable. People deserve to be seen. People
deserve to be heard. People deserve to be safe,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.
“While many Minnesotans are taking extensive safety precautions while exercising their
we express pain, process tragedy, and create change. That is why I am answering Mayor
Frey’s request for Minnesota National Guard assistance to protect peaceful demonstrators,
neighbors, and small businesses in Minneapolis.”
The National Guard Adjutant General will work with local government agencies to provide
personnel, equipment, and facilities needed to respond to and recover from this emergency.
Additionally, at the request of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), the Minnesota State
Patrol will assist in public safety efforts for the next several days. Approximately 200 troopers
will work with state, county, and local community and public safety partners. State Patrol
helicopters and fixed wind aircraft will also be available to assist law enforcement officers on
the ground.
This Executive Order also declares a peacetime emergency, which activates the State
Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to help coordinate the state’s response. As the SEOC is
already activated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will concurrently support the COVID-19
response and the City of Minneapolis and surrounding communities during this situation.
The Walz-Flanagan Administration has pledged to examine the systemic inequities and
discrimination that led to this incident and to seek justice.
###
To: Walz, Tim (GOV)
Cc: Schmitter, Chris L (GOV); Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV); Tschann, Teddy (GOV); Flanagan, Peggy (GOV)
Subject: Anticipated Q and A
Date: Monday, March 23, 2020 12:02:00 PM
Will you be tested?

At this time, I do not have any symptoms, so I will not be seeking a test.

Don’t you think you should get tested just to be sure?
Medical professionals recommend that you wait until you demonstrate symptoms.
Testing before there are symptoms often fails to detect it, even if the virus is in your system.

Where has the Lieutenant Governor been recently? Does she also have to self-quarantine?
At this time, I’m the only person in our office who is being directed to self-quarantine.
Out of an abundance of caution, my office will begin working remotely.
The Lieutenant Governor has been working from home as much as possible, and we have
been practicing social distancing when she has been in the office.

Are others in your office also needing to self-quarantine?

How long will your staff be working from home?
Many have started working remotely already, but the office will be officially working remotely
tomorrow.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that individuals who have a known contact with
COVID-19 self-quarantine for 14 days as a precautionary measure to avoid accidentally
spreading the virus.
The Minnesota Department of Health recently recommended that all Minnesotans work
remotely when possible.
Are you still holding on shelter in place?
We remain in close conversations with public health decisions to determine what steps we
should take and when.
When will you have modeling available?
Modeling remains in development for the state of Minnesota.
What is being done to increase access to personal protective equipment?
We’ve taken action to increase access to personal protective equipment.
On Saturday, I signed an Executive Order activating the National Guard to transport personal
protective equipment (PPE) in storage at Camp Ripley to the Minnesota Department of Health
warehouse in Saint Paul and also assist with planning and coordination of PPE supply delivery
through the State Emergency Operations Center.

Evening Update - Friday, March 20, 2020
From: "Hormann, Madeline L (GOV)" <

To: "Walz, Tim (GOV)" < "Flanagan, Peggy (GOV)"
< "Walz, Gwen (GOV)" <
Cc: #GOV_Gov_Evening_Update < "Rumicho, Kaleb (GOV)"
< "Nelson, Madelyn (GOV)" <
Date: Fri, 20 Mar 2020 19:59:43 -0500
Attachments: 2020_03_20_Gazelka Benson Letter.pdf (244.8 kB)
1. MDH – Responded to inquiries from mul ple media outlets including MinnPost, Forum, WCCO, and KSTP. Topics
included a general update, tes ng, and priority popula on.
2. DHS – Provided the Minnesota Capitol Press Corps and mul ple social services reporters with Commissioner Jodi
Harpstead’s statement on Governor Walz’s Execu ve Orders concerning DHS announced at today’s news
conference.
3. DEED – Responded to inquiries from the Pioneer Press, Strib, WCCO, MinnPost, KARE, AP, Forum, KSTP, and Fox 9
about the most recent UI numbers. Commissioner Grove will be on At Issue tomorrow morning.

Senator Gazelka and Senator Benson
Senator Gazelka and Senator Benson sent the a ached le er to the Governor today. If a shelter in place direc ve
is given, they are asking to exempt the therapy and health technology industries. They included specific
exemp on language from Medical Alley.
Senator Dziedzic
Senator Dziedzic contacted our office asking for us to consider revising our Execu ve Order closing bars and
restaurants, to include a li on the off-sale restric ons (i.e. growler caps) for breweries and dis lleries.
Tax Committee
Today Commissioner Bauerly spoke to Tax Commi ee Chairs and Ranking Members, Chair Marquart, Senator
Rest, Chair Chamberlain, and Representa ve Davids prior to the Governor’s Press Conference regarding the 90-
day tax payment grace period.
Federal Update
CARES Act
The United States Senate introduced S. 3548 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. It
contains a number of small business relief provisions and some small provisions related to Rapid Response and
Unemployment Insurance.
Coronavirus Response Bill
Senate Majority Leader McConnell unveiled his coronavirus response bill, the third such legisla ve package to
address the pandemic. His approximately $1 trillion bill includes payments of approximately $1200 per person,
phasing out at higher incomes.
Tax Filing Deadline
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced Friday that the administra on has moved the IRS deadline for
filing taxes from April 15 to July 15.
Travel Agreement
The US, Canadian, and Mexican government announced the suspension of all nonessen al travel at the U.S.-
Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders.
Blue Ribbon Council on Information Technology
The BRC-IT held its first virtual mee ng on Friday, March 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. In the abbreviated
mee ng, members reviewed recommenda ons from the Council’s previous reports and discussed the approach
to accomplishing their work leading up to the final June report.
Madeline Hormann | Legisla ve Coordinator
Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan
75 Rev Dr Mar n Luther King Jr Blvd
Ste. 130
Saint Paul, MN 55155 1611
Office: 651-201-3427 |Fax: 651-797-1850
One Minnesota
DISCLAIMER: This e-mail is intended to be read only by the intended recipient. It may contain confiden al and/or
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March 20, 2020
Honorable Governor Tim Walz

Senate
Office of the Governor
130 State Capitol
State of Minnesota
75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Dear Honorable Governor,
Thank you for the work you and your office are doing dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. It is important
the executive and legislative branches function together to respond to the needs of all Minnesotans during
this unprecedented time.
Additionally, it is imperative we be as proactive as possible while making decisions that will affect
millions of lives. We want to inform you of a potential impending concern that we have heard from our
health care industry. Other regions of the country are considering or have implemented shelter in place
directives to citizens to try and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
At the present time, shelter in place directives have been issued only by a few places in the United States.
However, given the rapid changes happening as a result of the continuing spread of COVID-19, we must
advise your office if action is eventually taken.
If a shelter in place directive is given, we must exempt the vital therapy and health technology industries
that are crucial infrastructure to combat COVID-19 and other health challenges. Medical Alley has
provided us the following exemption language that could be used in a potential shelter in place directive:
For purposes of this Order, individuals may leave their residence to work for or obtain services at any
“Healthcare Operations” including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, companies and institutions
involved in the research and development, manufacture, distribution, warehousing, and supplying of
pharmaceuticals, biotechnology therapies, consumer health products, and medical devices, diagnostics,
equipment, services and any other healthcare related supplies or services . This shall be broadly
construed to include all other activities, supplies, and services required to maintain supply chain
operations without disruption. “Healthcare Operations” does not include fitness and exercise gyms and
similar facilities.
We want to make it clear we are not advocating for a shelter in place order to be implemented in
Minnesota at this time. Nonetheless, we want to be proactive in ensuring the businesses and workers, that
make Minnesota a health care beacon globally, can continue their important work.
Our offices are ready to be a partner and assist in whatever manner possible.
Sincerely,
Senator Michelle Benson Senator Paul Gazelka

Senate Chair of Health & Human Services Senate Majority Leader
Cc: Bailey, Erin K (MMB); Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV); Bergman, Sasha (GOV); Carlson, Charlie B (GOV); Castaneda,
Kayla J (GOV); Held, Jessi (GOV); Kane, Celina (GOV); Leininger, Sophie (GOV); Long, Nate (GOV); Loyola,
Migdalia (GOV); Nguyen, Hue (GOV); Quinn, Hannah M (GOV); Schmitter, Chris L (GOV); Sidley, Jane (GOV);
Simpson, Amanda (GOV); Tanis, Patrick (GOV); Taylor, Chris (GOV); Bauer, Emmalynn (GOV); Drucker, Jeremy
(GOV); Lamers, Kate R (GOV); Lancaster, Claire (GOV); Tschann, Teddy (GOV); Wallington, Brooke (GOV);
Lefholz, Emily (GOV); Rumicho, Kaleb (GOV); Nelson, Madelyn (GOV)
Subject: Evening Update - Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 8:17:01 PM
Attachments: 2020 03 25 Agency Public Engagement Overview.pdf

1. MDH – Responded to inquiries from multiple media outlets including KARE, Strib, Pioneer
Press, Fox 9, KSTP, MPR, TPT, and MinnPost. Topics included emergency health care funding,
rural hospitals, test results, modeling, setting up alternative care facilities, and ICU beds.

2. DHS – Told Catharine Richert, MPR, that the work of PCAs is critical to the lives of thousands
of older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing mental illness in
communities across the state. Right now, PCAs are facing the same challenges as other direct
care workers to protect the health and safety of their clients. DHS is having ongoing
conversations with their PCA partners and reviewing what DHS can do to provide flexibility
during the COVID-19 pandemic. Richert expects her story to run tonight or tomorrow.
Additionally, in response to his question about whether DHS has seen a spike in public health
care program enrollments as a result of COVID-19-related job losses, DHS told Chris Snowbeck
that the agency experiences substantial eligibility and enrollment churn in DHS programs in
normal times. Typically, about 24,000 Medical Assistance enrollees start or end coverage each
month. DHS noted that it is too soon to compare March eligibility numbers with projected
enrollment.

3. MNsure – Dane Mizutani, Pioneer Press, and Chris Snowbeck, Strib, inquired about Special
Enrollment Periond/Pre-SEP sign-up metrics. MNsure’s provided data on the number of sing
ups, applications, and calls.

Top Legislature & Policy Issues

Minnesota Asian Pacific Caucus
The MAP Caucus and Representative Hornstein hosted a conference call with legislators and
community groups about COVID-related racism in the Asian Pacific Islander Community.
MDHR and Governor’s Office staff participated in the call.

Charter’s COVID-19 Response
Today, Charter announced they are expanding their 60-day free internet offering to also
include teachers, in addition to the students previously announced. Charter will offer free
broadband, including in-home Wi-Fi, to new subscriber households with K-12 and/or college
students, as well as teachers, for 60 days. Additionally, Charter opened its Wi-Fi hotspots for
public use.

Weekly Public Engagement Report
This week’s public engagement report is from Wednesday, March 18 - Tuesday, March 24.

Coronavirus Constituent Correspondence Issues
Tallies We received a total of 10,911 constituent contacts
from phones, e-mails, and internet mail.
In the last week, the most Close daycares/preschool
common themes were: Close libraries
Close all businesses
Close non-essential businesses
Close bars and restaurants
Close all schools for employees
Close salons, barbershops, and hair salons
Allow teachers to work remotely
Provide childcare disaster relief
Clarification on what EO means i.e. hair salons,
tanning salons, craft shops, school closures
Unemployment problems
Suspend rent, mortgage, utility payments
Thank you!
Declare state disaster relief for business
Bus drivers and teachers should go home
Shelter in place
Declare statewide lockdown
Limit quantity of essential items people can buy
Unemployment problems
Resources for small business
Worried about our healthcare settings
Campaign: Moratorium on all evictions, re-open
enrollment for MNsure, increase unemployment
benefits, including gig, tipped and others, to 100%
of lost wages with a minimum of $600 per week
($15/hr), and cancel the construction of Line 3.

Proclamations
Date Topic
March 18 Transit Driver Appreciation Day
March 18 Small Business Development Centers Day
March 21 Census Pow Wow Day
March 23-29 Gastroenterology Nurses and Associate Week

Highlights
March 18 – PE staff worked with Communications staff and MN Dept. of Human Rights on
social messaging around discrimination and racism issues around COVID-19. There were
almost 900 retweets and almost 4,000 likes from Governor’s and Lt. Governor’s tweet. PE
staff will continue to work with community to address concerns.

March 18 – PE staff and DCOS worked with the Hmong legislators, Hmong 18 Clan Council,
Mayor Carter’s Office, City of Minneapolis, Attorney General Keith Ellison, MDH, and the
community to address the concerns on Hmong funerals and COVID-19. A meeting with
Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan was arranged with Hmong 18 Clan President to
provide recommendations on how to proceed with Hmong funerals. Funerals is a time to
mourn with close contact, the host cooking and serving food to over 300 plus guests over the
span of three days. PE and General Counsel team worked along with the community and DPS
to make sure everyone understood the Executive Order 20-04 on not serving food in public
accommodations and the penalty.

March 20 – PE staff participated in video conference with Latino community leaders convened
by the City of Minneapolis Mayor Frey, City Council member Cano, and Representative Gomez
also attended. The group of Latino community leader who convened agreed to meet weekly
to answer questions from community members and present resources available for the Latino
community.

March 24 – PE staff participated in web conference Update for Muslim Community leaders.
MDH gave an overview of COVID-19 globally and locally. DEED gave updates on
unemployment, support for small business and independent contractors. DHS addressed
access issues in counties for maintaining benefits and continuing to provide benefits during
the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attached is a document outlining public engagement events agencies are involved in related to
COVID-19.

--
Ste. 130
Office: 651-201-3427 |Fax: 651-797-1850

One Minnesota


Tribal-State Relations Highlights
• Two Tribal Liaisons (TLs) meetings. Purpose – Introductions of Patina & Mattie with TLs. Explanation of new
roles in relation to the COVID response with the Tribes. TLs described some of their work and roles and
upcoming projects. Ideas shared to improve flow of communication in responding to COVD-19.
• Tribal Leadership Conference Call with LG & Federal delegates (Daily since March 17th). Purpose – Respond to
issues with Executive Orders identified by Tribal Leaders and funding opportunities to fill gaps. Representatives
from both Senator Smith’s and Representative McCollum’s offices regularly attend the calls.
• Meeting with Federal delegates. Purpose – Connect on the impact of COVID-19 and Native Communities. Shared
information on what Tribes are experiencing in MN related to the COVID pandemic and the activities at the
Federal level around funding opportunities. Continues to meet biweekly.
• Facilitated meeting with Tribal Attorneys for Executive Order 20-20. Purpose – Executive Order 20-04 did not
mention the Tribal Nations and there were numerous questions sent by Tribal Leaders on whether the Governor
intended for the order to apply to the Tribal Nations. Suggestion was made by team to include language in the
future Executive Orders on whether it would apply to the Tribes or not. Fairly complex jurisdictional issues are
present during the issuing of a Stay-at-Home Order and so a meeting was facilitated by our team and held
between the Tribal Attorneys and the General Counsel for the Governor on two occasions.
• The Tribal-State Relations team attended numerous meetings related to the COVID response, including, but not
limited to: Daily Homeless Response Core Team meetings, Daily COVID-19 Briefings, MDH Tribal Health Directors
and SEOC Daily Briefings.
• Provided numerous resources to the Tribal Leaders from the CDC, IHS, AIHC, and others.
Agency Public Engagement Highlights

DNR
March 18 – Public engagement on DNR issues and projects is a top priority. As such, the DNR is exploring a range of
digital options to support public meetings and other critical engagement opportunities. Minnesotans are encouraged to
check the DNR’s website, DNR social media channels, the DNR’s Information Center, and email updates from the agency.
State parks, recreation areas, campgrounds, and other public lands remain open to the public for people to enjoy.
The DNR is encouraging the public to use social distancing options for doing business with the agency, such as buying or
renewing licenses online, calling rather than stopping by your local DNR office, using online or telephone reservation
systems, and using email or phone to request information from the DNR’s Information Center.
The DNR has adopted Minnesota Department of Health’s social distancing guidelines.
Postponed events:
Here are events that are postponed at this time:
• All safety education training, including firearms safety training.
• Deer open houses.
• Elk input meetings in northwest Minnesota.
MDA
March 19 – The Food Safety Defense Taskforce have been working on fact sheets regarding COVID-19. The Taskforce has
been getting out information about being safe, and updates that are happening in real-time. We have been having
briefings with the Food Safety Defense Taskforce to hear from Industry leaders as to what they are doing for their
companies, more importantly we discuss any ideas of how to keep the food supply safe for all Minnesotans. FYI these
documents are also available on the MDA website Food Safety Information and Resources Page. This page will be
updated frequently in the days to come as new resources are made available.
MDH
A group that is working on Community Engagement for Cultural and Faith Communities is meeting twice a week to plan
and advance efforts to reach cultural and faith communities.
This week the group identified a new team lead for Latinx communities and established a contract team. The group is
also now filling out each work team.
Please see below some issues of concern that have arisen. MDH is following up on these concerns to the extent
possible:
• MDH is working to keep up with speaking requests
• There is a concern how to get information to migrant workers –
o Staff will seek out those who may have connections with migrant workers
o MDH would like to reach out to the unions that represent people working in the meat processing plants
• A related concern: the challenge of reaching immigrant communities in rural areas
• We have heard that there are supervisors that will not give people time off work unless they are officially
diagnosed with COVID-19. Given that there is a limit to testing, this means that people are working when sick.
• Developing communications specifically for youth.
A number of these concerns bridge the roles of other state agencies. Connections were made with:
• Department of Agriculture re: migrant workers;
• Department of Labor and Industry re: connections with unions and guidance for employers that may be denying
time off for illness;
• Department of Human Services related to getting information to elders from various cultural communities.
This group is pro-actively reaching out to a wide range of communities and bringing any issues into the Emergency
Response Operating committee
MDHR
March 18 – The office has been fielding calls from people with claims of discrimination. Topics of the calls include people
requesting reasonable accommodations in the workplace because they are at high-risk when it comes to COVID-19 and
individuals from the API community feeling discrimination when accessing public accommodations (i.e. restaurants,
grocery stores).
Ongoing – MDHR is working with Minnesota Housing and Health to develop a one-pager/know your rights for housing
during COVID. MDHR is working with MHFA and MDH to create a document that includes the anti-discrimination
protections people have under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
OHE
March 23 – Attended Representative Ilhan Omar’s Virtual Town Hall via Facebook Live regarding COVID-19.
March 26 – MNclusive WebEx to discuss State of Minnesota participation in Twin Cities Pride Parade and other
initiatives that have been impacted by COVID-19.
From: Long, Nate (GOV)
To: Walz, Tim (GOV)
Cc: Carlson, Charlie B (GOV); Tschann, Teddy (GOV); Castaneda, Kayla J (GOV); Frosch-Taylor, Elizabeth (GOV);
Bauer, Emmalynn (GOV); Held, Jessi (GOV)
Subject: Event Summary: 2pm Press Call
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2020 11:59:29 AM
Attachments: GOV Presser 3.24.2020 FINAL.pdf
Governor,

Attached are the background materials for the 2pm Press Call with MDH. The comms team will
review with you at 1pm during prep.

Nate

Nate Long | Scheduler for the Governor
Ste. 130
Office: 651-201-3460 | Fax: 651-797-1850

One Minnesota

DISCLAIMER: This e-mail is intended to be read only by the intended recipient. It may contain confidential and/or privileged
information, and may be protected from disclosure by law. If you are not the intended recipient, any review, dissemination,
retransmission, distribution or copying of this e-mail (or its attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you received this e-mail in
error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this e-mail and any attachments.

Event Summary
To: Governor Tim Walz
From: Emma Bauer
Title: COVID-19 Daily Updates
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Event time: 2 p.m.
Call-in: Leader Toll-Free Dial-In Number:

888-543-7066
Conference ID
#of attendees: 5 speakers; ~100 members of the press calling in.
Event Purpose: The daily COVID-19 update for members of the press.
Staff: Emma Bauer,

Teddy Tschann,
DETAILS
This is your daily COVID-19 update call with members of the press. You will run through high
level updates. Then you’ll pass the presentation over to Commissioner Malcolm, Joe Kelly,
Commissioner Grove, and Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller.
Mike Schommer at MDH will largely run this call. This is a hosted call, so the host company will
filter each member of the press and only one line will be open for questions.
SPEAKING ORDER
Governor
Commissioner Malcolm
Joe Kelly
Commissioner Steve Grove
Deputy Commissioner Heather Mueller
Governor
1
3/24/2020 11:39 AM
AGENDA / PROGRAM
2:00PM Mike Schommer with MDH will begin the press call and will give a run-down of
call logistics
2:02PM YOU begin press call with welcome remarks and updates (10 minutes)
2:12PM Commissioner Malcolm provides MDH updates (5 minutes)
2:17PM Joe Kelly provides SEOC updates (5 minutes)
2:22PM Commissioner Grove provides DEED updates (3 minutes)
2:25PM Deputy Commissioner Mueller provides MDE updates (3 minutes)
2:28PM YOU take questions from the press via the call host
2:48PM Mike Schommer will announce that there is time for one more question. You will
take one more, and then Mike will say, “Governor, is there anything else you’d
like to add today?” This will prompt you to conclude the call.
2:50PM YOU close the call with a brief positive story
2:58PM Mike Schommer closes the call
PRESS
Press will be advised by the communications team.
2
3/24/2020 11:39 AM
TALKING POINTS
DAILY UPDATES
• Good afternoon. I’m reporting to you all on my second day of
quarantine.
• I’m still feeling healthy and not showing any symptoms. But
I’m following the advice of experts and staying home.
• Today, we are announcing there are a total of 262 confirmed

cases in Minnesota.
• I want to take the opportunity today to remind Minnesotans of

some of the benefits and programs that are available to them
as we continue to navigate this pandemic.
• Unemployment insurance
o Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic required us to make

tough decisions, and we know that many families will be
impacted by these closings. That’s why we are making it
easier for employees who are unable to work as a result of
COVID-19 to receive unemployment benefits quickly and
continue to support themselves and their families
o We understand the hardships these closings place on

Minnesota’s workforce, and that’s why we’re focused on
supporting workers and businesses who may have to
temporarily close their doors
3
3/24/2020 11:39 AM
o We’ve strengthened the state’s unemployment insurance
program to expedite an increase in applicants looking for
support, and we’ll stand by employers who may need new
resources in this evolving economic climate
• We also recently announced that small businesses in

Minnesota are now eligible to apply for disaster assistance
through the Small Business Administration (SBA) for economic
injury during the COVID-19 pandemic.
o Small businesses across Minnesota are putting the health of

their neighbors before their bottom line. This assistance will
help our state’s businesses recover from the economic
hardship caused by COVID-19.
• MNsure open enrollment
o We want to make sure everyone has health insurance

through this pandemic. Please, if you don’t have coverage,
sign up on MNsure anytime before April 21 at
www.mnsure.org.
o If you need help, please reach out. MNsure has a statewide

network of expert assisters who can help Minnesotans apply
and enroll, free of charge.
• Minnesotans filing their annual Minnesota Individual Income

Tax return for tax year 2019 now have until Wednesday, July
15, 2020, to file and make their payments without any
penalties or interest.
4
3/24/2020 11:39 AM
• Yesterday, I signed Executive Order 20-14 to suspend
eviction proceedings during the COVID-19 peacetime
emergency.
o Loss of housing is catastrophic at any time, and during the

COVID-19 pandemic, this loss endangers the health and
well-being of all Minnesotans. While this order clarifies that
tenants who can continue to pay rent during the peacetime
emergency should continue to do so, landlords and financial
institutions cannot begin eviction proceedings that would
remove tenants from stable housing.
• Lots of people have been asking how they can help others
during this crisis.
o Two of the most important are donating blood and

contributing to your local food shelves.
o During hard times, Minnesotans pull together. I know we

can do this.
• Thanking Essential Workers
o I can’t recognize often enough the hard working

Minnesotans who – even in the midst of a global pandemic –
are keeping our communities operating, and our families
safe.
o Many of them are your friends, your neighbors, your family:
5
3/24/2020 11:39 AM
o Health care workers who are working tirelessly to care for
Minnesotans
o Child care providers who educate and care for our babies
and children, while their parents are on the frontlines of this
crisis
o Truck drivers, grocers, delivery services, and energy and

utility operators who ensure our basic needs are met
o That’s just naming a few…there are so many more people,

who are helping out during this challenging time.
o We’re all adjusting to this new rhythm of life – but we owe a

big thanks to the Minnesotans who are on the frontlines
keeping our state moving.
o Let’s all thank them more often in the days and weeks
ahead.
• I’ll turn it over to Commissioner Malcolm for some additional

updates from the Minnesota Department of Health.
POSITIVE STORY
• Thank you all for joining the call today and for helping spread the
word about this pandemic.
• And to Minnesotans listening in, I want to thank you for your

partnership. I’m going to keep saying it: Together, we will get
through this.
6
3/24/2020 11:39 AM
• When I look around the state, I see Minnesotans of all sorts
stepping up to help each other.
• I just heard about the University of Minnesota Medical School

students who have formed “MN CovidSitters.”
• They are providing health care workers in the state with the some
of the things they need most now, ranging from child or pet care
to grocery and pharmacy runs.
• There are hundreds of U of M students who have joined the group

to help out.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has nothing on the spirit of Minnesotans,

and it’s stories like these that prove that.
• Thank you.
7
3/24/2020 11:39 AM
From: Wallington, Brooke (GOV)
To: Walz, Tim (GOV); Peggy
Cc: #GOV Gov Communications; Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV); Nguyen, Hue (GOV); Schmitter, Chris L (GOV); Carlson,
Charlie B (GOV); Leininger, Sophie (GOV)
Subject: FOR APPROVAL: Governor Walz Issues Stay at Home Order for Minnesotans
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 12:57:00 PM

Below is a press release announcing today’s stay at home order. Please let me know if you approve or
have any edits. Thanks!

A close up of a logo
Description automatically generated

March 25, 2020
651-402-8841

Governor Walz Issues Stay at Home Order for

Minnesotans

Executive order directs Minnesotans to limit movement to slow the spread

of COVID-19

[ST. PAUL, MN] – To slow the spread of COVID-19 across the state, Governor Tim Walz today
signed Executive Order 20-20 directing Minnesotans to stay at home and limit movements outside
of their home beyond essential needs. This order takes effect at 11:59pm on Friday, March 27 and
ends at 5:00pm on Friday, April 10.
“We must take bold action to save the lives of Minnesotans,” said Governor Walz. “Having
served as a Command Sergeant Major in the Army National Guard, I know the importance
of having a plan. While the virus will still be here when this order ends, this two-week period
will give Minnesota time to ready for battle.”

Modeling released today by the Minnesota Department of Health and University of Minnesota
predicts that more than 70,000 Minnesotans could die from COVID-19 if we take no action. The
Governor’s two-week order to stay home is forecasted to significantly slow the spread of COVID-
19 and allow the state time to make key preparations for the pandemic. These preparations include
building hospital capacity, increasing access to life-saving equipment like ventilators, increasing
testing, planning for how to care for vulnerable populations, and assessing public health data to
determine which community mitigation strategies are most effective.
“We will work with our world-renowned health care sector, cutting-edge manufacturers,
innovative business community, and strong-spirited Minnesotans across the state to tackle
this virus head on,” Governor Walz continued. “These are trying times. But we are
Minnesotans. We see challenges—and we tackle them. No matter how daunting the
challenge; no matter how dark the times; Minnesota has always risen up—by coming
together. If we unite as One Minnesota, we will save lives.”
Minnesotans may leave their residences only to perform any of the following activities, and while
doing so, they should practice social distancing:
· Health and safety activities, such as obtaining emergency services or medical supplies
· Outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, running, biking, hunting, or fishing
· Necessary Supplies and Services, such as getting groceries, gasoline, or carry-out
· Essential and interstate travel, such as returning to a home from outside this state
· Care of others, such as caring for a family member, friend, or pet in another household
· Displacement, such as moving between emergency shelters if you are without a home
· Relocation to ensure safety, such as relocating to a different location if your home has
been unsafe due to domestic violence, sanitation, or essential operations reasons
· Tribal activities and lands, such as activities by members within the boundaries of their
tribal reservation

“Our top priority is the health and safety of Minnesotans,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy
Flanagan. “As the mom of a first-grader, I know that the coming weeks will be difficult for
many Minnesota families, but social distancing is the most important action we can take as a
community to limit the spread of COVID-19.”
“Public health and health care workers around the state are working incredibly hard to protect
Minnesotans from this outbreak, and we need all Minnesotans to do their part to slow the
spread,” Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said. “These new
measures will buy us much-needed time to secure additional resources and line up additional
protections for our most vulnerable Minnesotans.”

Workers who work in critical sectors during this time are exempt from the stay at home order.
These exemptions are based on federal guidance from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency (CISA) at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with some Minnesota-
specific additions. This includes, but is not limited to, jobs in:
Healthcare and public health;

Law enforcement, public safety, and first responders;
Emergency shelters, congregate living facilities, drop-in centers;
Child care;
Food and agriculture;
News media;
Energy;
Water and wastewater; and
Critical manufacturing.

The Governor also today issued executive orders extending the closure of bars, restaurants, and
other public accommodations set forth in Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08 until May 1, 2020 at
5:00 pm and authorizing the Commissioner of Education to implement a Distance Learning Period
for Minnesota’s students beginning on March 30 through May 4, 2020.
###

From: Swint, Zachariah D. EOP/WHO
To: Walz, Tim (GOV); Schmitter, Chris L (GOV); Bergman, Sasha (GOV); Kelly, Joseph (DPS); Pizzuti, Sandy (MDH)
Cc: Hoelscher, Douglas L. EOP/WHO; Pottebaum, Nic D. EOP/WHO
Subject: Important Role of FEMA in COVID-19 Preparedness, Response, & Mitigation
Date: Sunday, March 22, 2020 12:40:50 PM
FEMA Regional Administrators Contact Information.pdf
This message may be from an external email source.

Do not select links or open attachments unless verified. Report all suspicious emails to Minnesota IT Services Security
Operations Center.
Governor and Senior Staff,
Thank you for all of your hard work and partnership regarding the All-of-America
effort to respond to, prepare for, and mitigate the effects of COVID-19. I wanted to
follow-up on a few things from Thursday’s briefing between the President, Vice
President, and Governors.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated the

National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) 24/7, and they are
engaging 50+ teams to deploy across the U.S. to activate their emergency
operations centers and address the threat of COVID-19. FEMA regional
directors have been actively working the phones.

· Action Request: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated the
National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) 24/7 and is now the lead agency to
make formal Federal requests. Your State’s strong leadership is needed to provide
effective emergency management that is: (1) Locally-executed, (2) State-managed, and
(3) Federally-supported.
o Local leaders are the “boots on the ground” and are best suited to quickly
identify innovative solutions for the majority of issues.
o State officials are best situated to help coordinate these solutions both across
the state and with the Federal government.
o The Federal government helps scale best practices, coordinates key priorities, and
provides regulatory flexibilities and key resources to support these solutions.

· What This Means: All requests to the Federal government must be formally
communicated by your State emergency manager to your FEMA Regional
Administrator. This is the same process as natural disasters (e.g., hurricane recovery,
flood recovery, tornado recovery, etc.). Reminding your team that if they are not
utilizing the connectivity between the state operations center and the FEMA team, they
aren’t doing right – the good news most folks are now utilizing this path and with your
help, we can all ensure effective processes elevate key priorities and questions. In
particular, please ensure good connectivity between your state public health director
and your state emergency manager.

· Contact Information: Contact information for your FEMA Regional Administrator is
attached – we imagine your emergency manager has them on speed dial.

· Testing: If you have not yet connected with the representatives from Roche, Thermo
Fisher, and other private sector testing platforms, I would encourage you to do so as
that is where the high-speed testing solution is moving forward.

Sound emergency management discipline will allow all of us to have unity of effort
and have a real-time understanding of all the key resources in each community and
across each State.
Thanks,
White House Office Intergovernmental Affairs
Sent on behalf of:
Douglas L. Hoelscher
Deputy Assistant to the President & Director
White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
O: 202-456-4247| C: 202-881-8950 | E: Douglas.L.Hoelscher@who.eop.gov
and

Nicholas D. Pottebaum
Special Assistant to the President & Deputy Director
White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs
O: 202-456-2132 | C: 202-881-7803| E: Nicholas.D.Pottebaum@who.eop.gov
15 Days to Slow the Spread

To: Walz, Tim (GOV)
Cc: Tschann, Teddy (GOV); Flanagan, Peggy (GOV)
Subject: RE: Anticipated Q and A
Date: Monday, March 23, 2020 12:08:00 PM
2:00PM Mike Schommer with MDH will begin the press call and will give a run-down of call logistics
2:02PM Governor begins press call with welcome remarks and updates (10 minutes)
2:12PM Commissioner Malcolm provides MDH updates (5 minutes)
2:17PM Joe Kelly provides SEOC updates (5 minutes)
2:22PM Commissioner Grove provides DEED updates (3 minutes)
2:25PM Deputy Commissioner Mueller provides MDE updates (3 minutes)
2:28PM Governor takes questions from the press via the call host
2:50PM Governor closes the call with a brief positive story
2:58PM Mike Schommer closes the call


Sent: Monday, March 23, 2020 12:03 PM
To: Walz, Tim (GOV) <
Cc: Schmitter, Chris L (GOV) < Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV)
< Tschann, Teddy (GOV) < Flanagan,
Peggy (GOV) <
Subject: Anticipated Q and A

Will you be tested?
At this time, I do not have any symptoms, so I will not be seeking a test.

Don’t you think you should get tested just to be sure?
Medical professionals recommend that you wait until you demonstrate symptoms.
Testing before there are symptoms often fails to detect it, even if the virus is in your system.

Where has the Lieutenant Governor been recently? Does she also have to self-quarantine?
The Lieutenant Governor has been working from home as much as possible, and we have
been practicing social distancing when she has been in the office.

Are others in your office also needing to self-quarantine?

How long will your staff be working from home?
Many have started working remotely already, but the office will be officially working remotely
tomorrow.
The Center for Disease Control recommends that individuals who have a known contact with
COVID-19 self-quarantine for 14 days as a precautionary measure to avoid accidentally
spreading the virus.
The Minnesota Department of Health recently recommended that all Minnesotans work
remotely when possible.
Are you still holding on shelter in place?
We remain in close conversations with public health decisions to determine what steps we
should take and when.
When will you have modeling available?
Modeling remains in development for the state of Minnesota.
What is being done to increase access to personal protective equipment?
We’ve taken action to increase access to personal protective equipment.
On Saturday, I signed an Executive Order activating the National Guard to transport personal
protective equipment (PPE) in storage at Camp Ripley to the Minnesota Department of Health
warehouse in Saint Paul and also assist with planning and coordination of PPE supply delivery
through the State Emergency Operations Center.

From: Sidley, Jane ( (GOV)
To: Walz, Tim (GOV); Flanagan, Peggy ( (GOV); Walz, Gwen (GOV)
Cc: Long, Nate (he/his) (GOV); Carlson, Charlie ( B (GOV); Leininger, Sophie ( (GOV)
Subject: 4/7 MATERIALS: Daily COVID-19 Materials
Date: Wednesday, April 7, 2021 7:44:27 AM
Attachments: 1. MDH Response NFD.pdf
1.1 InternalVax DailyReport.pdf
1.5 dial back summary.pdf
2. SEOC Brief.pdf
Good morning Governor, Lt. Governor and First Lady,

Attached are the daily COVID-19 materials for today.

Have a great day,
Jane

Jane Sidley | Lieutenant Governor Scheduler
Ste. 130
Office: 651-201-3421

One Minnesota

SEOC Senior Leadership Brief
Incident Name: COVID 19 7 April 2021
For Official Use Only
• MDH Highlig7hts Impacted Counties Statistics

87 of 87 Minnesota Counties Impacted
• Encouraging a move to distance learning for • Fatalities (cumulative): 6,908
students and staff due to ongoing COVID-19 • Fatalities (last 24hrs): 19
outbreaks within many school sites around • Positive test (cumulative): 532,658
• Positive tests (last 24hrs): 2,004
the state.
• Tests processed – daily (4/6): 25,884
• Focusing on COVID-19 vaccination efforts
• Hospitalized – total (4/6): 538
with food service employees and priority
• Hospitalized – ICU (4/6): 138
frontline sectors with outreach focused on
different sectors weekly. • Vaccinations (cumulative): 2,995,997
• Pursuing increased COVID-19 vaccination
within Long Term Care and Assisted Living
Centers.
Available Key Hospital Resources
• Medical/surgical beds (4/6): 767
• Critical care beds (4/6): 127
• Ventilators (4/6): 1,084
• Alternate care sites (ACS)
- Potential sites: 28
- Sites development completed: 1
- Sites under development: 0
SEOC Daily Operations
State Agency Highlights
SEOC Planning Efforts
• SEOC Planning and Logistics Teams are
• SHCC: Planning ahead for vaccine
assisting with site visits with FEMA support Core planning team: DPS, MDH, MMB, MDE, DHS, DEED,
allocations this week and how to prevent
team members at the selected Type II DMA, FEMA, HHS.
the need for reallocation of vaccines by
vaccine site to be deployed at MN State • Integrate critical care supplies, health care surge, testing,
communicating with regions.
Fairgrounds, St. Paul. and case investigation/contact tracing ops into the SEOC.
• Develop and exercise operations plan for initial alternate • DMA: Continuing support of the
• SEOC Logistics Team is resourcing vendors for
care site. Community Based Testing Support teams
FEMA vaccination site equipment and
• Develop and exercise operations plan for temporary in 4 of the operating 9 sites as of
support material; obtaining bids, etc.
storage facility for COVID fatalities. yesterday.
• SEOC continues to monitor events related to
• Support planning for isolation spaces for people • DOC: Considering potential reach-out to
the second week of the Chauvin trial in
experiencing homelessness. “no responses” again over acceptance of
Minneapolis and the state.
• Support community-based testing. vaccine offer to staff and inmates.
• Applicants for FEMA assistance: 368
• Support emergency staffing operations. • EMSRB: Continuing support of the PPE
• Assist applicants with FEMA reimbursement process. workgroup for EMS Services.
From: Quinn, Hannah ( M (GOV)
To: Walz, Tim (GOV); Walz, Gwen (GOV); Flanagan, Peggy ( (GOV); Schmitter, Chris ( L (GOV)
Cc: Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV)
Subject: 4/10 Daily COVID-19 Materials
Date: Saturday, April 10, 2021 8:53:51 AM
1.1 Internal Vax Report.pdf
1.5 Dial Back Summary.pdf
2. SEOC Slide.pdf
Good Morning, Governor, First Lady, Lt. Governor, and Chris,

Today’s daily COVID-19 materials are attached here.
Thank you,
Hannah

Hannah Quinn | Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff
Ste. 130
Office: 651-201-3436 |Cell:
Pronouns:

One Minnesota



• Increase capacity to perform sequencing to • Fatalities (cumulative): 6,944
document trends in COVID-19 variants as the • Fatalities (last 24hrs): 12
number of B.1.1.7. (UK) positive cases • Positive test (cumulative): 540,277
increases.
• Assist with planning for the increasing
number of workplaces that have unexplained
outbreaks with the goal of scheduling vaccine
events in those workplaces. • Vaccinations (cumulative): 3,207,892
• Continue robust case investigation and
contact tracing as the number of cases and
number of people lost to follow up and
refusing participation increases.
• SHCC: The SHCC along with MDH partners
prepared to assist with resource requests Core planning team: DPS, MDH, MMB, MDE, DHS, DEED,
are asking hospitals to consider increasing
form testing teams and vaccination teams DMA, FEMA, HHS.
daily infusion capacity of monoclonals to
statewide. • Integrate critical care supplies, health care surge, testing,
reduce hospitalizations.
• SEOC/School Safety Center Team providing and case investigation/contact tracing ops into the SEOC.
• Develop and exercise operations plan for initial alternate • DMA: Continuing support of the
schools guidance for severe weather and
care site. Community Based Testing Support teams
tornado drills during severe weather week.
• Develop and exercise operations plan for temporary and Testing Sites throughout the state.
• SEOC continues to monitor ongoing Chauvin
storage facility for COVID fatalities. • EMSRB: Continuing to support the PPE
trial activities in Minneapolis.
• Support planning for isolation spaces for people Workgroup and coordinating PPE
• SEOC Planning and Logistics coordinators are
experiencing homelessness. requests from EMS services.
continuing to assist with FEMA State Fair
• Support community-based testing. • MN State Council on Disability: Support
Vaccination Site rollout details.
• Support emergency staffing operations. mobile vaccination team operationalize
• Assist applicants with FEMA reimbursement process. accessibility practices.
To: Walz, Tim (GOV); Walz, Gwen (GOV); Flanagan, Peggy ( (GOV); Schmitter, Chris ( L (GOV)
Cc: Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV)
Subject: 4/11 Daily COVID-19 Materials
Date: Sunday, April 11, 2021 7:59:39 AM
1.1 Internal Vax Report.pdf
2. SEOC Slide.pdf
Good Morning, Governor, First Lady, Lt. Governor, and Chris,

Today’s daily COVID-19 materials are attached here.
Thank you,
Hannah

Ste. 130
Office: 651-201-3436 |Cell:
Pronouns:

One Minnesota



• Support planning and logistics for a FEMA • Fatalities (cumulative): 6,957
vaccination site at the State Fairgrounds • Fatalities (last 24hrs): 13
while working with partners to help promote • Positive test (cumulative): 542,053
the site to specific zip codes.
• Promote frequent and comprehensive
testing in schools, colleges, universities,
workplaces, high-risk communities, and other
areas showing increases in positive cases to • Vaccinations (cumulative): 3,294,231
ensure accurate data is available for decision-
making.
• Work with the Department of Education to
respond to the ongoing increases in positive
cases in schools, especially related to sports • Medical/surgical beds (4/10): 847
and other group activities. • Critical care beds (4/10): 120
• SHCC: Data Management is working
prepared to assist with resource requests Core planning team: DPS, MDH, MMB, MDE, DHS, DEED,
towards the API Integration Tool available
from testing teams and vaccination teams DMA, FEMA, HHS.
to hospitals.
statewide and working directly with the • Integrate critical care supplies, health care surge, testing,
• DEED: Maintain guidance and other
many Type II site partner agencies. and case investigation/contact tracing ops into the SEOC.
• Develop and exercise operations plan for initial alternate resource information pertaining to
• EOC/School Safety Center Team providing
care site. Governor’s Executive Orders on DEED’s
public, private, charter, and tribal schools
• Develop and exercise operations plan for temporary website.
practical guidance for tornado drills during
storage facility for COVID fatalities. • DHS: Working with At-Risk populations
severe weather week.
• Support planning for isolation spaces for people liaison groups for housing and food
experiencing homelessness. insecurities.
• Support community-based testing. • MN State Council on Disability: Support
• Support emergency staffing operations. mobile vaccination team operationalize
• Assist applicants with FEMA reimbursement process. accessibility practices.
To: Walz, Tim (GOV); Flanagan, Peggy ( (GOV); Walz, Gwen (GOV); Schmitter, Chris ( L (GOV)
Cc: Long, Nate (he/his) (GOV); Carlson, Charlie ( B (GOV); Leininger, Sophie ( (GOV); Quinn,
Hannah ( M (GOV)
Date: Monday, April 12, 2021 7:31:54 AM
1.2 COVID Epi report.pdf
2. SEOC Brief.pdf
Good morning Governor, Lt. Governor, First Lady and Chris,

Attached are the daily COVID-19 materials for today including the EPI report.

Jane

Ste. 130
Office: 651-201-3421

One Minnesota


• Continue to coordinate with healthcare • Fatalities (cumulative): 6,959
systems as they monitor their time sensitive • Fatalities (last 24hrs): 2
scheduling to ensure an adequate supply of • Positive test (cumulative): 544,046
resources to manage the growing number of
COVID patients.
• Coordinate planning and deployment of
vaccination locations and logistics with
community partners to ensure that high-risk • Vaccinations (cumulative): 3,344,456
areas and populations are served.
• Ensure compliance with existing Executive
Orders to help mitigate exposures and
reduce community spread of the virus.
• SHCC: Continued working towards push
assisting with resource requests from testing Core planning team: DPS, MDH, MMB, MDE, DHS, DEED,
out of AAR Redcap collection tool to all
teams and vaccination teams statewide and DMA, FEMA, HHS.
SHCC COVID-19 responders.
working directly with the many FEMA Type II • Integrate critical care supplies, health care surge, testing,
• DEED: Administer benefits and disaster
site partner agencies. and case investigation/contact tracing ops into the SEOC.
• Develop and exercise operations plan for initial alternate loan/grants assistance programs for
• HSEM/SEOC RPCs continue to maintain
care site. businesses.
regular and direct contact with local
• Develop and exercise operations plan for temporary • DHS: Food security group continues to
emergency managers and public health
storage facility for COVID fatalities. work with MMB, MDE, MDH, and MDA in
providers for the COVID response in all areas
• Support planning for isolation spaces for people pandemic EBT and School Nutrition
of the state.
experiencing homelessness. Support programming.
• Support community-based testing. • DMA: Continues COVID-19 support for
• Support emergency staffing operations. mission areas including vaccination and
• Assist applicants with FEMA reimbursement process. testing sites statewide.
To: Tim Mankato; Flanagan, Peggy; Gwen Walz; Schmitter, Chris L (GOV)
Cc: Long, Nate (he/his) (GOV); Carlson, Charlie ( B (GOV); Leininger, Sophie ( (GOV); Quinn,
Hannah M (GOV)
Date: Friday, April 16, 2021 7:45:00 AM
1.2 Weekly COVID Web Report.pdf
1.5 dial back summary.pdf
2. SEOC Brief.pdf
7. Legislation and EO Tracker.pdf
8. TPs.pdf
Good morning Governor, Lt. Governor, First Lady and Chris,

Attached are the daily COVID-19 materials for today, including the weekly web report from MDH.

Best,
Jane

Ste. 130
Office: 651-201-3421

One Minnesota

EXTERNAL RELATIONS UPDATES
April 16, 2021
Commerce commissioner
• Governor Tim Walz this week appointed Grace Arnold as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department
of Commerce. Arnold’s strong experience in health care and insurance policy most recently includes
her service as Deputy Commissioner of Insurance at the Department of Commerce as well as
Temporary Commissioner.
• This appointment follows an application review and interview process beginning with a call for
applications in January. Arnold replaces Steve Kelley as Commissioner for a term beginning today.
• Prior to her tenure at the Department of Commerce, Commissioner Arnold spent nearly a decade at
the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight of the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services where she helped lead the technology turnaround of healthcare.gov and led policy
development during the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Before joining the Department,
Commissioner Arnold led product development for individual and family plans at Bright Health, a
Minneapolis-based health insurer. She has a master’s degree from George Washington University and
holds an undergraduate degree from Macalester College.
About the Department of Commerce

• The Department of Commerce is the state’s consumer protection agency. Commerce oversees more
than 20 regulated industries, including insurance, financial institutions, energy, real estate, and
telecommunications, investigates consumer complaints on fraud, and ensures the accuracy of
commercial and grocery store scales and gasoline pumps across the state.
Police reform
• The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are committed to advancing meaningful police reform.
Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected by police.
• In July, the Governor signed the Minnesota Police Accountability Act into law.
o These critical reforms strengthen transparency and community oversight of policing, ban
chokeholds and ‘warrior training,’ expand autism awareness and mental health de-escalation
training for officers, and change the circumstances under which officers can use deadly force.
o These were positive steps, and the Governor and Lieutenant Governor will continue to work
with the Legislature to advance police reform.
• If asked, below is a list of specific police reform proposals that are included in the Governor’s budget:
o Invest in community healing and support families of those impacted by deadly force
encounters with police
o Create a more robust POST Board to regulate and train our professional peace officers
o Work toward ending police-only responses to mental health crisis calls
o The Governor also supports:
▪ Strengthening civilian oversight of police departments
▪ Ending no knock warrants
▪ Looking into why and how we enforce minor traffic violations.
1
Brooklyn Center
General
• The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are praying for Daunte Wright’s family as our state mourns
another life of a Black man taken by law enforcement.
• We know that our state and nation are in need of meaningful police reform. Everyone deserves to feel
safe and protected by law enforcement.
• The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are committed to protecting the First Amendment rights of
peaceful protestors. Violence and destruction, however, only hurt and endanger the community.
• Last night, State resources continued to join local law enforcement officials in a coordinated response
to keep the peace and protect citizens and businesses.
If expressing public safety concerns

• The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are committed to protecting the First Amendment rights of
peaceful protestors. Violence and destruction, however, only hurt and endanger the community.
• The Governor is committed to protecting the safety of Minnesotans and our communities.
• Last night, State resources continued to join local law enforcement officials in a coordinated response
to keep the peace and protect citizens and businesses.
• In February, Governor Walz issued Executive Order 21-06, authorizing the Minnesota National Guard
to provide public safety assistance as needed to the Twin Cities area.
If expressing concerns on Chauvin trial procedure/process/etc.

• It sounds like you have a concern about the trial of Derek Chauvin.
• The Governor is not involved in the trial and is not able to intervene in this legal matter. The trial is in
the hands of the court. The Governor respects the legal process and has full faith in Attorney General
Ellison to represent the State.
• I would be happy to pass along your concerns.
Johnson & Johnson
• This week, the CDC and FDA recommended temporarily pausing further administration of the Johnson
and Johnson vaccine out of an abundance of extreme caution.
• While no State of Minnesota vaccination sites are using J&J this week, the state is recommending
other providers follow the CDC/FDA recommendation to temporarily pause use of J&J at this time.
• The recommendation comes after 6 people out of almost 7 million who have received the Johnson &
Johnson vaccine experienced a rare and severe type of blood clot after getting their shot.
• All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13
days after vaccination.
2
• The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet Wednesday to further
review these cases and assess their potential significance.
• The FDA will also review that analysis and investigate the cases on its own.
• While these incidents have been extremely rare, anyone who has received the J&J vaccine who
develops severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after
vaccination should contact their health care provider.
3
From: Griffin, Holland ( (GOV)
To: Griffin, Holland ( (GOV)
Subject: Daily Principal Mentions: April 12, 2021
Date: Monday, April 12, 2021 8:07:31 AM
Daily Principal Mentions: April 12, 2021

Contents
Principal Mentions – TV
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WCBS New York, NY 4/12/21 – 1:01 AM, 4:04 AM, 8:29
AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WMFE Orlando, FL 4/12/21 – 3:02 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WSAV Savannah, GA 4/12/21 – 4:35 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WTSP Tampa Bay, FL 4/12/21 – 5:34 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KSTP 4/12/21 – 5:00 AM, 7:56 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WCCO 4/12/21 – 5:07 AM, 6:06 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WDIO 4/12/21 – 5:05 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WNTY Albany, NY 4/12/21 – 6:12 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KFGO 4/12/21 – 5:09 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WISC Madison, WI 4/12/21 – 5:31 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KVAL Eugene, OR 4/12/21 – 5:49 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (Providence, RI 4/12/21 – 6:33 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KTTC 4/12/21 – 5:33 AM, 7:28 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WDIO 4/12/21 – 5:34 AM, 6:06 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KBJR 4/12/21 – 5:34 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WAND Campaign, IL 4/12/21 – 5:34 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WPSD Paducah, KY 4/12/21 – 5:35 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WINS-AM New York, NY 4/12/21 – 6:50 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WDJT Milwaukee, WI 4/12/21 – 6:05 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KARE 4/12/21 – 6:07 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KCCI Des Moines, IA4/12/21 – 6:07 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WTFX Philadelphia, PA 4/12/21 – 7:09 AM)
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WVLA Baton Rouge, LA 4/12/21 – 6:17 AM)
Vaccine Passport (KAAL 4/12/21 – 5:17 AM)
Principal Mentions – Print
Derek Chauvin trial: Live updates on George Floyd's death (NBC)
Curfew lifted in Brooklyn Center after unrest following police shooting of a Black man (KARE
11)
Protesters clash with police after officer fatally shoots driver during traffic stop (KCCR)
Protests erupt after man killed in Minnesota when police officer fires into his vehicle (ABC 27)
MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYED AFTER PROTESTS OVER A MAN'S DEATH
FOLLOWING A POLICE SHOOTING DURING A TRAFFIC STOP (KDVR)
Protesters Clash With Police In Brooklyn Center After Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting
(WCCO)
Fatal police shooting of man sparks protests in Minnesota (AP)
Crowd protests after police near Minneapolis shoot Black motorist (NBC News)
Violence flares after Brooklyn Center police fatally shoot man, 20, inflaming tensions during
the Derek Chauvin trial (Star Tribune)
Curfew lifted in Brooklyn Center following tension over police shooting that killed a 20-year-
old (KARE 11)
Protesters Clash With Police After Minnesota Officer Shoots Black Man (New York Times)
Daunte Wright's Mother Says Son Killed Over Air Freshener in Car (Newsweek)
Riot Breaks Out After Police Shoot Black Man Just 10 Miles From Where George Floyd Was
Killed (UNILAD)
Fatal police shooting of Black man near Minneapolis sparks protests amid Chauvin trial (Los
Angeles Times)
Protests After Cops Fatally Shoot Black Man Near Minneapolis (Newser)
Daunte Wright's shooting at Brooklyn Center sparks massive looting: 'Police brutality, time to
grab some Nike' (MEAWW)
Protests in Minneapolis after police fatally shoot black man in traffic stop (Irish Time)
Protests erupt as police shoot and kill man in traffic stop near Minneapolis (Business Day)
One dead in police shooting in Brooklyn Center; tear gas deployed to clear protesters (360
Aproko)
COVID In Minnesota: As State Reaches 2 Million With First Vaccine Dose, MDH Reports 1,784
Cases, 13 Deaths Sunday (WCCO)
More than 2 million Minnesotans have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine
(KMSP)
Vaccine 'passports' stir debate in Minnesota (Star Tribune)
Walz in 'hold pattern' on restrictions as Minnesota heads toward third COVID-19 surge
(KMSP)
COVID-19 forecasts split on Minnesota's pandemic future (Star Tribune)
GOVERNOR WALZ HIGHLIGHT BIOFUELS INFRASTRUCTURE BUDGET PROPOSAL (KROX)
Minnesota agriculture groups invest in biofuels (KEYC)
Coronavirus: US midwest sees signs of a new wave as hospitalisations soar (The Guardian)
Watch: Beloved MN sign language interpreter profiled on Today Show (Bring Me the News)
HEALTH OFFICIALS: VARIANTS LEADING TO SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES AMONG YOUTH (CCX)
Minnesota House DFL proposes gas tax increase (Star Tribune)
Minnesota Legislature's budget plans differ on how to address racial inequality (Star Tribune)
After intense campaign, Jennifer Carnahan reelected MN GOP chair (Bring Me the News)
Jennifer Carnahan re-elected to lead Minnesota Republican Party (Star Tribune)


Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WCBS New York, NY 4/12/21 – 1:01 AM,
4:04 AM, 8:29 AM)
Homicide would need to George towards Mecca incidents of deadly Sunday night shooting by
police in the city of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 20 years meaning deserved to be shot and
killed but Katie Wright came to the scene where she says her 20 year-old son Dante was killed.
She says he called her right before the shooting, that he's getting rolled over by the police and I
said, well, why didn't you get pulled over you that yet they call them over getting air fresheners
hanging from the rearview mirror, a crowd gathered outside the crime tape demanding
answers about the young father. Authorities believe the officers involved have their body
cameras on WCCO TV skater radditz reporting police later declared the protest followed an
unlawful Assembly and used tear gas and flash bag Minnesota's governor Tim Walz tweets he's
closely monitoring that situation in Brooklyn Center as the state mourns another life of a black
man taken by law enforcement.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WMFE Orlando, FL 4/12/21 – 3:02 AM)
Dave writes mother KT has been speaking about the shooting. She said she also him on the
phone while he was getting pulled over by police we've not yet made for them over the air
fresheners hanging from the rearview mirror. A minute later called his girlfriend answer which
was the passenger in the car and sad that he'd been shot and it was only 20 years even
deserved to be sought in cowboy Minnesota's governor Tim Walz said the state small and
another life of a black man taken by lower enforcement from Minnesota his Barber class-action
protesters are gathered in a tense standoff outside the police station they're shouting hands
up, don't shoot and black lives, they matter here police are firing flares and smoke bombs to
push them back. The protesters are angry about another shooting of a black man. This
happened when police tried to arrest him. After putting him over for a traffic violation. All of
this is going on about 10 miles North of Minneapolis where the former police officer Derek
Chauvin, Is On trial for killing George Floyd a third week of tesTimony begins today.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WSAV Savannah, GA 4/12/21 – 4:35 AM)
brooklyn center police released an update saying officers pulled over a driver for a traffic
violation on orchard ave shortly before 2 p-m sunday. it's unclear why officers pulled over the
driver, but officers say the driver identified by his mother as wright had an outstanding warrant.
"then i heard the police officer come to the window and say put the phone down and get out of
the car and daunte said 'why', and the officer said we'll explain to you when you get out of the
car." brooklyn center police say as officers attempted to take the driver into custody, he got
back into his car. "i heard the police officer say 'daunte don't run'." that's when police say an
officer then discharged his weapon, striking the driver. "like a minute later i called and his
girlfriend answered who was the passenger in the car saying he that he had been shot."
minnesota's governor Tim Walz tweeted out about the shootining, writing: "i am closely
monitoring the situation in brooklyn center. gwen and i are praying for daunte wright's family as
our state mourns another life of a black man taken by law enforcement."
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WTSP Tampa Bay, FL 4/12/21 – 5:34 AM)
new this morning dozens of people protested in the streets in happend overnight. this is in
minnesota city where a man was shot by police during a traffic. a relative of a 20 year old
dontae wright say police shot him before he returned to his car and drove off right crash
several blocks away before he was pronounced dead. minnesota governor Tim Walz tweeted
quote i am closely monitoring the situation in brooklyn center when and i are praying for donte
wright's family as our state mourns another life of a black man taken by law enforcement, the
deadly incident comes as the trial of former minneapolis police officer darren showband and
the death of george floyd enters its third week in a courthouse just 10 miles away.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KSTP 4/12/21 – 5:00 AM, 7:56 AM)
parts of the twin cities are waking up to assess the damage from a night of unrest. the national
guard has been called in -- a curfew issued overnight was just allowed to expire at the top of the
hour. and -- we're waiting on a morning news conference that's planned by governor Tim Walz,
according to a spokesperson in their office. this was all sparked by a deadly police shooting
earlier in the day sunday. we'll hear from the vicTim's mother in just a few moments -- as part
of our team coverage this morning. ginna roe has the interview with the vicTim's mom. but we
start with our ashley zilka live at one of the shopping centers where stores were looted
overnight. ad lib show officials say at least 20 businesses were damaged in brooklyn center
alone during the unrest. windows and doors were busted along this strip mall. this is the area in
and around the shingle creek crossing shopping center near highway 100.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WCCO 4/12/21 – 5:07 AM, 6:06 AM)
in front of the brooklyn center police department are dozens of officers. every few minutes
they took a few steps forward shouting move back.

reporter: protesters took to the street and raised their voices. and then every few minutes,
police deployed teargas to move the crowd back. a little before midnight, with reinforcements
from the hennepin county sheriff's office and national guard, police delivered an order, saying
the crowd was no longer peacefully gathered and to move out or, be arrested.

governor Tim Walz tweeted, saying he is monitoring the situation in brooklyn center and
praying for the family.

the unrest spilled over into brooklyn center. the police department was shot at around 8:00 last
night. no one was hurt, but the city has shut down the buildings until further notice.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WDIO 4/12/21 – 5:05 AM)
governor Tim Walz will be holding a news conference this morning in response to the overnight
protests. Walz didn't make a statement about sunday's deadly officer- involved shooting.. until
around 10 last night.

he tweeted - quote - "i am closely monitoring the situation in brooklyn center. gwen and i are
praying for daunte wright's family... as our state mourns another life of a black man taken by
law enforcement." the governor's office says they're working closing with the department of
public safety on how the state can help. a Time for this morning's news conference has not
been set. this is a developing news story. so be sure to stay with wdio as we work to get more
details.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WNTY Albany, NY 4/12/21 – 6:12 AM)
in brooklyn center, about eight miles outside minneapolis. the man killed was daunte wright, he
was black, and 20 years old. police say they were making a traffic stop sunday afternoon when
they noticed the driver had an outstanding warrant. while police tried to arrest him, they say
the driver got back in the car and one of the officers fired. minnesota governor Tim Walz says
he's closely monitoring the investigation into this.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KFGO 4/12/21 – 5:09 AM)
there were no incidents mortars have gathered in Brooklyn Center where a man was shot by a
police officer during a traffic stop and crashed later died. Large law enforcement presence
remained a Brooklyn Center early this morning as demonstrators also protested in the
community near Minneapolis. Relatives of 20 year-old daunting right that was shot by police
yesterday afternoon before getting back into his car and driving away right then crashed several
blocks and do was dead on arrival. The death comes as Minneapolis Is On the edge and midway
through the trial the 4 officers George boy Steph Minnesota governor, Tim Walz tweeted he
was praying right family is our state mourns another life for for black men taken by law
enforcement. Hardaway Shorty right she can't.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WISC Madison, WI 4/12/21 – 5:31 AM)
brooklyn center issued a citywide curfew last night... and requested help from the national
guard and state patrol... after reports of looting and shots fired. ((("nearly all of our staff has
been mobilized across the state and have responded into the metro area."))) the national guard
is already in minneapolis as the derek chauvin trial continues. the minnesota bureau of criminal
apprehension is leading the investigation into sunday's shooting. minneasota governor Tim
Walz tweeted he is "closely monitoring the situation in brookyln center." he also said he and his
wife are praying for daunte wright's family. we'll continue to follow this story all day. watch for
updates on our news 3 now mobile app. new this morning.... madison police say a man was
nearly hit by a bullet when a house was hit with gunfire last night. officers say just befoore 9:45
last night, they responded to a house on traceway drive near leopold elementary school.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KVAL Eugene, OR 4/12/21 – 5:49 AM)
this happened near minneapolis a 20 year old driver named dante right was shot and killed by
the brooklyn. center police department you can see tear gas and flash bangs. going off in an
effort to control. the crowd police tried to hold the line. minnesota's governor Tim Walz
tweeted he's thinking of the right family as a state mourns. another life of a black man taken by
law enforcement. all of this happened before the trial. a derek chauvin enters its 3rd week. he's
facing murder and manslaughter charges in the death of george floyd the prosecution is
expected to rest this week so that means saban's defense team will soon present their own
case.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (Providence, RI 4/12/21 – 6:33 AM)
before marchers headed towards the police station. authorities fired gas and flash bangs in an
attempt to disperse the crowd overnight. "as we understand it and from both our own reports
and media reports, we saw rocks and other objects thrown at the police department. there
were reports of shots fired at the police department." minnesota governor -- Tim Walz --
offering his condolences to wright's family on social media ... saying he was praying for the
family quote *"as our state mourns another life of a black man taken by law enforcement." live
in the newsroom - i'm kayla fish 12 news. (pl) in the meanTime... the prosecution could rest its
case in the coming days against former minneapolis police officer derek chauvin, in the murder
trial of geoege floyd. more evidence is expected to be presented today. last week law
enforement and medical experts took the stand. the minneapolis police chief and 7 other
officers said they feel chauvin went too far. the defense focused on floyd's drug use as a cause
of death but the medical examiner who performed the autopsy on floyd told jurors while heart
disease and drugs played a role, it was the interaction with police that caused floyd's death.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KTTC 4/12/21 – 5:33 AM, 7:28 AM)
Tim Walz identifies the vicTim as 20-year-old daunte wright and says he is praying for the
family. there was a large police presence at the scene and crowds could be seen gathering
nearby. those crowds later made their way to a police station where the protests continued.
the minnesota bureau of criminal apprehension is investigating. brooklyn center police report
"numerous businesses being looted " following the shooting. hours after that deadly officer-
involved shooting a string of violence erupted. you can see police responded to multiple break-
ins in the city. police say following the shooting, a large crowd assembled and marched towards
the police department, the crowd was reportedly between 100 " 200 people, prompting
officials to deploy the national guard. week three of the derek chauvin trial begins today. thirty-
five witnesses have been called to testify for the prosecution so far, including minneapolis
police officers.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WDIO 4/12/21 – 5:34 AM, 6:06 AM)
we're following breaking news. parts of the twin cities are waking up to assess the damage from
a night of unrest. the national guard has been called in -- a curfew issued overnight is in effect
until 6 a- m. and -- we're waiting on a morning news conference that's planned by governor Tim
Walz, according to a spokesperson in their office. the unrest started after daunte wright was
shot and killed by brooklyn center police during a traffic stop. police say wright had an
outstanding warrant and he tried to get back into the car while they were trying to arrest him.
that's when investigators say an officer shot him. police say he then drove several blocks before
hitting another vehicle - and that's where the driver died. a woman who was also in the car -
identified by family as daunte wright's girlfriend was hurt during the crash.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KBJR 4/12/21 – 5:34 AM)
brooklyn center police released an update saying when the police officer comes back put him
on the phone." brooklyn center police released an update saying officers pulled over a driver
for a traffic violation on orchard ave shortly before 2 p-m sunday. it's unclear why officers
pulled over the driver, but officers say the driver identified by his mother as wright had an
outstanding warrant. "then i heard the police officer come to the window and say put the
phone down and get out of the car and daunte said 'why', and the officer said we'll explain to
you when you get out of the car." brooklyn center police say as officers attempted to take the
driver into custody, he got back into his car. "i heard the police officer say daunte don't run'."
that's when police say an officer then discharged his weapon, striking the driver. "like a minute
later i called and his girlfriend answered who was the passenger in the car saying he that he had
been shot." that was char-maine nero reporting. governor Tim Walz responded to event...
saying he's praying for the wright family.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WAND Campaign, IL 4/12/21 – 5:34 AM)
brooklyn center police released an update saying officers pulled over a driver for a traffic
violation on orchard ave shortly before 2 p-m sunday. it's unclear why officers pulled over the
driver, but officers say the driver identified by his mother as wright had an outstanding warrant.
the car and daunte said 'why', and the officer said we'll explain to you when you get out of the
car." brooklyn center police say as officers attempted to take the driver into custody, he got
back into his car. "i heard the police officer say 'daunte don't run'." that's when police say an
officer then discharged his weapon, striking the driver. "like a minute later i called and his
girlfriend answered who was the passenger in the car saying he that he had been shot."
minnesota's governor Tim Walz tweeting about the shooting saying ... he is closely monitoring
the situation and he and his family are praying for daunte's family. week three of the derek
chauvin trial begins today.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WPSD Paducah, KY 4/12/21 – 5:35 AM)
the family says it plans to move from the neighborhood since they no longer feel safe there.
### an investigation is ongoing after a man was shot and killed by minnesota police. brooklyn
center police say officers pulled over a driver for a traffic violation. police say the man also had
an outstanding warrant. the mother of the man killed has identified him as her son *dante
wright.* she says she was speaking to him on the phone when she heard an officer say put the
phone down and get out of the car. minnesota's governor Tim Walz tweeted out about the
shooting saying quote "i am closely monitoring the situation in brooklyn center. gwen and i are
praying for daunte wright's family as our state mourns another life."
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WINS-AM New York, NY 4/12/21 – 6:50
AM)
The Minnesota national guard has been deployed under curfew ordered in Brooklyn setter
Minneapolis this is after police fired tear gas to disperse a crowd of about 100 people who
gathered to protest the fatal police shooting of a black man correspondent Jeff Wagner
reported lease say officers tried to arrest a 20 year-old man for outstanding warrants but one
he re-entered his car during a traffic stop even standing outside, they shot at him. The vicTim,
Dante Wright drove off crashing his vehicle into another car. Wright's mother says he called her
as he was being stopped by police. We've not yet made of them over getting air fresheners
hanging from the rearview mirror. I don't want them to be a lot O among Wright's mother
pleaded with the crowd of supporters showed up to remain peaceful, governor Tim Walz
tweeted I'm closely monitoring the situation and our state mourns another life of a black man
taken by law enforcement tesTimony resumes today in Minneapolis in the murder trial of
Derrick Shelby in the death of George Floyd prosecutors this weaker expected you have
members
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WDJT Milwaukee, WI 4/12/21 – 6:05 AM)
this is a big day many people were looking forward to. developing this morning - in minnesota ...
a curfew just ended in a city just north of minneapolis.a police officer in brooklyn center... shot
and killed a driver sunday... leading to clashed between police and protesters. minnesota
governor Tim Walz identified the vicTim as daunte wright.meghan joins us with more from the
shooting... and from the vicTim's family. police say they stopped a driver who had an
outstanding warrant... sunday afternoon. they say an officer shot at the man when he tried to
get back in the car.his mother says he called her right before the shooting. said he was getting
pulled over by the police and i said why and he said because he had air fresheners hanging
drom the rear view mirror.a crowd gathered outside crime tape demanding answers.some of
the crowd was hostile threatening police. authorities believe the officers involved had their
body cameras on.police say after the vicTim was shot... he continued to drive several blocks
before crashing into another car.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KARE 4/12/21 – 6:07 AM)
a lot of questions definitely need to be answered. thanks, kyle. well , the american civil liberties
union of minnesota released this statement overnight saying, quote, deep concerns that police
here appear to have used dangling air fresheners as an excuse for making a pretextual stop,
something police do too often to target black people. now it goes on to call for an independent
agency to investigate the situation in the points out the Timing of the shooting saying, quote,
police shootings are always tragic and the situation here is even made worse by this happening
during a trial seeking justice for george floyd.

the city and state leaders are reacting to the shooting and unrest that happened overnight.
governor Tim Walz says that he's monitoring the situation in brooklyn center and that he and
his wife, quote, are praying for donte wright's family as our state mourns another life of a black
man taken by law enforcement, brookyln center's mayor mike elliott is issuing a citywide curfew
until 6:00 this morning , which wrapped up just six minutes ago.

those going to and from work were exempt from that and those who violated the curfew could
have got a petty misdemeanor or a fifty dollar fine. and if you're a student in the brookyln
center school district, all students will be in distance learning today and there will be no after
school activities and for commuters after shopping service at the brookyln center transit center
overnight at metro transit says bus services have resumed as of 530 this morning .

minnesota's operation safety nets, which is a combination of local and state agencies from
sheriffs, police, state patrol and national guard that are there all prepared for any other civil
unrest from this latest officer involved shooting to what's to come from the shervin trial.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (KCCI Des Moines, IA4/12/21 – 6:07 AM)
said he was getting pulled over by the police and i said why did you get pulled over? he said
because he had air fresheners hanging from the rear view mirror. he was only 20-years-old he
did not deserve to be shot and killed like this. tisia: overnight, minnesota governor Tim Walz
tweeted he is praying for daunte wright's family as our state mourns another life of a black man
taken by law enforcement. brooklyn center's mayor issued a curfew in an effort to quell the
violence. and schools in the city have switched to online learning today, in anticipation of more
unrest. this deadly shooting happened about 10 miles from where george floyd was killed after
former officer derek chauvin kneeled on his neck. chauvin's trial continues today, with the
defense preparing to call its first witnesses later this week. many are wondering if the former
officer will take the stand. prosecutors argue chauvin violated policy, and used excessive force
on george floyd leading to his arrest last year. but chauvin's defense continues to point to
drugs. tune in to kcci and cbs this morning as we track developments in the derek chauvin trial.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WTFX Philadelphia, PA 4/12/21 – 7:09
AM)
wright, where his car rolled forward and struck other vehicles. he had a female passenger,
maybe his mother. very inflamed passions they are and people gathering. it looks very, very
calm at this point and then there were incidents of tear gas and flash bangs fired. deonte wright
called his mother as he was pulled over in the next Time she saw him he was dead. the clip of
her speaking is making its rounds on social media and here is a small portion.
my son was 20 years old. he got pulled over. all he's he did was have airbrushes in the car. he
got out and his girlfriend said they shot him. he got back in and drove away and crashed and
he's been dead on the ground since 1:47.

governor Tim Walz tweeted he was closely monitoring the situation and praying for the family
of deonte wright. our state mourns another life of a black man taken by law enforcement. it's
under investigation.
Brooklyn Center Shooting, Protests (WVLA Baton Rouge, LA 4/12/21 – 6:17
AM)
the car and daunte said'wh', and the officer said w'll explain to you when you get out of the
car."brooklyn center police say as officers attempted to take the driver into custody, he got
back into his car."i heard the police officer say'daunte do't ru'."tha's when police say an officer
then discharged his weapon, striking the driver. "like a minute later i called and his girlfriend
answered who was the passenger in the car saying he that he had been shot." that was
charmaine nero reporting...minnesot's governor Tim Walz tweeted out about the shooting,
writing: quote "i am closely monitoring the situation in brooklyn center. gwen and i are praying
for daunte wrigh's family as our state mourns another life of a black man taken by law
enforcement."
Vaccine Passport (KAAL 4/12/21 – 5:17 AM)
at this point-- minnesota does not have a vaccine that was ginna roe reporting. at this point--
minnesota does not have a vaccine passport system. last week, governor Tim Walz said that he
doesn't not plan to have one.


Derek Chauvin trial: Live updates on George Floyd's death (NBC)

[MENTION] Police shot and killed a Black man on Sunday during a stop for a traffic violation,
sparking protests and unrest in a suburb just miles away from where George Floyd was killed
during an arrest in Minneapolis last May.

The man killed by police was identified by relatives and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as
Daunte Wright, 20.

The state mobilized the National Guard after crowds gathered in front of the Brooklyn Center
Police Department on Sunday evening, and a curfew was ordered through Monday morning.

Rocks and other objects were thrown at the Brooklyn Center Police Department building and
there were reports of shots fired in the area of the police department, John Harrington,
Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety said in a press conference. The
unrest came after the police had heard reports of a crowd of between 100 and 200 people
marching toward the police department.

Full article here.

Curfew lifted in Brooklyn Center after unrest following police shooting of a
Black man (KARE 11)

By Alexandra Simon

[MENTION] A press release from Brooklyn Center Police said the vehicle traveled "several
blocks" before colliding with another vehicle. A female passenger in the car was transported to
North Memorial Hospital with injuries related to the crash, according to the release. No injuries
were reported by anyone inside the vehicle that was struck.

Early Monday morning, Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott posted a video message on Twitter
saying he's spoken with Governor Tim Walz and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington
about the situation.

Elliott also said he supports "the peaceful gathering of our community, who are gathering to
hold space amid our calls for transparency and accountability."

A press conference is scheduled at the Brooklyn Center City Hall Monday at 11 a.m.

Full article here.

Protesters clash with police after officer fatally shoots driver during traffic
stop (KCCR)

[MENTION] Gannon said the officers were wearing body cameras and that the Minnesota
Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the incident.

A female passenger who was also in the vehicle with the person shot sustained non-life
threatening injuries during the crash, according to Gannon. She was transported to North
Memorial Health Hospital in Robbinsdale, a few miles south of Brooklyn Center.

Although authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and
Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott have both released statements naming him as 20-year-old
Daunte Wright.

Wright’s mother, Katie Wright, also confirmed that her son was the person who was fatally
shot. She said she was on the phone with him before he was killed.

“I heard scuffling and I heard the police officers say, ‘Daunte, don’t run.’ And then the other
officer said, ‘Put the phone down,’ and hung it up,” Katie Wright told reporters on Sunday. “And
a minute later, I called and his girlfriend answered — that was the passenger — and said that
he’d been shot, and she put [the phone] on the driver’s side and my son was laying there
lifeless.”

Full article here.

Protests erupt after man killed in Minnesota when police officer fires into his
vehicle (ABC 27)

[MENTION] A woman who lives near the crash scene, Carolyn Hanson, said she saw law
enforcement officers pull a man out of a vehicle and perform CPR. A passenger who got out of
the car was also covered in blood, Hanson said.

Public mourners included Wright’s family and friends who gathered, wept and consoled each
other alongside protesters who jumped atop police cars, confronted officers, carried “Black
Lives Matter” flags, and walked peacefully in columns with their hands held up. On one street,
written in multi-colored chalk: “Justice for Daunte Wright.”

By late Sunday, Brooklyn Center police had fired gas into the crowd of protesters who had
gathered outside the police station. Flash bangs were also used to disperse protesters
overnight.

“I am closely monitoring the situation in Brooklyn Center,” Gov. Tim Walz tweeted late Sunday.
“Gwen and I are praying for Daunte Wright’s family as our state mourns another life of a Black
man taken by law enforcement.”
Full article here.

MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYED AFTER PROTESTS OVER A MAN'S
DEATH FOLLOWING A POLICE SHOOTING DURING A TRAFFIC STOP (KDVR)

The Minnesota National Guard has been deployed to Brooklyn Center after crowds protested
the death of a man in an officer-involved shooting and car crash on April 11. Hundreds of
people marched towards the town's police department after the man, identified by Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz as Daunte Wright, died following a traffic stop and subsequent car crash.

Protesters Clash With Police In Brooklyn Center After Deadly Officer-Involved
Shooting (WCCO)

[MENTION] MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Brooklyn Center police say an officer fatally shot a man
Sunday during a traffic stop, leading to clashes between protesters and law enforcement in the
midst of the Derek Chauvin trial in neighboring Minneapolis. Here are the latest updates:

6 a.m.: Curfew in Brooklyn Center has lifted.

Schools in both Brooklyn Center and nearby Brooklyn Park will also be closed Monday with
classes held virtually. All after school activities are cancelled.

5 a.m.: Highways have reopened near the Brookdale Shopping Center.

Nearly all the Minnesota State Patrol has been deployed in the city, officials say. The troopers
will stand guard on Monday.

3 a.m.: Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliot issues an overnight statement. He called the shooting
of Daunte Wright a “tragedy,” and said the city supports peaceful protests. The mayor said the
city is awaiting information from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which is
investigating the shooting.

Elliot says he’s issued a curfew in the city until 6 a.m. A press briefing is scheduled for 11 a.m. at
Brooklyn Center City Hall.

“My heart goes out to Dante’s family. I recognize the pain that you’re going through. We all
here in Brooklyn Center recognize the pain that you’re going through, and we are going to
make sure that everything is done in our power to make sure that justice is done.”

2 a.m.: Two men were fatally shot in south Minneapolis. Police reported several shootings
overnight as the unrest in Brooklyn Center sparked another wave of looting along the Lake
Street businesses targeted last summer following the death of George Floyd.

1:15 a.m.: Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said more Minnesota
National Guard members will be deployed to Minneapolis on Monday following reports of
looting and gunfire in the city.

In an early morning news conference, he said that Operation Safety Net, which was put in place
for the trial of Derek Chauvin, will enter Phase 3, meaning all state officers will be activated.
Phase 3 was originally planned for closing arguments/deliberations in the trial.

According to Harrington, the extra enforcement will include officers from the National Guard,
as well as state and local agencies.

1 a.m.: Traffic camera capture people speeding around the Brookdale Center shopping area and
looting a number of stores. Among the targeted were Family Dollar, O’Reilly Auto Parts and
Speedway.

11:56 p.m.: Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliot says he will issue a curfew order for his city.

11:45 p.m.: There are reports of widespread looting at several businesses in the Shingle Creek
Crossing shopping center in Brooklyn Center.

11:12 p.m.: Brooklyn Center schools will be closed Monday, and all instruction will switch to
distance learning.

11:07 p.m.: Police with neighboring city Brooklyn Park say someone shot at the front door of
their police department just after 8 p.m., shattering it. Police also say several businesses in the
city have been looted Sunday night.

10:06 p.m.: Law enforcement are keeping their human chain perimeter strong around the
Brooklyn Center Police Department, as flash bangs continue to be deployed.

10:03 p.m.: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz takes to Twitter to comment on the situation in Brooklyn
Center.

9:58 p.m.: Law enforcement begin to use tear gas and flash bangs in an effort to disperse the
crowd.

9:52 p.m.: Law enforcement appear to be preparing to advance on protesters after they were
given a warning to disperse.

Full article here.

Fatal police shooting of man sparks protests in Minnesota (AP)

[MENTION] BROOKLYN CENTER, MINN. — Crowds of mourners and protesters gathered in a
Minnesota city where the family of a 20-year-old man say he was shot by police before getting
back into his car and driving away, then crashing several blocks away. The family of Daunte
Wright said he was later pronounced dead.

The death sparked protests in Brooklyn Center into the early hours of Monday morning as
Minneapolis was already on edge and midway through the trial of the first of four police officers
in George Floyd’s death. Brooklyn Center is a city of about 30,000 people located on the
northwest border of Minneapolis.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz tweeted he was praying for Wright’s family “as our state mourns
another life of a Black man taken by law enforcement.”

Police didn’t immediately identify Wright or disclose his race, but some protesters who
gathered near the scene waved flags and signs reading “Black Lives Matter.” Others walked
peacefully with their hands held up. On one street, written in multi-colored chalk: “Justice for
Daunte Wright.”

Brooklyn Center police said in a statement that officers had stopped an individual shortly before
2 p.m. Sunday. After determining the driver had an outstanding warrant, police tried to arrest
the driver. The driver reentered the vehicle and drove away. An officer fired at the vehicle,
striking the driver. Police said the vehicle traveled several blocks before striking another vehicle.

Full article here.

Crowd protests after police near Minneapolis shoot Black motorist (NBC
News)

By Rachel Elbaum and Caroline Radnofsky

[MENTION] Police shot and killed a Black man on Sunday during a stop for a traffic violation,
sparking protests and unrest in a suburb just miles away from where George Floyd was killed
during an arrest in Minneapolis last May.

The man killed by police was identified by relatives and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as
Daunte Wright, 20.

The state mobilized the National Guard after crowds gathered in front of the Brooklyn Center
Police Department on Sunday evening, and a curfew was ordered through Monday morning.

Rocks and other objects were thrown at the Brooklyn Center Police Department building and
there were reports of shots fired in the area of the police department, John Harrington,
Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety said in a press conference. The
unrest came after the police had heard reports of a crowd of between 100 and 200 people
marching toward the police department.

Officers fired rubber bullets and tear gas, NBC News affiliate KARE reported.

The front door of the Brooklyn Park Police Department, located around 8 miles from the
Brooklyn Center Police Department, was struck by gunfire, shattering the glass, police said in a
statement. Brooklyn Park Police officers were not involved in the shooting but assisted Brooklyn
Center Police with the “civil unrest” that took place after, the department said.

Harrington said about 20 businesses were reportedly broken into at a nearby shopping center.
The curfew was put in place in the suburb of Minneapolis, “so that we can continue to keep our
community safe,” Mayor Mike Elliott said in a statement on Twitter.

“Gwen and I are praying for Daunte Wright’s family as our state mourns another life of a Black
man taken by law enforcement,” Walz said on Twitter on Sunday evening. He also said he was
monitoring the unrest in Brooklyn Center.

Wright's mother, Katie Wright, told reporters at the scene that she received a call from her son
on Sunday afternoon telling her that police had pulled him over for having air fresheners
dangling from his rear-view mirror, illegal in Minnesota. She said she told him to put the police
officers on the phone so she could give them car insurance details.

She then heard police tell her son to get out of the vehicle, she said, according to video shot by
KARE.

"I heard police officers say, 'Daunte, don't run,'" she said through tears. The call ended, and she
dialed his number again, and his girlfriend answered and said he had been shot.

“A minute later I called, and his girlfriend answered, which was the passenger in the car, and
said that he’d been shot,” she said.

Full article here.

Violence flares after Brooklyn Center police fatally shoot man, 20, inflaming
tensions during the Derek Chauvin trial (Star Tribune)

By Mara Klecker and Kim Hyatt

[MENTION] Sunday's fresh outrage came as Twin Cities officials and law enforcement are
already on edge as Chauvin, a former Minneapolis police officer, stands trial on murder and
manslaughter charges in the death of George Floyd.

Floyd's death 10 months ago sparked waves of protests and violent demonstrations across the
cities, which seriously damaged hundreds of buildings.

Law enforcement has already been bracing for unrest once the jury reaches a verdict, erecting
barricades and marshaling an intense police presence at the Hennepin County Government
Center, where the trial resumes Monday.

The trial, which is being livestreamed, has drawn international attention.

Gov. Tim Walz tweeted that he was "closely monitoring the situation" and "praying for Daunte
Wright's family as our state mourns another life of a Black man taken by law enforcement."

Elliott also tweeted, urging protesters to remain peaceful. According to Teddy Tschann, the
governor's spokesman, Walz and Elliott spoke Sunday night.

The multi-agency security plan called Operation Safety Net, put in place for the Chauvin trial,
held a news conference early Monday morning to provide an update on actions being taken in
the aftermath of the shooting.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said Minneapolis will wake up to
more National Guard stationed around the city due to reports of looting and shots fired. About
20 Brooklyn Center businesses were looted, he said, but crowds largely dispersed.

During the standoff with police, he said, "rocks and other objects" were thrown at law
enforcement.

Harrington says he can't comment on the shooting but he said the Brooklyn Center Police
Department does have bodycams, so there is likely video.

After the shooting, Brooklyn Center police said officers pulled over a vehicle for a traffic
violation shortly before 2 p.m. in the 6300 block of Orchard Avenue.

Full article here.

Curfew lifted in Brooklyn Center following tension over police shooting that
killed a 20-year-old (KARE 11)

[MENTION] According to officials, the unrest carried over into Brooklyn Park, where police say a
shot was fired at the front door of the Brooklyn Park police station. No one was injured, but
police say the glass was shattered. There have also been reports of "numerous businesses being
looted," according to a release from Brooklyn Center police.

There were also reports of looting spreading to nearby Minneapolis, on Lake Street.

In a statement from Governor Tim Walz's office, the governor spoke with Brooklyn Center
Mayor Mike Elliott Sunday night and is monitoring the situation with the Minnesota
Department of Public Safety.

Brooklyn Center Community Schools said all students will be in distance learning on Monday as
a safety precaution.

Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott also implemented a city-wide curfew until 6 a.m. Monday.

In a video posted to social media, Mayor Elliott expressed his grief over the shooting of Daunte
Wright, saying that his heart was with the family and everyone in the community impacted by
the shooting.

Full article here.

Protesters Clash With Police After Minnesota Officer Shoots Black Man (New
York Times)

By Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs and Azi Paybarah

[MENTION] John Harrington, the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety,
said the unrest that followed Mr. Wright’s death had spread to a mall in Brooklyn Center and
that people had broken into about 20 businesses there. By about midnight, most of the
protesters had fled from around the police department, once National Guard troops and
Minnesota State Patrol officers arrived to back up the police officers who stood around the
building with riot gear and batons.

Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, wrote on Twitter that he was praying for Mr. Wright’s family “as
our state mourns another life of a Black man taken by law enforcement.”

Chief Gannon said he had asked the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the agency
that led the inquiry into Mr. Floyd’s death, to investigate the shooting.

The shooting comes after two weeks of testimony in the trial of Mr. Chauvin, who is white, that
has laid bare the pain that the death of Mr. Floyd, a Black man, caused in Minneapolis. Jurors
have heard from people who witnessed Mr. Floyd’s arrest, medical experts who described his
death and police officials — including the Minneapolis police chief — who condemned Mr.
Chauvin’s actions. And the graphic video of Mr. Chauvin kneeling on Mr. Floyd for more than
nine minutes has been played repeatedly. Witness testimony is expected to resume at about
9:15 a.m. on Monday.

Full article here.

Daunte Wright's Mother Says Son Killed Over Air Freshener in Car
(Newsweek)

By Jack Dutton

[MENTION] At around 10 p.m. police declared the gathering unlawful and ordered the
demonstrators to disperse, but they did not.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said on Twitter he was "closely monitoring the situation in Brooklyn
Center" and that the state "mourns another life of a Black man taken by law enforcement."

The news comes while the trial of Derek Chauvin takes place, the former police officer charged
with the killing of George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis last May. Chauvin was caught on
video kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes, actions Minneapolis Police Chief
Medaria Arradondo said "absolutely" violated the department's policies during an arrest.

The killing sent shockwaves around the world, and triggered global Black Lives Protests, rallying
against institutional police racism and brutality.

A 64 percent majority of Americans approve of the murder charges that prosecutors filed
against Chauvin, with most agreeing that he should be convicted of murdering Floyd, according
to a poll released on April 9.

Full article here.

Riot Breaks Out After Police Shoot Black Man Just 10 Miles From Where
George Floyd Was Killed (UNILAD)

By Emily Brown

[MENTION] Wright’s mother, Katie Wright, urged protestors to remain peaceful as she spoke
near the scene of her son’s death on Sunday afternoon. She said that Wright called her when he
was getting pulled over, during which she heard someone say ‘Daunte, don’t run’, before the
phone call ended.

When she called back, Wright’s girlfriend answered and said he had been shot.

Addressing the crowd, she said: ‘He got out of the car, and his girlfriend said they shot him. He
got back in the car, and he drove away and crashed and now he’s dead on the ground since
1:47. … Nobody will tell us anything. Nobody will talk to us… I said please take my son off the
ground.’

Police said body cameras were worn by the officers involved in the situation and dash cameras
had also been activated. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which was on the scene, is now
set to conduct an independent investigation.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has said he is ‘closely monitoring the situation’ and praying for
Wright’s family.

Full article here.

Fatal police shooting of Black man near Minneapolis sparks protests amid
Chauvin trial (Los Angeles Times)

[MENTION] The death sparked protests in Brooklyn Center late into Sunday night as
Minneapolis was already on edge midway through the trial of the first of four police officers in
George Floyd’s death. Brooklyn Center, a city with a population of about 30,000, is located on
the northwest border of Minneapolis.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz tweeted that he was praying for Wright’s family “as our state mourns
another life of a Black man taken by law enforcement.”

Police didn’t immediately identify Wright or disclose his race, but some protesters who
gathered near the scene waved flags and signs reading “Black Lives Matter.” Others walked
peacefully with their hands held up. On one street, written in multi-colored chalk, was the
phrase “Justice for Daunte Wright.”

Brooklyn Center police said in a statement that officers stopped an individual shortly before 2
p.m. Sunday. After determining the driver had an outstanding warrant, police tried to arrest the
driver. The driver reentered the vehicle and drove away. An officer fired at the vehicle, striking
the driver. Police said the vehicle traveled several blocks before striking another vehicle.

Police said the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office would release the person’s name
following a preliminary autopsy and family notification. A female passenger sustained non-life-
threatening injuries during the crash.

Full article here.

Protests After Cops Fatally Shoot Black Man Near Minneapolis (Newser)

By Evann Gastaldo

(NEWSER) – Protesters and police clashed Sunday night in Brooklyn Center, Minn., near
Minneapolis, after police fatally shot a Black man that afternoon. Daunte Wright, 20, was
stopped around 2pm on an outstanding warrant, the AP reports. Police say they tried to arrest
him and he got back in his car and drove away, at which point they fired upon the car and
Wright was hit. He drove on for several blocks before crashing into another vehicle, and was
pronounced dead at the scene. A female passenger received non-life-threatening injuries in the
crash, and a police officer was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries sustained in the
incident, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. The state's governor, Tim Walz, says Minnesota
"mourns another life of a Black man taken by law enforcement."

Tensions were already high in the area as week three of former Minneapolis cop Derek
Chauvin's trial in the death of George Floyd is about to begin. Wright's mom tells CBS
Minnesota he called her to tell her he was being pulled over, and she heard officers tell him to
get out of the car and someone saying "Daunte, don't run" before a cop ended the call. "All he
did was have air fresheners in the car and they told him to get out of the car," she says. "I just
want people to know that if you get pulled over, make sure you put your hands up and don’t
make any sudden moves, and don’t have air fresheners in your car because that’s why he got
pulled over." As protesters gathered, police officers used tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash
bangs, and accused some of looting and vandalism. The mayor issued a curfew order, National
Guard troops were brought in, and schools were switched to distance learning for Monday.

Daunte Wright's shooting at Brooklyn Center sparks massive looting: 'Police
brutality, time to grab some Nike' (MEAWW)

[MENTION] The Internet began slamming the people who were looting the stores while
protests against the death of Daunte Wright were taking place. Many users pointed out that the
people who were engaging in the looting and vandalizing might not even be part of the BLM
cause or even know the name of the victim who died in the shooting.

A user tweeted, "Yeah, but they aren’t really protesting. They’re stealing Nikes and twerking.
Lol." Another user wrote, "Can someone, preferably a Black person, help me understand why
stealing shoes or looting the pharmacy helps their cause? I’m serious... Are Nike shoes magical
or equivalent to someone’s life?"

Many users also mocked the people for using the protests against 'racial inequality' as an
opportunity to loot and steal. A user commented, "Nothing fixes racial inequality like stealing a
new set of Nikes." "A black man sneezed, a Police officer offered him a tissue....then Police
brutality, time to grab some Nike's because nothing says social justice like stealing from the
most woke company in America."

Another user joked, "Like clockwork, black america looting (as in breaking and entering and
stealing everything in sight), grabbing Nike kicks and flatscreens because, you know, the
pain....." "@GovTimWalz Stop the damn looting that is going on. People who have nothing to do
with what happened in Brooklyn Center are being impacted by the low life thugs who think
social justice is stealing Nike shoes, and robbing a Wal*mart.," urged a user.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz posted a tweet about the situation saying he "mourns another
life of a black man taken by law enforcement.” "I am closely monitoring the situation in
Brooklyn Center... Gwen and I are praying for Daunte Wright’s family as our state mourns
another life of a Black man taken by law enforcement," shared the Governor.

Full article here.

Protests in Minneapolis after police fatally shoot black man in traffic stop
(Irish Time)

[MENTION] Protests erupted against police in Minneapolis in the United States when an officer
fatally shot a young black man after stopping his vehicle for a traffic violation on Sunday,
about16km from where George Floyd was killed during an arrest last May.

As angry crowds swelled into the hundreds outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department
building on Sunday night, officers in riot gear fired rubber bullets and lobbed flash bangs at
protesters and let off clouds of chemical irritants.

The man killed by police was identified by relatives and governor of Minnesota Tim Walz as
Daunte Wright, aged 20. Mr Walz said in a statement that he was monitoring the unrest in
Brooklyn Center, a suburb of Minneapolis, as “our state mourns another life of a black man
taken by law enforcement”.

Protestors shout ‘Don’t shoot’ while kneeling and raising up their arms in front of a line of
police officers at the Brooklyn Center Police Station. Photograph: Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty
Protestors shout ‘Don’t shoot’ while kneeling and raising up their arms in front of a line of
police officers at the Brooklyn Center Police Station. Photograph: Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty
Anti-police protesters have already spent recent days rallying in Minneapolis as the trial of
Derek Chauvin, a white former city policeman, enters the third week in a courthouse ringed
with barriers and soldiers from the National Guard.

Mr Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter for kneeling on the neck of Mr Floyd, a
46-year-old black man in handcuffs, during the deadly arrest last May, video of which sparked
global protests against police brutality.

Full article here.

Protests erupt as police shoot and kill man in traffic stop near Minneapolis
(Business Day)

[MENTION] Brooklyn Center — Protests erupted against police after an officer fatally shot a
young black man whose vehicle was stopped for a traffic violation on Sunday about 16km from
where George Floyd was killed during an arrest in Minneapolis last May.

As angry crowds swelled into the hundreds outside the Brooklyn Center police department
building on Sunday night, officers in riot gear fired rubber bullets and lobbed flash bangs at
protesters and let off clouds of chemical irritants.

The man killed by police was identified by relatives and Minnesota governor Tim Walz as
Daunte Wright, 20. Walz said that he is monitoring the unrest in Brooklyn Center, a suburb of
Minneapolis, as “our state mourns another life of a black man taken by law enforcement”.

Antipolice protesters have already spent recent days rallying in Minneapolis as the trial of Derek
Chauvin, a white former city policeman, enters the third week in a courthouse ringed with
barriers and soldiers from the National Guard.

Chauvin is charged with murder and manslaughter for kneeling on the neck of Floyd, a 46-year-
old black man in handcuffs, during the deadly arrest last May, video of which sparked global
protests against police brutality.

Full article here.

One dead in police shooting in Brooklyn Center; tear gas deployed to clear
protesters (360 Aproko)

[MENTION] Brooklyn Park Mayor Mike Elliott announced on Twitter just before midnight that
he would be issuing a curfew for the city.

The crowd was protesting the Sunday afternoon shooting of Wright by an officer during a traffic
stop in the Twin Cities suburb.

Just before 11 p.m., an MPR News reporter witnessed stores being damaged and some looting
underway at the Shingle Creek Crossing shopping center and nearby stores in Brooklyn Park. A
large number of law enforcement officers were responding to the area.

Gov. Tim Walz issued a statement on Twitter just after 10 p.m., saying “I am closely monitoring
the situation in Brooklyn Center. Gwen and I are praying for Daunte Wright’s family as our state
mourns another life of a Black man taken by law enforcement.”

Earlier in the evening, a few hundred people gathered at the corner of 63rd Avenue North and
Lee Avenue, just down the street from where the shooting happened just before 2 p.m.

People used megaphones, joined by the crowd, to call for justice for the man who was shot.
Relatives identified Wright as the man who died. They said they had just bought him a car, and
he was on his way to a car wash when the shooting happened.

Full article here.

COVID In Minnesota: As State Reaches 2 Million With First Vaccine Dose,
MDH Reports 1,784 Cases, 13 Deaths Sunday (WCCO)

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — As state health officials warn that Minnesota is staring down another
COVID-19 surge, the latest reported figures show 1,784 new cases and 13 additional deaths
from the virus.

The Minnesota Department of Health’s Sunday update puts Minnesota’s total case count at
542,053. Since the start of the pandemic, 6,957 Minnesotans have died from COVID-19.

Since last March, 28,229 people have been hospitalized, with 5,781 of those needing intensive
care. More than 516,427 cases no longer require isolation.

In the last 24 hours, the state processed 34,582 tests. More than 3.8 million Minnesotans have
been tested since the pandemic began.

More than 2 million people in the state have received at least one vaccine dose, while
1,386,766 have been administered the full sequence. More than 31% of eligible Minnesotans
now have the completed series.

“Getting vaccinated will allow us to get back to the people we love and the things we have
missed — and put an end to this pandemic,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a release about crossing the
2 million first doses mark. “I am so grateful that 2 million Minnesotans have rolled up their
sleeves, taken their shot, and put us on the path back to normalcy.”

On Saturday, the health department reported Minnesota has the fourth-most new cases per
capita in the country over the last seven days. MDH spokesperson Doug Schultz says more than
half of Minnesota’s positive cases are the B117 variant strain first identified in the UK. The
variant is more difficult to contain.

More than 2 million Minnesotans have received at least one dose of COVID-
19 vaccine (KMSP)

(FOX 9) - Minnesota health officials reported 2,050,888 people have received at least one dose
of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 1,386,766 have received both doses.

According to Governor Walz's office, Minnesota reported more than 175,500 vaccine doses
administered in Saturday and Sunday’s vaccine reports. The state reported its highest day of
vaccine administration yet on Saturday with 89,214 doses reported, and 86,339 doses reported
Sunday.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, officials reported 1,784 new cases of COVID-19 and 13 more deaths.

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Walz in ‘hold pattern’ on restrictions as Minnesota heads toward third COVID-19 surge
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he is not planning to impose new restrictions as the state heads
into a third surge of COVID-19 infections.

Of the newly reported deaths, six were residents in long-term care facilties. The youngest
deaths included three people in their 60s.

The 1,784 new cases were out of 34,582 tests, a 5.1% positivity rate.

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 are steadily increasing, now at the highest they have been since
mid-January.

Despite the increasing cases, and concerns over another wave of COVID-19, Governor Tim Walz
has said he doesn't have any plans for another set of COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, he and
other governors are pushing for the Biden administration to prioritize states that are facing a
new increase in cases for COVID-19 doses.

Vaccine 'passports' stir debate in Minnesota (Star Tribune)

By Christopher Snowbeck

Some Krispy Kreme stores nationwide are handing out free doughnuts this spring to people
who can prove they're vaccinated against COVID-19.

In Florida, the NBA's Miami Heat has established a vaccinated-only seating section for fans who
show documentation that they've gotten two shots of Pfizer or Moderna or a single shot of
Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Farther north, the state of New York is piloting a mobile phone app that works like an airline
boarding pass, displaying vaccine status for those attending theaters and sporting events.

As vaccination against COVID-19 ramps up across the U.S., interest is growing in establishing
technology to quickly verify a person's immunization status. Proponents say the systems,
sometimes referred to as "vaccine passports," could allow economies to gradually reopen
before herd immunity is reached by assuring consumers that they are safe to return to
stadiums, theaters and other venues.

But critics see ethical dilemmas.

Many Republican lawmakers say it threatens individual freedom and pressures people into
getting vaccinated when they might not otherwise do so. The Biden administration is on record
saying it won't develop the technology, preferring to leave it to the private sector to sort out
and implement. And DFL Gov. Tim Walz last week told reporters he had "no intention of doing
vaccine passports."

As the debate over the issue swirls, the technology behind digital vaccine passports is still being
developed. Doctors argue that limiting attendance based on vaccine status is premature
because many still don't have access to immunizations. It's also not yet clear how long vaccine
protection lasts, they point out, or how different vaccines will work against new variants of the
virus that are emerging.

"The science isn't there yet to support broad-based implementation, nor is the equity there,"
said Dr. Peter Bornstein, an infectious disease specialist in St. Paul.

At this point, the most visible proof of vaccination for most Americans comes via a small white
card that they receive after vaccination. Health care providers fill out the cards, which list a
patient's name and the vaccine received. For now, the cards suffice as documentation for
incentives such as the free doughnuts and special seats at Miami Heat games.

Passes in use elsewhere
The Excelsior Pass system in New York, meanwhile, is one of several governmental and private
sector examples of digital systems to verify vaccine status, according to an article last week in
the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).

In Israel, a smartphone app called a "green pass" allows vaccinated people access to public
venues such as gyms, hotels and entertainment venues. The European Union is planning a
"Digital Green Certificate" that would allow for unrestricted travel.

Lawrence Gostin, a law professor from Georgetown University who authored the JAMA article
with two fellow health-law specialists, wrote that as long as demand for vaccine exceeds the
supply, digital health passes (DHPs) would unfairly exclude people who simply cannot find a
shot.

"Yet once everyone can gain access to vaccines, there is a strong ethical justification for DHPs
designed to create safer environments to work, shop, recreate, and travel, as they represent a
less restrictive alternative to current public health measures," they wrote. "Unvaccinated
individuals have no right to impose risks on others, thus impeding a return to normal activities."

Still, there are challenges.

People who can't be vaccinated for medical reasons should not be excluded from privileges,
Gostin and colleagues wrote, and exemptions might be needed for religious or conscientious
objections. They noted, too, the "historic distrust of the health system" among racial minorities
and said that distrust, and a reluctance to get vaccinated, "should not disqualify them from
economic and social opportunities."

Vaccine passports should not be mistaken for vaccination mandates, Mark Hall, a health-law
expert at Wake Forest University, wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine. Passport
systems would not restrict access to workplaces, schools and health care institutions but could
help create standards for reliable documentation of vaccine status that are then used in the
travel industry and elsewhere.

"Allowing sports leagues, concert and sporting venues, clubs, restaurants, and bars some
latitude to set rules that determine access on the basis of customers' vaccination status would
be reasonable; doing so may also serve wider efforts to encourage vaccine uptake," Hall and a
colleague wrote last month in the journal. "Although not in the driver's seat, government will
have to help steer."

Politics heat up debate
In recent weeks, the issue has emerged as a political flash point.

Republican governors in Florida and Texas have taken steps to block passport programs. After
Walz told reporters last week he wasn't interested in vaccine passports, Sen. Michelle Benson,
R-Ham Lake, posted an online video saying Senate Republicans would make sure he kept his
word.

"It sounds real Orwellian to me," Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake and the Senate majority leader,
said in an online video also posted last week.

Last month, the Minnesota-based Citizens' Council for Health Freedom called vaccination
passports a "stealth move to tyranny." The group called the idea "coercion at its finest."

Andy Slavitt, senior adviser to the White House's COVID-19 response, said during a press
briefing last month that the Biden administration is not creating a vaccine passport system and
would only help developing criteria for systems. The subject is "tricky and important," Slavitt
said, since people will want to show they've been vaccinated.

"We view this as something that the private sector is doing and will do," he said.

Right now, the utility of vaccine status for granting admission to the theater, sporting events
and other venues is limited, Bornstein said, because the science behind the vaccines and the
virus is still in flux.

Vaccines are being provided under an emergency use authorization and haven't yet been fully
approved by the Food and Drug Administration. While Bornstein said he had no reason to be
hesitant about the vaccines, he believes some people are waiting for more information or full
FDA approval.

"It's premature," he said of vaccine passports. "Ask me again in two months — if we have ample
supply of vaccine and a better understanding of how well vaccines work against emerging
variants, then I might have a different answer."

Developers of vaccine passport systems must ensure that data can be kept secure and private,
said Joel Wu of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Minnesota. Those concerns are
growing as more breaches occur in private-sector enterprises.

More broadly, it's not surprising that vaccine passports would prompt debate, Wu added, since
they involve trade-offs between individual freedoms and collective safety — familiar issues in
debate over topics from speed limits to smoking.

"What are the burdens or inconveniences or limitations that we are willing to tolerate," he
asked, "to be able to maintain the conditions for everyone, including us, to be healthy, safe and
free?"

Staff writer Jeremy Olson contributed to this report.

Walz in 'hold pattern' on restrictions as Minnesota heads toward third COVID-
19 surge (KMSP)


COVID-19 forecasts split on Minnesota's pandemic future (Star Tribune)

By Jeremy Olson

Two influential COVID-19 models foresee pandemic activity headed in different directions this
month in Minnesota, where state officials hope continued vaccinations will counter an increase
in infections and hospitalizations.

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in Washington state on Friday predicted
declining infections in Minnesota, even though mobile device usage data suggests more social
interactions that are increasing opportunities for viral transmission.

However, Mayo Clinic's 14-day forecast predicts a mild increase in infections across the state, in
part because of spring restlessness, said Dr. Sean Dowdy, Mayo's deputy chief value officer.

"COVID fatigue is as real as cold weather fatigue," he said. "It is getting warmer and
Minnesotans want to socialize and be outside. This combined with the new variants has led to
increased transmissibility."

More-infectious variants of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus continue to drive pandemic activity in
Minnesota, which has reported 6,932 COVID-19 deaths and 537,828 diagnosed infections.

The totals include 10 deaths and 2,659 infections reported Friday by the Minnesota
Department of Health — with the one-day case total being the highest since Jan. 4. The
positivity rate of diagnostic testing increased to 6.6% — up from a low of 3.2% on March 2 —
while the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Minnesota increased to 595.

State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said the rising numbers underscore the need for
vaccination as well as continued public mask-wearing and social distancing.

"We really do consider this a race against time and against the variants," she said.

Health officials are encouraged that the rise hasn't caused a substantial increase in COVID-19
deaths. Vaccination of senior citizens and others at greatest risk of severe COVID-19 illness
appears to be playing a protective role.

The state on Friday reported that 1,940,081 people in Minnesota had received a COVID-19
vaccine and that 1,285,925 of them had completed the one- or two-dose series.

That means that 44% of Minnesota's eligible population of people 16 or older, and more than
83% of senior citizens, have received vaccine.

A similar pattern of rising rates of positive tests, infections and hospitalizations played out in
Minnesota in early fall 2020, right before a sharp increase in pandemic activity clogged up
hospital beds across the state and resulted in the most lethal stretch in the pandemic.

Dowdy said a repeat scenario is doubtful this spring, and that a vaccination rate above 50%
could lead to a reduction in restrictions on business and social activities.

While the current rate of vaccination is not enough to stem the rise in variant-driven cases
entirely, "we don't expect the next peak to be anywhere close to as high as what we saw in
Nov/Dec," he said in an e-mail. "If we can get to 50%, or even better 75%, I think we can think
about life returning to 'normal.' "

Almost no infections are being found in southeast Minnesota in people 65 and older, he added.
That age group was prioritized for vaccine after suffering 89% of Minnesota's COVID-19 deaths.

Minnesota ranks 14th in the U.S. for its per-capita rate of COVID-19 vaccinations but among the
best in the nation for the percent of its available doses that have been administered.

The two-dose Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are considered about 95% protective
against the development of COVID-19 illness, while the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine
is less protective against symptoms but equally protective against almost all COVID-related
hospitalizations or deaths.

The state has identified 374 breakthrough cases of people testing positive for SARS-CoV-2
infections despite being fully vaccinated. Many cases were found through routine testing,
including in long-term care facilities, and displayed no symptoms that indicated their infections.

Out of a total supply of more than 3.5 million doses, the state has reported that 713 have been
wasted — often because vials were cracked in transport or were thawed and not used before
the shelf life of the doses expired.

Gov. Tim Walz applauded Minnesota's progress on Friday, unveiling a vaccination site in Lino
Lakes, the ninth operated by the state.

"The state's expansive network to bring vaccines directly to Minnesotans in their communities
continues to grow," Walz said.

People 16 and older are encouraged to sign up on Minnesota's Vaccine Connector to be
selected for shots at the site, though they also have a broadening array of pharmacy, clinic and
local public health events available to them as well.

The B.1.1.7 variant is fueling as much as half of new infections in Minnesota and has been
identified in outbreaks in youth sports events, sports clubs, restaurants and long-term care and
correctional facilities, said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state epidemiologist. Genomic sequencing of about
7% of positive test results has identified 1,573 infections involving that variant.

Roughly 4% of the known B.1.1.7 infections resulted in hospitalizations and five resulted in
deaths.

Genomic sequencing also detected 337 infections involving two more infectious variants first
identified in California. Only 18% of those infections involved people who had traveled,
meaning transmission has been occurring in Minnesota, Lynfield said.

The state also has found five cases of the P.1 variant first identified in Brazil and 26 cases of the
B1351 variant first identified in South Africa. At least two-thirds of these cases have involved
international travel, but some people haven't been interviewed to determine the source of
their infections.

"They are spreading," Lynfield said of the variants, "and we need to continue to be careful while
more Minnesotans get vaccinated."

GOVERNOR WALZ HIGHLIGHT BIOFUELS INFRASTRUCTURE BUDGET
PROPOSAL (KROX)

On Thursday, Governor Tim Walz and supporters of Minnesota’s biofuels industry urged the
passage of the Governor’s Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program budget proposal in order to
strengthen small businesses, support farmers, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Minnesota’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget, the Governor’s biennial budget proposal, includes an
investment of $2 million per year to fund the Biofuels Infrastructure Grant Program to increase
access to ethanol and biodiesel across the state. These grants would give service station owners
across Minnesota funding to install the equipment needed to ramp up use of higher blends of
biofuels, such as E15 (gas that is 15% ethanol), E30 (30% ethanol), and E80 (80% ethanol).

“Biofuels are critical to Minnesota, not just for helping us meet our climate goals, but to our
agricultural and rural economies and the state’s economy as a whole. However, many gas
stations don’t have the tanks, pumps, and other equipment needed to safely dispense E15 to
consumers,” said Governor Walz. “The biofuels infrastructure grants would help retailers make
these upgrades, and in doing so, these grants support our farmers and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions across Minnesota.”

Governor Walz highlighted the proposal today at Holiday Stationstore #3829 in New Hope.
Owner Chris Robbins received a state grant enabling him to upgrade his facility to offer E15,
E30, and E85 fuels.

“E15 has been a huge success for our location,” said Robbins. “It is cheaper for consumers, it
supports a home-grown, renewable resource and our Minnesota economy, it reduces our
dependence on foreign oil, and it reduces harmful greenhouse gases.”

Conventional corn-starch ethanol can reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) by as much as 48
percent compared to gasoline; advanced biofuels made from feedstocks such as cellulose can
reduce GHGs even more.

Minnesota’s ethanol industry generated $4.4 billion in revenue in 2020 and supports nearly
14,500 jobs – including an estimated 3,600 jobs in agriculture and 3,900 jobs indirectly
supported in the corn production supply chain.

Minnesota agriculture groups invest in biofuels (KEYC)

By Jared Dean

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) — Corn is an essential part of the southern Minnesota economy.

It has become increasingly more important after a successful year of corn prices in 2020.

The Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council and Minnesota Corn Growers Association
have committed $1 million towards the future of biofuels through an infrastructure grant
program.

Gov. Tim Walz acknowledged the importance of biofuels and their future in Minnesota.

“This is a bipartisan issue. For many of us this is something that we have been working on for
decades,” Walz said in a press conference. “I am so incredibly proud of the innovation that has
created this new industry it does everything that you have heard from these speakers. It brings
us together like nothing else.”

The governor has also recommended an additional $2 million for the infrastructure of the
biofuels program for the state.

The push for cleaner more reliable energy isn’t new, but the investment is something that
farmers in southern Minnesota see as a reassurance of the work that they are doing for the
area.

Tim Waibel, president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, says that this extra boost for
farmers will also be a boost for the community.

“If we could make an extra $5 or $10 an acre by having a stepped-up standard of 10-15% in
ethanol, that is going to relay into the farm and what we spend in our communities,” Waibel
said. “What we spend when purchasing additional land, keeping the values of that land up.”

Coronavirus: US midwest sees signs of a new wave as hospitalisations soar
(The Guardian)

[MENTION] The surge has prompted Governor Gretchen Whitmer to urge people to restrict
activities and wear masks and for schools to halt in-person learning.

“A year in, we all know what works and this has to be a team effort,” the Democrat said. “We
have to do this together. Lives depend on it.”

Covid is also making a resurgence, albeit to a lesser degree, in Minnesota, where cases have
jumped since March. On Friday, 2,659 new infections were reported, the most in a single day
since January. Governor Tim Walz has said he is not planning new restrictions but called on the
federal government to speed up vaccine delivery.

Illinois reported 4,004 new cases on Friday, also the most since January, with the number of
seriously sick people in hospital rising.

“We are seeing hospitalisations going up. It’s very challenging,” said the governor, JB Pritzker. “I
watch the numbers every day and I’m hypersensitive to what direction the state is going and
what we need to do next.”

Public health experts have blamed the rise in cases on on the spread of the highly infectious
coronavirus variant B117, first identified in the UK, along with the relaxation of restrictions in
the wake of dropping cases and the uptake of vaccines.

Full article here.

Watch: Beloved MN sign language interpreter profiled on Today Show (Bring
Me the News)

By Declan Desmond

First, she gets her own "day" in Minnesota, and now, the spotlight on one of America's most
popular morning news shows.

You might not know her by name, but you've almost certainly seen Nic Zapko. Since the start of
the pandemic and through the civil unrest that followed George Floyd's death, she's been at
Gov. Tim Walz's side as his sign language interpreter, relating important news and safety
information to Minnesota's deaf and hard of hearing.

She became a celebrity in her own right owing to her highly expressive and accurate sign
language interpretations, building quite a following social media.

On Friday, Zapko and her meteoric rise to fame were the subject of a profile on NBC's Today.
The report goes into Zapko's life story and explores how her job as the governor's ASL
interpreter actually works (bet ya didn't know it's a job that requires two interpreters!).

Today correspondent Joe Fryer also talks to Zapko about her trademark facial expressions and
animated gestures — and what makes them so important to deaf viewers.

You can check out the video right here:

The Today Show appearance comes a month after Gov. Walz, in a surprise press-conference
move, proclaimed March 9, 2021, "Nic Zapko Day."

Not coincidentally, it was also her birthday, and the announcement caught her totally off guard.

The governor said Zapko's translations ensure thousands of Minnesotans have access to real-
time information that will keep them safe.

He described her as "by far the most popular person on this podium and the most well-known."

HEALTH OFFICIALS: VARIANTS LEADING TO SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES AMONG
YOUTH (CCX)

When Governor Tim Walz stopped in New Hope on Thursday, he shared that COVID-19
numbers now appear to show the virus spreading among youth and in schools.

But not between teachers who are tested regularly. A growing number of staff also have been
vaccinated.

“The infection rate among teachers is .3 percent,” said Walz. “Teachers are not getting COVID
and not getting sick because we made that commitment early. We are handling it district by
district in a responsible way.”

The most recent numbers reflect that pattern in our major districts as well.

The governor says districts are quarantining and isolating so they don’t have to shut down and
that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“I think the next 21 days will show us how this thing will come to an end,” said Walz. “If we can
get the vaccine rates up the way we are doing it, if we continue to mitigate in those most
highly-transmittable settings, we should be able to manage those hospitalizations.”

Walz said because younger people with COVID-19 often don’t require hospitalization, we are
not seeing the big jump in ICU bed use like we did previously. Minnesota health officials also say
the more highly contagious variants are a factor behind more youth getting COVID-19.

Minnesota House DFL proposes gas tax increase (Star Tribune)

By Jessie Van Berkel

Minnesota's gas tax would increase as construction costs climb under a proposal House
Democrats released last week — an idea Republican lawmakers quickly rejected.

It has been 13 years since Minnesota last increased the gas tax and the cost to repair state
infrastructure continues to grow, Rep. Erin Koegel, DFL-Spring Lake Park, told the House
Transportation Committee as members debated a bill containing the provision on Thursday.

"We're really asking [the Minnesota Department of Transportation] to do more with less
funding," Koegel said, contending that indexing the gas tax to keep up with inflation would help
ensure safe roads.

House Democrats' transportation funding bill would raise the tax on a gallon of gas by 5 cents
over the next four years. It also increases the motor vehicle sales tax and directs the
Metropolitan Council to add a half-cent sales tax in certain Twin Cities communities to support
transit. The bill would change how tab fees are calculated and add a luxury vehicle surcharge.

"These tax increases will hit Minnesotans of every income level, including the poorest of the
poor," Rep. John Petersburg, the Republican lead on the Transportation Committee, said in a
statement.

DFL Gov. Tim Walz pushed for a 20 cent increase to the gas tax two years ago, which failed.
Walz did not include a gas tax hike in his proposed budget for 2022 and 2023.

Minnesota Legislature's budget plans differ on how to address racial
inequality (Star Tribune)

By Jessie Van Berkel

In the days after George Floyd's death, Minnesota legislators on both sides of the aisle said the
state was at a critical moment.

"I believe that Minnesota needs to lead the nation in race reconciliation. We have an
opportunity. This is an opportunity that comes around once in a generation. And what are we
going to do with that?" Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka said the week after
Floyd died in police custody.

For legislators, the answer to that question lies, in part, in the hundreds of pages of budget
plans released this week.

The bills detail different visions for the next two years of state spending on things ranging from
education to workforce development to the judicial system. Attempts to reduce racial
disparities have been written into — or left out of — the financial documents.

"We are a divided Legislature. But that doesn't stop us from bringing that awareness forward on
the type of bills that we need, and should be moving, within this legislative body to really
eliminate the disparities and really reduce the racism that we see, that are embedded in laws
and policies," said Rep. Rena Moran, DFL-St. Paul, who co-chaired a House Select Committee on
Racial Justice created last fall.

Many of House Democrats' budget and policy ideas that address race stem from that
committee. It was tasked with ensuring the Legislature was considering racial equity in future
policy and spending decisions. The committee produced 83 recommendations to try to
eliminate disparities, including boosting state spending on schools that offer broad community
services, instituting paid family and medical leave and banning suspensions of students partway
through elementary school.

“I believe that Minnesota needs to lead the nation in race reconciliation. We have an
opportunity.” Paul Gazelka, Senate majority leader

While those ideas and others are wrapped into numerous House bills, many of the 83
suggestions did not make it into the big budget proposals.

There is no marijuana decriminalization or expungement of people's records for such offenses.
Cash bail reform is absent. Several environmental justice suggestions were left out. And the
biggest price-tag item is not in the mix: a $1 billion fund to support economic development
activities by Minnesotans who are Black, Indigenous and people of color.

The proposed changes were never going to be passed in one fell swoop, Moran said.

"We're not going to get all of this done in one session, two sessions," she said. "We are in this
for the long haul."

Some items are partly addressed. Instead of extending Medicaid coverage for new mothers up
to one year after they give birth, the House Health Finance bill would extend medical assistance
for eligible women from 60 days postpartum to 180 days. It is one of several elements in the
health bill aimed at tackling racial disparities in the rates of death and illness among pregnant
women and infants.

"U.S.-born Black women in Minnesota are nearly three times more likely to die during
pregnancy or within one year postpartum than white women, and Indigenous mothers are
nearly eight times more likely to die in this period than white women," the select committee's
report noted.

Many of the House's racial equity measures are missing from Senate budget bills.

But members of the Republican-led Senate said their bills also tackle disparities. They
contended GOP priorities, such as not raising taxes and expanding school choice, will benefit
communities of color.

The Senate education bill would create "education savings accounts," where families who pull
their child out of public school could use state education assistance dollars for private school
tuition or other education expenses. Education Committee Chairman Roger Chamberlain, R-
Lino Lakes, has said in a statement the savings accounts give parents control of their child's
education, and, "Choice is the number one request I receive from parents, especially from
communities of color."

The Senate and House education packages both devote money over the next two years to
expanding programs to mentor and retain teachers of color and Native American teachers.

The Senate human services bill would increase pay for personal care assistants, a large
percentage of whom are women of color, said Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka. He noted that bill
devotes $5.3 million over the next two years, about four times as much as Democratic Gov. Tim
Walz's budget, to reforms in the federal Family First Prevention Services Act that aim to prevent
children from entering foster care and to keep families together. A disproportionate number of
children of color have historically been placed in the child welfare system.

"We definitely have thought more about it because the attention has been put there," Abeler
said of racial inequality. "So it's more front-of-mind."

But Gazelka said the primary focus this session is the state budget and COVID-19. Police
accountability is one of the conversations they will continue in the future, he said, noting that if
there is a lot of disagreement about "peripheral things" they will have to wait until next year.

The Legislature's first major policymaking response to Floyd's death was the passage of a police
reform package last July. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle called it a compromise and a first
step.

A next step found in the House public safety bill would give local governments the ability to
grant a civilian council more authority in reviewing complaints against officers and imposing
discipline. The bill would add requirements for tracking officer complaints and discipline, and
prohibits officers from affiliating with white supremacist groups. Senators left those items out
of their public safety proposal.

However, both the House and Senate designate $12 million over two years for officer training
assistance. The House bill deems those dollars the "Philando Castile Memorial Training Fund"
and has more rules for how to use the money.

“We’re not going to get all of this done in one session, two sessions. We are in this for the long
haul.” Rep. Rena Moran, DFL-St. Paul

After the House and Senate pass their budget bills, they will sort through their differences in
conference committees and must negotiate with Walz, who has his own set of priorities. The
goal is to pass the next state budget by the end of session on May 17.

"There are still plenty of weeks left," said Rep. Ruth Richardson, DFL-Mendota Heights, the
other racial justice committee co-chair. She noted her bill to tackle childbirth disparities got
bipartisan support in House committees, and just because a proposal is not in a Senate budget
bill doesn't mean it won't pass this year.

"The momentum that we've had with being able to even have some deep conversations about
this in committee," said Richardson, "I think we've got an opportunity to do some really great
bipartisan work here that is going to create a stronger Minnesota for everyone."

After intense campaign, Jennifer Carnahan reelected MN GOP chair (Bring Me
the News)

By Declan Desmond

Jennifer Carnahan has emerged victorious from a contentious battle to continue leading
Minnesota's Republican Party.

On Saturday, Carnahan was elected to a third term as chair of the MN GOP, beating challenger
Mark Koran, who's currently a state senator.

Following her victory, Carnahan thanked her party for "always leading with hope, a positivity
and a kind spirit":

This is in contrast to the fierce nature of the campaign. According to the Star Tribune, she came
under fire from other top party leaders, with one accusing her of using "fear to intimidate and
silence her opponents," and another alleging "prolonged financial negligence" with respect to a
contract between the party and digital fundraising vendor WinRed, which has been the subject
of allegations of deceptive practices in the way it signed up Republican supporters for recurring
donations.

The paper says the feud carried over all the way to the Republican National Committee, with
Carnahan and her adversaries making further accusations against one another to RNC Chair
Ronna McDaniel.

Carnahan's win is also despite a string of statewide GOP losses under her watch, with Gov. Tim
Walz beating Jeff Johnson in 2018, Attorney General Keith Ellison defeating Doug Wardlow in
the same year, Democrats Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith retaining their seats on the U.S.
Senate, and Joe Biden increasing the Democrats' margin over Trump in the 2020 presidential
election.

Nonetheless, Carnahan — who's served in her role since 2017 — won reelection with 67
percent on the first ballot, MPR reports.

She came under scrutiny following the 2020 election when she made baseless claims that
Minnesota's vote was "suspicious." In response, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon's
office effectively challenged her to bring any complaints she had through the legal system.

“It's hard to respond to allegations that are so vague and unformed," a statement said. "The
bottom line is you can't just throw out conjecture and guesswork without real evidence. The
place to raise issue with elections administration is through the court system, not social media.”

Carnahan, who's married to 1st District Rep. Jim Hagedorn, is a small business owner in addition
to her work as MN GOP chair.

Jennifer Carnahan re-elected to lead Minnesota Republican Party (Star
Tribune)

By Patrick Condon

Jennifer Carnahan won another term as chairwoman of the Republican Party of Minnesota on
Saturday, beating back a challenge from a state senator despite harsh criticism of her
performance from other top party leaders.

Carnahan defeated state Sen. Mark Koran on the first ballot in a virtual convention of state
party activists. Carnahan got the votes of 224 delegates and Koran got 109 votes, according to
the tally released by the party.

"Over the last four years we've rebuilt our party, expanded our base, eliminated our debt,
improved our finances and brought a new energy to our cause," Carnahan said in a statement
released after her win.

Carnahan is the first person of color to lead either of Minnesota's two major parties. She is
married to U.S. Rep. Jim Hagedorn of southern Minnesota's First Congressional District.

The contest between Carnahan and Koran had grown bitter in recent weeks. Koran and allies
accused Carnahan of using the party chair position to tilt the vote in her favor, which she
denied. Carnahan, meanwhile, questioned Koran's integrity and said his attacks would hurt
party unity.

The virtual convention was closed to the press, and party staffers who report to Carnahan were
running the leadership elections, fodder for complaints from Koran and his supporters of an
unfair process.

Carnahan, a small-business owner from St. Louis Park, was first elected state party chairwoman
in 2017, and reelected two years ago. Supporters say she deserves credit for paying off a debt
load that just a few years earlier had pushed the state GOP to the brink of bankruptcy.

In two state election cycles under Carnahan, Minnesota Republicans have had mixed success:
They gained three greater Minnesota congressional seats, but Democrats gained two Twin
Cities-area seats; the GOP lost the state House in 2018, but nearly regained it last year while
also holding its state Senate majority.

And the Minnesota GOP's 15-year losing streak in statewide races is so far unbroken under
Carnahan. Former President Donald Trump did worse in Minnesota last year than he did in
2016, despite an investment by his campaign that GOP operatives said dwarfed previous efforts
by the party in a state Democrats have carried on the presidential level since 1972.

No debates over the fallout from Trump's loss or his role in inciting the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot
have accompanied the Minnesota GOP's leadership elections. Carnahan and Koran both praise
the former president and neither has refuted his discredited claims of a rigged election.

Despite winning re-election, Carnahan is likely to be dealing with continued dissent going
forward. In recent weeks, two of the state GOP's other leading officials — Barb Sutter and Max
Rymer, the Republican national committeewoman and committeeman, wrote e-mails
condemning Carnahan in unusually harsh terms.

Next year's state elections offer both parties a rare shot at full control of state government: DFL
Gov. Tim Walz is up for re-election, and all 201 state House and Senate seats are also on the
ballot. DFLers also hold the other three statewide elected offices — attorney general, secretary
of state and state auditor.

"As we look ahead to November 8, 2022, we are a party on the rise poised to tip the scales and
put the individual liberties and constitutional freedoms of Minnesota first again," Carnahan
said.

Ken Martin, the long-serving chairman of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, was reelected
without opposition to a sixth two-year term earlier this year.

Date: Thursday, April 15, 2021 7:50:36 AM

Contents
Work from Home Requirements (KMSP 4/15/21 – 6:08 AM)
Peacetime Emergency (WDIO 4/15/21 – 6:05 PM)
Peacetime Emergency (WDAY 4/15/21 – 6:48 AM)
Peacetime Emergency (KSTP 4/14/21 – 4:44 PM, 6:30 PM)
Peacetime Emergency (WDAZ 4/14/21 – 5:03 PM)
Peacetime Emergency (KAAL 4/14/21 – 5:10 PM, 6:08 PM, 6:34 AM)
Peacetime Emergency (KTTC 4/14/21 – 5:15 PM)
Peacetime Emergency (KDQS 4/14/21 – 5:39 PM, 9:06 PM)
Peacetime Emergency (KVRR 4/14/21 – 9:07 PM, 7:07 AM)
Peacetime Emergency (KDQS 4/15/21 – 7:06 AM)
Peacetime Emergency (KXJB 4/14/21 – 5:39 PM, 5:29 AM)
Peacetime Emergency (KVLY 4/14/21 – 6:05 PM)
The Ingraham Angle (FOX News U.S. Cable 4/14/21 – 10:48 PM)
Use of Tear Gas (KMSP 4/14/21 – 5:04 PM)
Police Reform (WCCO 4/14/21 – 6:04 PM)
Minneapolis, St. Paul Won’t Impose Curfews Wednesday Night; Brooklyn Center And Others
Will (WCCO)
Ex-officer in shooting of Daunte Wright faces manslaughter charge (The Washington Post)
Minneapolis police union head blames Daunte Wright’s death on his ‘non-compliance’ (The
Washington Post)
Officer Kim Potter arrested, charged with manslaughter in Daunte Wright's death (Axios)
Ex-Cop Charged With 2nd-Degree Manslaughter in Wright Shooting (WGOW)
Officer arrested, faces second-degree manslaughter charges in Brooklyn Center killing (Sun
Post)
What we know about the police killing of Daunte Wright so far (Minnesota Daily)
Former Minnesota Police Officer To Be Charged In Death Of Daunte Wright (Huff Post)
Kim Potter: Former police officer who shot and killed Daunte Wright arrested on
manslaughter charges (Independent)
Gov. Tim Walz criticized for comments on 'thoughtful' use of tear gas, other crowd control
tactics (Bring Me the News)
Miller says Walz' comments after Wright shooting show lack of leadership (KWLM)
Daunte Wright Shooting Puts Pressure On Minnesota Legislature To Pass More Police
Reforms (WCCO)
MN House panel moves to change police powers (MPR News)
DFL lawmakers threaten to hold up budget to tighten police restrictions (KMSP)
DFLers demand more police reform, GOP says it'll hold hearings on proposals (Bring Me the
News)
Lawmakers disagree over infrastructure funding in Minnesota, Washington (Star Tribune)
Governor Walz's Emergency Powers Extended By Executive Council (KWLM)
Gov. Walz Extends Minnesota’s Peacetime Emergency for 14th Month (KVRR)
Gov. Walz extends peacetime emergency (KAAL)
Gov. Walz says he’s not considering new restrictions as COVID-19 emergency extended
(Pioneer Press)
Minnesota officials extend peacetime emergency for 30 days (Star Tribune)
Executive Council Extends Gov. Walz’s Emergency Powers (WCCO)
CDC panel requests more data before making decision on J&J vaccine pause (Axios)
Gov. Walz addresses Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause (KEYC)
Market forces, not mandates, should guide Minnesota’s electric vehicle future (Minn Post)
Commit to clean, green, renewable energy every day of the year (Bring Me the News Day)
Jensen banned from TikTok for ‘disinformation’ (The Sun Patriot)
Area counties have slight rise in new COVID-19 cases (Mankato Free Press)
16 COVID-19 deaths, 1,715 new infections reported in Minnesota (Star Tribune)
Minnesota reports 1,715 new COVID-19 cases, 16 more deaths Wednesday (KMSP)


Work from Home Requirements (KMSP 4/15/21 – 6:08 AM)
closer to home governor Tim Walz plans to lift the work from home requirements today. this
comes as more minnesotans are getting vaccinated, so working from home will now on lee be a
strong recommendation. by state officials. still, however, employers should continue to
accommodate those who continue to wish to who who wish to continue to work from home a
little bit of a change there.
Peacetime Emergency (WDIO 4/15/21 – 6:05 PM)
the blood clots are very rare, with just six cases out of more than 7 million shots. the move to
continue the pause drew outrage from some doctors who say that the benefits of the vaccine
in the middle of a pandemic outweigh the risks. governor Tim Walz's peaceTime emergency
powers -- have been extended for another 30 days. this makes it 14 months -- since the
emergency powers were first put in place at the beginning of the pandemic. the health
department says the powers are still needed -- with cases, hospitalizations and i-c-u admissions
are all up significantly. jan malcolm: the fema site for instance that was stood up within about a
week's Time that just opened yesterday could not have been done on that Timeline without
the emergency powers and the ability to move quickly. the state executive council has voted
unanimously in favor of emergency powers for every extension. but that council is made up of
all democrats.
Peacetime Emergency (WDAY 4/15/21 – 6:48 AM)
unlike north dakota's risk gauge -- in grand forks, changing this little arrow doesn't impact
covid-19 guidelines or restrictions. and minnesota is extending the governor's peace Time
emergency.. this is the 14th month it's been in place.. the order allows the governor to make
quick decisions in the pandemic, and skip over a lot of red tape. under the peace Time
emergency -- governor Tim Walz has issued mask mandates -- and closed schools and
businesses. but -- for now -- the governor says his office is not* considering any new
restrictions.
Peacetime Emergency (KSTP 4/14/21 – 4:44 PM, 6:30 PM)
the fact that covid cases in minnesota haven't completely dropped off is one of the reasons
governor Walz says there is still a peaceTime emergency.

republican lawmakers are highly critical of that.

hearing on, i would call for a motion to approve executive order 2119.

reporter: for the fourth Time since he initially declared a state of emergency in minnesota,
governor Tim Walz asked the state executive council to extend his emergency powers. he
acknowledges lawmakers in the last century probably didn't foresee an emergency of this
length.

i don't know if they could've anticipated a 14 month ongoing emergency. i think it is a valid
discussion.

reporter: despite republican opposition, the governor and health commissioner made the case
to continue that powers.

the case for extension of a peaceTime emergency is, again, very straightforward and remains
compelling.

reporter: commissioner jim malcolm says a surge in covid cases, including new variants, is
outpacing vaccination efforts.
Peacetime Emergency (WDAZ 4/14/21 – 5:03 PM)
minnesota has extended the governor Tim Walz's emergency powers by 30 days. the governor
requested this extension in an executive council meeting this morning. the minnesota
department of health commissioner jan malcolm called the case for extending emergency
powers "straight forward and compelling" she says it's needed as covid-19 cases and
hospitalizations increase in the state. the governor's emergency powers have now lasted 14-
months. today - north dakota is reporting over 11-hundred active covid-19 cases. that's 37
more active cases than yesterday. this map shows how those active cases are distributed
throughout the state.
Peacetime Emergency (KAAL 4/14/21 – 5:10 PM, 6:08 PM, 6:34 AM)
minnesota governor Tim Walz's request for a 30-day extension of emergency powers is
approved. the governor made the request during a meeting of the executive council today.
department of health commissioner jan malcolm says the extension is straightforward and
compelling, and with the recent increases in cases and hospitalizations, she says it's needed.
governor Walz also issued a statement, saying as we work to outpace the spread of variants,
we cannot afford to lose speed.
Peacetime Emergency (KTTC 4/14/21 – 5:15 PM)
minnesota governor Tim Walz today once again extended the state's peaceTime emergency...
related to the ongoing pandemic. according to the governor's office..the federal government
and 46 other states remain in a state of emergency. there's an alert out for anyone from
minnesota who attended the northland youth wrestlig association state wrestling tournament
in sioux falls, south dakota last week. the minnesota department of health says you should get
tested as the agency tracks an outbreak of 16 new cases.. so far seen in residents of le sueur
and rice counties. officials from faribault school district say they have not heard from families if
any of the district"s recent positive cases were linked to the tournament, but are taking
precautions. << haley storms: "we forwarded all that information to our staff and the district,
just to let them know to test immediately if they tended the event and to consider testing,
even if they're asymptomatic and weren't involved in the event."
Peacetime Emergency (KDQS 4/14/21 – 5:39 PM, 9:06 PM)
for an emergency declaration... that shut down businesses early in pandemic. there has not
been a statewide capacity limit restriction in place since october. and minnesota governor Tim
Walz extended the state's peaceTime emergency another month... through may 14th.... so he
can continue to use executive orders to direct the state's response to the pandemic. Walz says
the declaration allows for him to respond quickly to the everchanging virus... while also helping
get more vaccines out. in one of the first major foreign policy decisions of his administration ....
president joe biden has formally announced his plan to end the u-s military presence in
afghanistan. biden announced the troop withdrawal from afghanistan will be completed by
september 11th... the 20th anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks. the afghan president said he
spoke with biden and respects the u-s decision.
Peacetime Emergency (KVRR 4/14/21 – 9:07 PM, 7:07 AM)
tomorrow gov. Tim Walz is extending the peaceTime emergency for another month in
minnesota. the federal government and 46 other states remain in a state of emergency. Walz
says the state is continuing to work to outpace the spread of variants by getting the vaccine to
all minnesotans. he says he is not considering new restrictions. it's the 14th month of the
emergency due to covid. republican lawmakers who control the state senate continue to try
and rein in or end the democratic governor's orders.
Peacetime Emergency (KDQS 4/15/21 – 7:06 AM)
minnesota governor Tim Walz extended the state's peaceTime emergency another month...
through may 14th.... so he can continue to use executive orders to direct the state's response
to the pandemic. Walz says the declaration allows for him to respond quickly to the
everchanging virus... while also helping get more vaccines out. the wisconsin supreme court
has ruled that governor tony evers' administration ... does not have the authority... to issue
capacity limits on bars... restaurants and other businesses... without approval of the legislature.
the ruling comes two weeks... after the conservative- controlled court struck down the state's
mask mandate.
Peacetime Emergency (KXJB 4/14/21 – 5:39 PM, 5:29 AM)
""we really need to focus on education about the vaccine because there is still the resistance of
taking the vaccine and that's what the providers that are providing the vaccine have been faced
with." so far in clay county, more than 36% of the population has received one dose of the
vaccine.. and 26% is fully vaccinated. that number jumps to more than 73% in people ages 65
and older. head to valleynewslive.c om to see the availability for vaccines. as minnesota
continues to ramp up vaccination distribution, governor Tim Walz is extending the state's
peaceTime emergency. that allows the state to access resources to respond to the pandemic.
the federal government.. and 46 other states.. remain in a state of emergency.
Peacetime Emergency (KVLY 4/14/21 – 6:05 PM)
if you have questions regarding covid vaccines, use our vnl vaccine tracker to sort through
them. it's on the home page of our website. or you can open your phone camera and point it at
the q-r code on your screen. then tap the link that pops up. governor Tim Walz is extending the
peaceTime emergency for the 13th Time since he first signed the executive order. it allows the
state to access resources to respond to the pandemic -- and comes at a Time when the state is
ramping up covid- vaccine distribution. the federal government.. and 46 other states.. remain
in a state of emergency.
The Ingraham Angle (FOX News U.S. Cable 4/14/21 – 10:48 PM)
speaking of governors, we are seeing these scenes play out again tonight in minnesota, your
neighboring state. your counterpart, Tim Walz, is again dealing with a night of unrest. a lot of
people now thinking he brought this on himself after the way they reacted early on at least last
summer.

well, the people of minnesota are suffering. we are their neighbors and we've seen a lot of
them moving to south dakota frankly to get away from that type of leadership. you need to
have strength, make decisive decisions that are best for your people and you need to support
your law enforcement officers. listen, laura, i did a national campaign recruiting law
enforcement officers specifically to the state of south dakota because i want them to know that
in our state they'll be respected. that we want them here. make their homes here and raise
their families here. we recruited hundreds of law enforcement officers from 41 different states.
i'm going to launch that campaign again for an we are seeing so many law enforcement officers
discouraged. they've spent their life in public service and we want them to know that there are
people in this country the value them.

laura: governor Walz endorsed a package of these really radical police, so-called reforms last
summer. it seems like this is the result. we had this officer charged. she's been charged with
second-degree manslaughter. we still don't know much more about her except that she was
charged with manslaughter. 26 year veteran of the force. what's been solved by this
community policing?

i don't know what community policing looks like to everybody, what that definition. one of the
saddest thing that i saw was when that man lost his position for just saying that there is such a
thing as due process. that's what we have to make sure, that we are protecting this country is
people's ability to have due process. and we need to make sure that people who speak the
truth and stand for it are defended, not removed from their positions.
Use of Tear Gas (KMSP 4/14/21 – 5:04 PM)
some are calling for an end to qualified immunity that protects police officers from civil
lawsuits in certain situations. republicans who control the senate have agreed to hold hearings
about police accountability. that's the end of the promises. i'm not promising that we're going
to do more reform. i'm promising toe. listen to see if something is warranted the head of the
minnesota police association said wednesday. he doesn't want any policing restrictions to pass.
calling the democrats push a knee jerk emotional reaction. democrats are also seeking limits on
how police control crowds after the state patrol has used chemical munitions when people try
to break down the fence outside brooklyn centers, police building. water bottles at officers and
let off fireworks. governor Tim Walz defended the use of tear gas is the best strategic option
with rioters confront police. so we hear that, but there is a place for them. there is a place to
be used once we started seeing project 1000 fireworks and folks that were given the
opportunity to peacefully disperse, chose not. democratic leaders have not endorsed this
threat of shutting down budget talks in order to get police accountability measures, but a small
group of democratic lawmakers. have held up a police bill before earlier in this session, and
they proved that they're willing and able to do so.
Police Reform (WCCO 4/14/21 – 6:04 PM)
some people are wondering about kim potter's pension. the retirement association says miss
potter continues to qualify for her pension, earned as an officer with the brooklyn center police
department. she will get a monthly lifeTime benefit reduced that is funded by contributions by
the employer and investment earnings. she is eligible for that pension whether she resigned or
was fired.

outrage over dante wright's death is calling for more police reform at the capitol. last
december governor Tim Walz signed a police accountability bill that puts bands on chokehold
and certain neck restraints. it also has use of force changes so deadly force is only used
judiciously and with respect for human life. activists and lawmakers say the new law does not
go far enough.

we do not adjourn or move forward without taking action. we need to do everything we can to
save our black lives and make sure there is not another dante wright or george floyd.


Minneapolis, St. Paul Won’t Impose Curfews Wednesday Night; Brooklyn
Center And Others Will (WCCO)

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Minneapolis and St. Paul will not impose mandatory curfews
Wednesday evening, after curfews were called Monday and Tuesday nights in the wake of the
fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright.

However, Brooklyn Center and neighboring Brooklyn Park announced another curfew will be in
effect Wednesday starting at 10 p.m. and lasting through 6 a.m. Thursday. Osseo has a curfew
in place for the same timeframe. Champlin also announced a curfew Wednesday, beginning at
9 p.m.

On Monday, curfews were announced for Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka and Dakota counties,
accounting for a total population in excess of 2.5 million. On Tuesday, Gov. Tim Walz said there
would be no mandatory curfews, but a number of cities announced them anyway, including
Minneapolis, St. Paul, Brooklyn Center, Columbia Heights, Crystal, Maple Grove and
Robbinsdale.

Minneapolis authorities said residents should call 612-673-5335 with any tips about suspicious
activity in Minneapolis that do not require an immediate response.

About 40 people were arrested on Monday night amid continuing demonstrations at the
Brooklyn Center Police Department, and about twice that many were arrested Tuesday night.

The unrest comes following the shooting death of Wright, which happened during a traffic stop
around 2 p.m. Sunday.

Wright was pulled over for expired tabs, according to then-Police Chief Tim Gannon, who
tendered his resignation on Tuesday. After officers learned of a warrant for his arrest, they
asked him to exit his vehicle. Body camera footage released Monday showed Wright try to get
back into his car after an officer attempted to handcuff him.

Kim Potter, who also resigned Tuesday, pulled out her gun and pointed it at Wright while
yelling “Taser,” the video shows. She then shot Wright before saying, “Holy s**t, I just shot
him.” She was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter on Wednesday
afternoon.

The incident resulted in clashes between protesters and police Sunday night. Looting and
unrest also spilled into Minneapolis.

Ex-officer in shooting of Daunte Wright faces manslaughter charge (The
Washington Post)

[MENTION] The complaint says that Wright soon pulled away from the officers to get back into
the car, with Luckey trying to keep hold of him. Potter pulled her Glock 9mm handgun and
pointed it at Wright, saying repeatedly that she would use a Taser on him. Seven seconds later,
Potter shouted “Taser, Taser, Taser!” and fired the gun.

Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott has called on Gov. Tim Walz (D) to direct the prosecution of
Potter to the Minnesota attorney general’s office. Walz’s office did not immediately respond to
requests for comment.

Elliott pleaded for calm in the community on Wednesday evening, saying it had been a tragic
week for the people of Brooklyn Center.

Full article here.

Minneapolis police union head blames Daunte Wright’s death on his ‘non-
compliance’ (The Washington Post)

[MENTION] Wright’s death also added fire to an already heated debate surrounding police
reform.

When asked about Gov. Tim Walz’s previous endorsement of police reform, Peters disparaged
some of the measures such as ending qualified immunity, arguing it would “devastate” the
police force.

“To cast a dark shadow over the majority of police officers in this state, I think, is
unwarranted,” he added.

U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) weighed in on the issue Tuesday and said on
Twitter that reform measures like “cameras, chokehold bans, ‘retraining’ funds” do not solve
what she called “a systemic problem.”

Ocasio-Cortez also rebutted the police claim that Wright’s death was an “accident,” and argued
instead that his death was a result of “an indefensible system that grants impunity for state
violence.”

Full article here.

Officer Kim Potter arrested, charged with manslaughter in Daunte Wright's
death (Axios)

Kim Potter, the former police officer charged with second-degree manslaughter in the fatal
shooting of Daunte Wright, was released on a $100,000 bond on Wednesday, Hennepin County
jail records show.

Why it matters: Sunday's shooting of the 20-year-old Black man in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota,
just 10 miles from where George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis police officer last year, has
reinvigorated Black Lives Matter protests and led to three consecutive nights of unrest.

Context: Washington County Attorney Pete Orput arrested and charged Potter with second-
degree manslaughter, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $20,000
fine, according to Minnesota law.

The big picture: Police said at a press conference the day after the shooting that Potter
appeared to have inadvertently pulled out her gun instead of a Taser during a traffic stop.

Both Potter and Brooklyn Center police chief Tim Gannon submitted their resignations on
Tuesday.

A New York Times review of 15 so-called "weapon confusion" cases of police shooting people
found that only five were indicted and three ultimately convicted.
Between the lines: Brooklyn Center, a suburb about 10 miles north of Minneapolis, is in
Hennepin County, not Washington.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman's office referred the case to Orput under a new
policy meant to avoid conflict-of-interest issues given the close working relationship between
prosecutors and local police.

What they're saying: "While we appreciate that the district attorney is pursuing justice for
Daunte, no conviction can give the Wright family their loved one back. This was no accident.
This was an intentional, deliberate, and unlawful use of force. Driving while Black continues to
result in a death sentence," Ben Crump, attorney for the Wright family, said in a statement.

"It’s past time for meaningful change in our country. We will keep fighting for justice for
Daunte, for his family, and for all marginalized people of color. And we will not stop until there
is meaningful policing and justice reform and until we reach our goal of true equality."

Ex-Cop Charged With 2nd-Degree Manslaughter in Wright Shooting (WGOW)

Former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter will face second-degree manslaughter
charges and up to 10 years in prison if convicted after the shooting for Daunte Wright, 20,
Washington County Attorney Pete Orput announced Wednesday.

The charge also carries a maximum $20,000 fine, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported.

Potter, 48, was a 26-year veteran of the Brooklyn Center Police Department before tendering
her resignation after shooting Wright on Sunday, grabbing her handgun instead of her Taser as
he was resisting and fleeing.

Potter and Police Chief Tim Gannon both tendered their resignation Tuesday, but Potter’s
resignation might be denied if she is fired and potentially losing her pension.

Mayor Mike Elliott told reporters they both resigned after the city council passed a resolution
to dismiss both Gannon and Potter.

The moves followed nights of protests in the town of 30,000 people just miles from
Minneapolis, a city already on edge with the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis
police officer charged with murdering George Floyd last May.

Wright was shot Sunday after being pulled over for what police said was an expired car
registration. Officers then discovered there was a warrant out for his arrest, and an officer
accidentally drew her pistol instead of her Taser during a struggle with Wright, who re-entered
his car, Gannon said Monday. The officer was later identified as Potter, who can be heard on
police video shouting, “Holy sh**, I just shot him.”

Given the importance of the investigation, Elliott said he would ask Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., to
assign it to Keith Ellison, the state’s attorney general. Ellison was also put in charge of the
Chauvin case.

The Wright shooting is currently being overseen by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal
Apprehension.

Officer arrested, faces second-degree manslaughter charges in Brooklyn
Center killing (Sun Post)
By Kevin Miller

Former Brooklyn Center Police Officer Kim Potter was charged with second-degree
manslaughter by the Washington County Attorney's Office and was arrested April 14 in
connection with the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright.

Potter, 48, was arrested today by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at
approximately 11:30 a.m. and booked at the Hennepin County Jail.

Potter and former Police Chief Tim Gannon resigned from the Brooklyn Center Police
Department the morning of April 13 after 20-year-old Daunte Wright was shot and killed during
an April 11 traffic stop in Brooklyn Center.

Gannon said that he believed Potter, a 26-year-member of the Brooklyn Center Police
Department, had accidentally shot Wright after mistaking her service pistol for a Taser.

“Certain occupations carry an immense responsibility and none more so than a sworn police
officer,” said Imran Ali, Washington County assistant criminal division chief and director of the
major crimes unit.

“With that responsibility comes a great deal of discretion and accountability. We will vigorously
prosecute this case and intend to prove that Officer Potter abrogated her responsibility to
protect the public when she used her firearm rather than her Taser. Her action caused the
unlawful killing of Mr. Wright and she must be held accountable.”

A legal team led by attorney Ben Crump is representing Wright's family. Crump is also
representing the family of George Floyd, who was killed during a police encounter in
Minneapolis last May.

“While we appreciate that the district attorney is pursuing justice for Daunte, no conviction can
give the Wright family their loved one back,” the legal team said in a statement.

“This was no accident. This was an intentional, deliberate and unlawful use of force. Driving
while black continues to result in a death sentence. A 26-year veteran of the force knows the
difference between a Taser and a firearm. Kim Potter executed Daunte for what amounts to no
more than a minor traffic infraction and a misdemeanor warrant.”

Before Potter and Gannon resigned, the Brooklyn Center City Council fired City Manager Curt
Boganey, and the City Council recommended that Gannon and Potter to be fired.

Yesterday, Elliott said he planned to ask Gov. Tim Walz to appoint state Attorney General Keith
Ellison's Office to consider the case rather than Orput's office.

“This case needs to be appointed to the attorney general,” Elliott said.

Tony Gruenig, commander of the department's patrol division, was appointed acting chief
following Gannon's resignation.

The mayor's office now holds ultimate control over the Police Department.

At a press conference in front of the Brooklyn Center Police Station, Nekima Levy Armstrong, a
civil rights attorney, founder of the Racial Justice Network and former president of the
Minneapolis Chapter of the NAACP, said that Potter ought to face more severe charges such as
second-degree murder.

“As a civil rights attorney I have significant concerns about the low level charges that are being
brought against Kimberly Potter in this case,” she said.

“Kimberly Potter was a 26-year-veteran of the Brooklyn Center Police Department as well as a
field training officer, which means that she should have known the difference between a Taser
and her firearm. She acted with a reckless disregard for the life of Daunte Wright and she
needs to held accountable under the law. I would argue that prosecutors could even charge
her with third-degree murder or second-degree murder.”

Armstrong said the case should be sent to Ellison's office or to a special prosecutor.

Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota Chapter of the Council on American-
Islamic Relations, said that these types of cases should not be considered by county
prosecutors.

“This is a travesty, a tragedy on top of another tragedy. Killing Daunte Wright, meeting
protesters with violence, and now bringing charges that do not meet what we believe to
adequate,” he said.

“The charges should be appropriate, and the charges that are brought forth against this officer
is absolutely, unfortunately what we have been talking about. In this country, there is a white
system, a system for white people and a system for Black people, and that should not be the
case.”

Hussein and Armstrong questioned why former Minneapolis Police Officer Mohamed Noor
faced murder charges in the shooting death of Justine Damond but Potter was not facing
murder charges in this case.

“What she did was murder, we demand murder charges,” Hussein said.

What we know about the police killing of Daunte Wright so far (Minnesota
Daily)

By Ethan Fine

Police shot and killed Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop in Brooklyn
Center Sunday.

Brooklyn Center’s police chief said the officer who shot Wright, Kim Potter, thought she was
using a taser instead of a firearm — though this cannot be confirmed. She can be heard yelling
“Taser,” before shooting him and then swearing and saying “I just shot him.”

Police initially stopped Wright for driving a vehicle with expired tags. When they realized that
there had been a warrant out for his arrest, police tried to detain Wright. The warrant was due
to a missed court date for a firearm misdemeanor and fleeing from police.

After Wright was shot in the chest, he attempted to drive away and crashed after several
blocks. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Following the killing, protesters and mourners gathered at the site of the shooting at 63rd
Avenue North and Kathrene Drive and at the Brooklyn Center Police Department on Sunday
and Monday.

Gov. Tim Walz announced a 7 p.m. curfew for Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin and Ramsey counties
for Monday night. Frey announced a 10 p.m. curfew for Minneapolis Tuesday night as well.

In a letter to President Joan Gabel, the Board of Regents and other senior administrators, the
Minnesota Student Association demanded that the UMPD cut ties with the West Command
Task Force, a group of law enforcement agencies established after the police killing of George
Floyd. According to Gabel, police departments in the task force assist each other “in the event
of an emergency that exceeds their own capacity.”

Both Potter and Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon resigned Tuesday. The Brooklyn
Center city manager was fired Monday.

Prior to her resignation, Potter was put on administrative leave amid an investigation by the
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Former Minnesota Police Officer To Be Charged In Death Of Daunte Wright
(Huff Post)

A Minneapolis-area police officer was arrested on Wednesday after she shot and killed Daunte
Wright, 20, last weekend during a traffic stop, officials said.

Washington County attorney Pete Orput said he plans to charge former Brooklyn Center officer
Kim Potter with second-degree manslaughter. He is expected to release more information later
on Wednesday. The case was sent to the office to avoid a conflict of interest with the Hennepin
County Attorney’s Office, which works closely with Brooklyn Center police on criminal cases, as
first reported by KSTP-TV on Tuesday.

Potter will be booked into Hennepin County Jail.

Potter fatally shot Wright on Sunday after pulling him over for a traffic violation. During a
struggle captured on now-released bodycam video, she drew her service weapon and
repeatedly yelled “Taser!” before shooting a single bullet in Wright’s chest.

Potter offered her resignation in a letter to city officials on Tuesday, saying it was “in the best
interest of the community, the department, and my fellow officers if I resign immediately”. She
had worked for the department for 26 years.

Brooklyn Center Police chief Tim Gannon also stepped down on Tuesday. He said at a news
conference the previous day that he thought Potter accidentally shot Wright with her firearm
when she meant to use her Taser.

On Monday, the Brooklyn Center City Council voted to fire city manager Curt Boganey, who
was in charge of police personnel, and put mayor Mike Elliott in charge of the police
department. Elliott said on Tuesday that he had asked Minnesota governor Tim Walz to
reassign Wright’s case to “ensure transparency and to continue building trust in our
community”.

The police killing of Wright occurred while, several miles away in downtown Minneapolis, the
trial continued for former police officer Derek Chauvin. He has been charged in the May 2020
death of George Floyd, a Black man.

Wright’s death has rekindled protests against racial injustice and police brutality that flared last
summer after Floyd’s death.

Kim Potter: Former police officer who shot and killed Daunte Wright arrested
on manslaughter charges (Independent)

By Graeme Massie

The former Minnesota police officer who shot and killed Daunte Wright will face manslaughter
charges, authorities say.

Kim Potter was captured on body cam footage killing Mr Wright during a traffic stop in
Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, which has sparked protests and unrest in the community.

Ms Potter, a 26-year veteran of the Brooklyn Center Police Department, will be charged with
second degree manslaughter in connection to Wright’s death, Washington County Attorney
Pete Orput has announced.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, according to the Associated
Press.

She was arrested on Wednesday morning by the state’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and
was expected to be booked into Hennepin County jail.

While the killing took place in Hennepin County, Minnesota, the case was referred to
Washington County prosecutors under a policy for police killings adopted in the Minneapolis
area last year.

Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott has already called on Minnesota Govenor Tim Walz to
transfer jurisdiction from Washington County to state Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office.

Ms Potter resigned her badge, as did Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon, in the wake of
the killing, and the police department is now under the control of Mayor Mike Elliott, who
appointed a new acting chief of police.

Before he resigned, Chief Gannon said that Officer Potter had mistakenly drawn and fired her
handgun instead of a taser weapon and that the death of Mr Wright was an accident.

The killing took place just 14 miles from the scene of George Floyd’s fatal arrest by Minneapolis
Police Department, for which former police officer Derek Chauvin is currently on trial for
murder.

Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office says that Mr Wright, who is Black, died of a
gunshot wound to the chest, which means his death is a homicide.

In the body cam footage Mr Wright, 20, is seen struggling with officers as they try and handcuff
him outside his car.

A female voice can be heard shouting “taser” on the video as Mr Wright gets back into his car
and drives away from the scene.

The same female voice could then be heard saying, “holy s*** I just shot him,” as the car pulled
away, police said.

Since quitting her job Ms Potter left the state, and police installed concrete barriers around her
home in a Minneapolis suburb.

“I have loved every minute of being a police officer,” she wrote in her resignation letter, and
said it was “in the best interest of the community, the department and fellow officers that I
resign.”

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Mr Wright’s family, welcomed the decision
to charge Ms Potter.

“While we appreciate that the district attorney is pursuing justice for Daunte, no conviction can
give the Wright family their loved one back,” he said in a statement.

“This was no accident. This was an intentional, deliberate, and unlawful use of force. Driving
while Black continues to result in a death sentence.

“A 26-year veteran of the force knows the difference between a taser and a firearm. Kim Potter
executed Daunte for what amounts to no more than a minor traffic infraction and a
misdemeanor warrant.”

Gov. Tim Walz criticized for comments on 'thoughtful' use of tear gas, other
crowd control tactics (Bring Me the News)

By Adam Uren

Gov. Tim Walz is coming in for criticism by activists in the Twin Cities for comments he made
regarding the police use of crowd control munitions such as tear gas on people protesting the
death of Daunte Wright.

The governor was interviewed on MPR News Tuesday, ahead of the third night of clashes
between law enforcement and protesters in Brooklyn Center that saw some of the most
aggressive measures used by police yet.

After complaints over the use of chemical munitions such as tear gas, Walz says he disagrees
with such measures if they are "used indiscriminately and without a clear purpose."

But of their use on Monday night, Walz said: "I would argue and make the case that last night,
the protection of life, the protection of property, and the clear thoughtful use of how these
were deployed in a limited manner made sense."

It was this comment, suggesting that measures such as tear gas can be used in a "thoughtful"
manner as a way of dispersing protesters, that has seen the governor come in for criticism,
with some even calling for his resignation.

Tear gas and other crowd control measures affect more than just those acting aggressively
toward police, with many protesters further back from the line also caught up in it, as well as
members of the media, and residents living in apartment buildings adjacent to the police
department.

The Sahan Journal reports children living in one building opposite the precinct have suffered
from tear gas exposure this week, while another resident was hit by a rubber bullet.

The law enforcement response to the protests in Brooklyn Center is being coordinated by
Operation Safety Net, which is a multi-agency operation created for the security surrounding
the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Dererk Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd.

Partners include the Minnesota State Patrol, the Hennepin County and Ramsey County sheriff's
offices, Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota National Guard, the last of which
has doubled its presence in recent days in response to the unrest following Wright's death.

At a press conference in the early hours of Wednesday, Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt
Langer said that riot police had deployed crowd control munitions in response to bricks, cans,
and bottles being thrown at officers.

Walz had said that police have to "strike a balance" when using the "deterrents."

Among those injured in recent days was Star Tribune photojournalist Mark Vancleave, who
suffered a broken finger and required surgery after being hit by a rubber bullet on Monday
night.

Miller says Walz' comments after Wright shooting show lack of leadership
(KWLM)
(St. Paul MN-) An area lawmaker says Governor Tim Walz' comments after the death of Daunte
Wright serve to divide the state even further rather than show leadership. Walz said Wright
joins the ranks of George Floyd, Jamar Clark and Philando Castille, young black men killed by
police, and Walz demanded more police reforms to prevent routine traffic stops resulting in
the loss of life. Representative Tim Miller says these comments inflame people...

Daunte Wright Shooting Puts Pressure On Minnesota Legislature To Pass
More Police Reforms (WCCO)

By Caroline Cummings

ST. PAUL (WCCO) – Outrage over the police shooting that killed Daunte Wright during a traffic
stop is mounting pressure for more police reforms at the state capitol, following the changes
approved last year in wake of George Floyd’s death.

“It makes absolutely no sense that they continue taking the lives of black people and then gas
lighting us and expecting us to sit on the sidelines and ignore what is happening to us,” said
Nekima Levy Armstrong, civil rights attorney and former president of the Minneapolis NAACP.

A sweeping public safety proposal in St. Paul includes making body camera video available
within 48 hours when there’s an officer involved death and it would create a model policy for
responding to protests. It would also establish local civilian review boards and prohibit peace
officers from affiliating with, supporting, or advocating for white supremacist groups, among
other provisions.

“I’ve been out on the front lines for many, many years. We’ve been saying the same damn
thing, a million different ways, and for some reason, our legislature acts as if they cannot
understand the basic principles of human dignity and human decency,” Armstrong said.

Pain and shock reverberates in Brooklyn Center and across the state in the aftermath of
Wright’s death, a 20-year-old Black man fatally shot by a police officer, all while Derek
Chauvin’s murder trial for George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis is underway just miles away.

In wake of Floyd’s death last summer, which sparked a global outcry when a bystander caught
on video Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes, the legislature
approved with bipartisan support the “Minnesota Police Accountability Act.”

The law has provisions that directly responded to the circumstances surrounding George
Floyd’s death, banning chokeholds and certain neck restraints and changing the legal definition
for when deadly force is appropriate to require use “judiciously” with respect for human life.

It also establishes that officers have a duty to intervene and report illegal use of force, prohibits
warrior-style training and allows local governments to offer incentives to encourage a person
hired as an officer to live in the community he or she is sworn to serve.

None of the officers in Brooklyn Center, including former officer Kim Potter charged with
second-degree manslaughter in Wright’s death, live in the city, according to the mayor.

When Gov. Tim Walz signed the legislation last summer, activists and DFL lawmakers made
clear that the bill does not go far enough and lacks key policy changes they would like to see
implemented.

Now they say further changes take on a new sense of urgency.

“The legislation that we passed in July, and subsequently was signed by the governor into law
would have not prevented the killing of George Floyd, nor did it prevent the killing of Dante
Wright,” said Sen. Patricia Torres Ray, DFL-Minneapolis, and chair of the Senate POCI Caucus.
“The legislative measures adopted last year, lacked the strength at the depth necessary to
fundamentally alter change transform public safety, and bring about meaningful police
accountability.”

Top Republican in Senate vows to hold hearings in wake of ‘unjustifiable mistake’

Many of the DFL proposals on police reform are now lumped together in one sweeping
omnibus that funds corrections, public safety and more.

Several of stand-alone proposals on policing haven’t gotten a hearing in the GOP-controlled
Senate yet, but Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-Nisswa, on Tuesday vowed to hold “fact
finding” hearings designed to listen to the public’s concerns.

Those hearings will come within the next two weeks, he said.

The top Senate Republican called Wright’s death an “unjustifiable mistake” and acknowledged
that there could be room for more legislation, though he declined to give specifics.

He stopped short of committing to taking further action, citing time restraints before
adjournment next month. The legislature is compelled to pass a two-year budget before the
last day of session on May 17.

“I’m not promising that we’re going to do more reform,” he said. “I’m promising to listen to see
if something is warranted.”

“I’m not saying it’s impossible,” he added. “I’m just saying we’re in the last five weeks and we
just started passing the budget bills and that makes things very, very difficult in this short
timeframe.”

He praised the bipartisan work on police accountability last year and said he is having “fruitful”
conversations with both Gov. Tim Walz and House Speaker Melissa Hortman on this issue.

But some DFL members say promising hearings is inadequate. They want immediate action and
have threatened to hold up budget negotiations if nothing is approved swiftly.

MN House panel moves to change police powers (MPR News)

By Tim Pugmire

In the aftermath of Sunday’s fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright during a traffic stop in
Brooklyn Center, a Minnesota House committee met Wednesday to take up four bills aimed at
changing how police operate in the state.

Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn, DFL-Roseville, the chair of the House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
Committee, acknowledged the timing of the hearing.

“I think given the need for the community to have an outlet to speak about how these laws and
potential bills would impact them is incredibly important in this moment,” Becker-Finn said.

One bill the committee approved would remove civil and criminal liability immunity for police
officers, making it easier for a person deprived of their constitutional rights to sue an officer.
Rep. John Thompson, DFL-St. Paul, is the bill’s author.

Another Thompson bill would prevent police officers from altering body-camera recordings of
deadly force incidents or withholding the release of such recordings to family members.

“I want to make sure that we do everything we can possibly do in this legislative body to create
an atmosphere where there’s no room for bad policing,” Thompson said.

Rep. Aisha Gomez, DFL-Minneapolis, presented a bill that would allow local units of
government to establish citizen oversight panels. Those panels would be able to investigate
misconduct allegations and issue findings.

Gomez said the bill would bring needed accountability.

“If residents don’t feel safe interacting with law enforcement because there is not a history of
those engaging in misconduct being held accountable, the community won’t cooperate with
investigations,” Gomez said.

Lawmakers sometimes used strong language to describe their concerns about policing.

Rep. Peggy Scott, R-Andover, said she thought some of the comments went too far.

“We are the Legislature. We are not the judiciary. We are not the judge and jury of the cases
that are in the news right now,” Scott said. “To use words like ‘murder’ and ‘execute,’ I think
that we can do better.”

Democrats hold a majority of the seats in the House, meaning the bills could pass. But that
doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll reach the desk of Gov. Tim Walz, who has said he supports
changes.

Leaders in the Republican-controlled Senate agreed this week to hold hearings on police power
but stopped short of promising action this session.

Lawmakers are also considering legislation to limit the authority of law enforcement to stop or
detain drivers for certain motor vehicle equipment violations.

That bill is expected to be offered as an amendment to a larger public safety budget bill that is
scheduled for a hearing Thursday in the House Ways and Means Committee.

Rep. Kelly Moller, DFL-Shoreview, said too many Black motorists are stopped by police.

“This is a carefully crafted bill to decrease racial disparities in police stops while still ensuring
public safety,” Moller said.

DFL lawmakers threaten to hold up budget to tighten police restrictions
(KMSP)

By Theo Keith

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (FOX 9) - Minnesota Democratic state lawmakers are threatening to
bring state government to the brink of shutdown unless the Legislature passes tougher
restrictions on police after the killing of a Black man in a Twin Cities suburb.

A dozen state lawmakers, speaking from outside the heavily guarded Brooklyn Center Police
Department building Wednesday morning, pressed Republicans who control the Senate to take
up the legislation before budget negotiations continue. Lawmakers must pass a budget by July
1, or government shuts down.

"We don't want fact-finding hearings," said state Sen. Patricia Torres Ray, DFL-Minneapolis.
"We want them to pass legislation."

Police groups said no additional accountability measures are needed after the death of Daunte
Wright during a traffic stop on Sunday afternoon. Wright died when Brooklyn Center police
officer Kim Potter, who has since resigned and been charged with second-degree
manslaughter, shot him with her handgun instead of using her Taser.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka has committed to holding hearings on police
accountability within the next two weeks but not to pass legislation. He told reporters this
week that policing changes approved by the Legislature in summer 2020 after the death of
another Black man, George Floyd, went far enough.

"I'm not promising that we're going to do more reform. I'm promising to listen to see if
something is warranted," said Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake. "The hearings are for fact finding at
this point."

Democratic lawmakers in the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus, or POCI, are seeking a
series of changes:

Prohibiting police officers from pulling over drivers for equipment violations, including
excessive window tint or broken turn signals, headlights or tail lights
Ending qualified immunity, which protects police officers from civil lawsuits in certain situations
Requiring police to follow a statewide model policy on crowd control tactics
Brian Peters, executive director of the Minneapolis Police and Peace Officers Association, said
none of the proposed changes were necessary and criticized Democrats for a "knee-jerk,
emotional reaction" to Wright's death.

"This is going to be an unpopular statement but Daunte Wright, if he just would have complied
-- he was told he was under arrest, they were arresting him for a warrant on weapons, he set
off a chain of events that unfortunately led to his death," Peters said during a Wednesday
morning appearance on WCCO Radio. "I’m not excusing it, but what we’re seeing in policing
these days is non-compliance by the public."

The top House Democrats, Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, have
not endorsed the threat to stop budget negotiations while saying "our caucus will work
together to determine our next steps."

Earlier this session, a small group of Democrats successfully blocked a separate police bill. The
legislation, which would've created a $35 million fund to pay for outside police help during the
Derek Chauvin murder trial, has still never passed the House.

Torres Ray said the POCI caucus had talked with Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday and characterized
Walz as "ready to support" all the police legislation Democrats are proposing.

Walz does support several of the proposals, said Teddy Tschann, a spokesman for the
governor. Among them: a fund to support families affected by police killings, enhancing the
state's police regulatory board, ending no-knock warrants, strengthening civilian oversight of
police departments, and reexamining how police respond to minor traffic stops.

Community activists appeared with the Democratic lawmakers at Wednesday's news
conference to urge action.

"Something has to give. The people of this state are tired," said Jaylani Hussein, executive
director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations of Minnesota. "We are tired of empty
promises. We are tired of legislators saying they’re going to do something and then not doing
anything."

DFLers demand more police reform, GOP says it'll hold hearings on proposals
(Bring Me the News)

It looks as if police reform measures could be debated at the state Capitol this session in the
wake of Daunte Wright's killing.

Earlier this week, Gov. Tim Walz and other Democrats called on Republican senators to hold
hearings on police accountability proposals this session. And on Tuesday, Senate Majority
Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake, said the Senate would hold "fact-finding" hearings on
some police reform proposals in the next two weeks.

"I'm not promising that we're going to do more reform. I'm promising that we're going to listen
if something is warranted," Gazelka said during a news conference.

It's unclear if additional reform measures will get approved this session. Gazelka on Tuesday
stressed the Legislature has a lot of work to do before the session ends in mid-May, including
passing budget bills by July 1 to prevent a government shutdown.

This comes as members of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus and United Black
Legislative Caucus (UBLC) are calling on their colleagues to pass police reform measures before
they vote on any budget bills.

Prohibiting peace officers from affiliating with white supremacist groups
Providing funding for community organizations working to prevent crime.
The caucuses in a news release on Tuesday noted the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice
Reform Committee has held 11 public hearings on police reform and accountability in 2021,
while Senate Republicans haven't held any this year.

“While our community is in pain, grieving the loss of yet another Black man in Minnesota, law
enforcement groups and so many others across the aisle are playing politics. We’ve held
dozens of hearings over the course of the session that were met with resistance and
dismissiveness from law enforcement groups and Republican members in both the Senate and
the House,” said Rep. Cedrick Frazier, DFL-New Hope, who serves as the vice chair of the House
Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee.

“The people of Minnesota deserve and demand a future where community trust is sacred,
police officers are held accountable for misconduct, and justice is served. We cannot normalize
waking up to a piling list of Black men killed by law enforcement officers," Frazier added.

Following George Floyd's death in May 2020, Walz and other Democrats, including the POCI
Caucus, proposed major legislative changes but many did not get included in the final police
accountability package that Walz signed into law last summer, something Gazelka referred to
as "significant" legislation.

Among the items included in last summer's police accountability package: a ban on
police "warrior training" and the use of chokeholds; arbitration reform; requirements for the
duty to intercede; mental health and autism training; reforms to the Police Officer Standards
and Training (POST) Board; the creation of a new advisory council with citizen voices; and use
of force reform.

Democrats and activists, though, criticized Republicans for the final bill not doing enough to
enact systemic change, address racial disparities and curb police misconduct.

During a news conference Monday afternoon, Walz called on the Legislature to finally take up
police and criminal justice reforms that would prevent routine traffic stops from turning
deadly.

"We can stop pretending that this is just the natural order of the universe and things happen
this way," Walz said. "I'm going to demand the Legislature finally hold some hearings on some
of these reforms," citing, without detailing specifics, reforms that have passed in other states
that have been "proven to make a difference" and reduce the chance of "a routine traffic stop
escalating into a loss of life."

Walz said there are "proposals out there" and proven remedies that can be put into place, "but
that will never happen if we don't at least hold hearings on these things. If we don't get
ourselves into an uncomfortable position and do what this democracy is supposed to do and
debate the hard things."

“We can either come together to fix this or we can suffer together as fools,” Walz said Monday.
“In the midst of this trial (Derek Chauvin's trial) that the world is watching, the situation
repeated itself yesterday (Sunday)."

In a statement on Monday, the POCI Caucus noted, "At the Legislature, we have several police
accountability bills that are ready to be voted on and sent to the Governor, including the House
DFL Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform budget bill which contains several critical
reforms."

"We strongly urge our Republican colleagues to join us in creating a public safety system that
will protect the lives of people like Daunte Wright," the statement continued. "Black Lives
Matter.”

Also during Tuesday's news conference, Gazelka first referred to Daunte Wright as Duane, but
then later apologized. He also said "being respectful" when getting pulled over by police "goes
a long way."

Lawmakers disagree over infrastructure funding in Minnesota, Washington
(Star Tribune)

By Jessie Van Berkel and Hunter Woodall

Minnesota legislators are facing off over how much to spend on construction projects, but they
do agree on one thing: The state should not wait on the fate of President Joe Biden's $2.3
trillion infrastructure and jobs plan to shore up roads, bridges and water systems.

Democrats in the state House presented a $1 billion proposal this week, which Republicans
quickly condemned as oversized. The Legislature traditionally passes large capital project bills
in odd-numbered years, and approved the largest infrastructure package in state history in
October. But DFL legislators said low interest rates and pent-up demand compel them to act on
another major round of funding.

"Our expectation is that we can get the federal dollars. That doesn't mean we stop doing our
job of funding immediate, critical infrastructure here in the state," said state House Capital
Investment Committee Chairman Fue Lee, DFL-Minneapolis.

The Biden White House is making a public push for the Democrat's wide-ranging proposal, but
there are no details yet on exactly how the plan would affect Minnesota.

"We have such a mix of metro, urban, suburban and rural, and you want to make sure there's
something there for everyone," said U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat. "We've got projects
crying out for help all over the state."

Biden has said he is "prepared to negotiate," amid Republican pushback that the plan is far too
sprawling. "On this one, [Biden] says all the right things, want it to be bipartisan, etcetera," said
Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, representing Minnesota's Sixth District. "But so far, the
proposal is nothing like that."

At the state level, Republican legislators in both chambers are criticizing the scope of the House
Democrats' proposal, which is nearly twice the size of Democratic Gov. Tim Walz's $550 million
plan. Construction borrowing bills need a supermajority to pass the Minnesota Legislature, and
the $1 billion House measure would not get the additional 11 votes needed from Republicans,
said Rep. Dean Urdahl of Grove City, the ranking Republican on the Capital Investment
Committee.

He supports a smaller bill, and wants more money to go to greater Minnesota communities.
Urdahl suggested around $240 million in bonding, and he would also like to spend $179 million
in federal cash on construction projects, money that Minnesota expects to get from the
Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund included in the $1.9 trillion relief bill Congress passed last
month.

It appears that money can be used for investments in water, sewer and broadband
infrastructure, Urdahl said. But the U.S. Treasury has until May 10 to provide states,
municipalities and tribal governments with the funds and specific guidance on how they can be
spent.

"I would like to do something. But there [are] too many unknowns to do something as big as
the House wants to do," said Senate Capital Investment Committee Chairman Tom Bakk of
Cook, who is an independent.

He echoed Urdahl's support for a $240 million infrastructure bill this session, the amount
included in the state budget forecast. Bakk said that would prevent the state from having to
take on additional debt service costs beyond what's expected. Bakk suggests that Gov. Walz
could then call a special session of the Legislature to sort out the distribution of dollars from
the latest relief proposal.

A likely sticking point in the upcoming negotiations is House Democrats' proposed use of $300
million in redevelopment appropriation bonds to repair areas in the Twin Cities damaged
during the riots last May and June. Walz's bonding bill includes $150 million for that.

Minneapolis, St. Paul, Ramsey and Hennepin counties are getting more than $800 million
combined from the March federal relief package, Bakk noted, and said he wants to find out
how municipalities are using that before deciding how much the state needs to help.

"It raises a question: Does the state really have to throw another $200, $300 million in? Really?
It feels like the federal government is just raining money down on us," Bakk said.

Insurance coverage was insufficient for many business owners, Lee said, and he's heard from
Minneapolis and St. Paul that the $300 million in the House bonding bill still might not cover all
their redevelopment needs. "This is just a start for these businesses who have waited for
almost a year now without any state action," he said.

State legislators do broadly agree that talks about an infrastructure bill in Washington should
not hold up bonding negotiations in Minnesota.

"We can't count on that. We have to do what we need to do with infrastructure. If that
happens, that's like frosting on the cake," said Sen. Sandy Pappas, the DFL lead in the Capital
Investment Committee. "I'm not holding my breath for this summer."

In Washington, Democrats have narrow control of both the U.S. House and Senate, and
unanimous support on an infrastructure package within their own party is far from a given.

Biden has shown he's "more than willing to listen to folks and hear their good ideas," said U.S.
Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn.

"But he also is not interested in doing a really watered-down bill," Smith said. "As long as the
Republicans don't want to just water this down and shrink it so that it's not big enough to make
a difference, I think we could find real common ground."

There is so much demand for local public works projects that if both the federal and state
infrastructure bills pass this year, Minnesota could easily spend the money, Pappas said. A
White House fact sheet published this week described Minnesota as having "a C grade on its
infrastructure report card."

There's "no shortage of necessary projects," U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said
on a call with reporters earlier this week.

"We really view these federal investments as going hand in hand with states and communities
that are stepping up," Buttigieg said. "We've seen a lot of states, even local communities,
taking sometimes tough votes to raise the revenue to make needed improvements."

Governor Walz's Emergency Powers Extended By Executive Council (KWLM)
(Undated) -- Governor Tim Walz' emergency powers during the COVID-19 pandemic have been
extended for another 30 days. The Minnesota Executive Council granted the extension
Wednesday. The council, all Democrats, said that the need for the powers is "compelling" since
coronavirus numbers aren't falling very fast. The governor has insisted that the emergency
powers have made differences in handling the pandemic and will still help stop a rapid spread
of the virus.

Gov. Walz Extends Minnesota’s Peacetime Emergency for 14th Month (KVRR)

By TJ Nelson

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Gov. Tim Walz is extending the peacetime emergency for another month in
Minnesota.

The federal government and 46 other states remain in a state of emergency.

Walz says the state is continuing to work to outpace the spread of variants by getting the
vaccine to all Minnesotans.

He says he is not considering new restrictions.

It’s the 14th month of the emergency due to COVID.

Republican lawmakers who control the state Senate continue to try and rein in or end the
Democratic governor’s orders.

But the DFL has control of the state house and efforts to end the emergency powers have gone
nowhere.
Gov. Walz extends peacetime emergency (KAAL)

(ABC 6 News) - Wednesday, Governor Tim Walz signed Executive Order 21-19 to extend the
peacetime emergency as Minnesota continues to ramp up vaccination distribution and monitor
new variants of COVID-19.

The peacetime emergency is critical to the state’s ability to respond to the pandemic, including
efficiently distributing the vaccine. The federal government and 46 other states remain in a
state of emergency.

“From building a vast testing network to control the spread of the virus, to standing up vaccine
clinics virtually overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic has demanded swift action from state
officials,” said Governor Walz. “As we work to outpace the spread of variants by getting the
vaccine to Minnesotans across the state, we cannot afford to lose speed.”

Gov. Walz extends peacetime emergency
Minnesota’s peacetime emergency gives the state the tools necessary to quickly establish
additional state vaccination sites and acquire supplies and technology to support the vaccine
effort. It also supports the expansion Minnesota’s testing capacity; protects Minnesotans
against evictions and wage garnishment; provides expedited procurement power for personal
protective equipment (PPE) and other equipment; allows Minnesota to follow the advice of
public health experts in combatting the spread of COVID-19; protects workers from unsafe
worker conditions; requires Minnesotans to wear a face covering in certain settings to prevent
the spread of COVID-19; and provides economic relief and stability to Minnesotans and small
businesses impacted by the pandemic.

“As we come closer than ever to putting this pandemic behind us, it’s imperative that we
continue to look out for the safety of our loved ones, neighbors, and communities,” said
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “The peacetime emergency gives us the tools we need to
keep a close eye on the spread of variants, protect the gains we’ve made, and ensure we can
come out on the other side of this pandemic as quickly as possible.”

Governor Walz is committed to working collaboratively with the Minnesota Legislature to
mitigate the effects of the pandemic and look to the future to create to create conditions for
an orderly end of the peacetime emergency. Throughout the legislative session, Governor Walz
has encouraged the Legislature to begin the work of enacting into law the core provisions of
the emergency response that have been helped keeping Minnesotans safe. When the
peacetime emergency is no longer needed, the laws will be needed to facilitate the wind-down
of the emergency and related emergency executive orders.

Executive Order 21-19 has been unanimously approved by the Executive Council, which is
made up of Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, Attorney General Ellison, Secretary of State
Simon, and State Auditor Blaha.

Gov. Walz says he’s not considering new restrictions as COVID-19 emergency
extended (Pioneer Press)
By Dana Ferguson

A Minnesota panel on Wednesday approved another 30-day extension of the state’s peacetime
emergency, citing concerns about another surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

The continuation puts the state into a 14th month of the emergency due to the pandemic.
Health officials said the flexibility is critical as they attempt to respond to the growing presence
of coronavirus variants in the state. The Minnesota Executive Council unanimously granted the
extension, which gives the governor broad authority to issue executive orders without
legislative approval.

And while Gov. Tim Walz has previously used the powers to mandate masks, limit business
capacity and social gatherings, the first-term Democrat on Tuesday said that he didn’t plan to
put in place another round of restraints.

“The way the virus acts, we will respond accordingly. If we start to see numbers go back up, we
will see if there’s things that need to happen,” Walz said. “At this point in time, we don’t have
plans to do that. We think that the mitigation measures that are in place are working.”

Gross. But Yum. These combos sound gross, but taste great.
Walz’s push for another extension of the peacetime emergency comes as the state has seen
COVID-19 case rates, test positivity rates and hospitalizations climb. Health Commissioner Jan
Malcolm said the number of Minnesotans hospitalized with the illness has tripled since early
March.

While the trends were concerning, Malcolm said the state continued its push to vaccinate
Minnesotans against the disease and to encourage mitigation measures like masking, social
distancing and testing and quarantine when people developed symptoms.

“We’ve headed back up that curve. What we are very hopeful for is the impact of the vaccines
helping to reduce the severity of the illness, particularly among some of our most vulnerable,”
Malcolm told the Executive Council. “The challenge is to keep moving as aggressively and
quickly and equitably … as we can in getting vaccines to Minnesotans to try to keep pace with,
and even stay ahead of, the case growth that we’re seeing and that requires enormous
nimbleness.”

Forty-six other states have similar emergency orders in place and have used the flexibility to
pull down federal emergency funds, activate state National Guard troops and scale-up testing
and vaccination infrastructure. And without them, Walz said the state could lose $35 million in
federal assistance for feeding the hungry, see protections for workers and consumers fall away
and systems developed to test for COVID-19 and vaccinate against it.

In Minnesota, the governor’s powers have come under fire by Republicans in the divided
Legislature. GOP lawmakers who control the Senate have passed several proposals to roll back
Walz’s orders or block his authority to issue them.

But with a DFL majority in the House of Representatives, efforts to end the state’s peacetime
emergency or to curb emergency orders have so far failed.

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake, said Republicans would be open to
taking up legislation that would allow testing and vaccination structures to remain in place or
allow the state to continue pulling down federal funding for nutrition assistance, but he said his
colleagues took issue with the broad scope of Walz’s authority during the peacetime
emergency.

Minnesota officials extend peacetime emergency for 30 days (Star Tribune)

By Briana Bierschbach

Minnesota's statewide officials extended the peacetime emergency for another 30 days on
Wednesday, citing the need to distribute the vaccine as quickly as possible as cases rise due to
more infectious variants of COVID-19.

The Minnesota Executive Council, made up of all five Democratic statewide elected officials,
voted unanimously for the extension.

"Two words: the vaccines and the variants. Both these dynamics are moving quickly," said
Department of Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm, addressing a morning meeting of the
council. "The challenge is to keep moving as aggressively, and quickly and equitably … and
getting immunizations to Minnesotans to try and keep pace with and even stay ahead of the
case growth that we're seeing. That requires enormous nimbleness."

It's the 13th time the state has extended the peacetime emergency since last March — when
the first COVID-19 cases were detected in Minnesota — and is easily the longest period the
state has been in a state of emergency since World War II.

Gov. Tim Walz, who has wielded the emergency powers to issue statewide mask mandates and
limit capacity in bars, restaurants and other venues, acknowledged concerns about using that
power judiciously.

Republicans in the Senate have introduced several bills this session to curtail his powers to
close down businesses and schools in a time of crisis.

"Our forbearers thought ahead pretty well, but I don't know if they could have anticipated a
14-month, ongoing emergency, so those questions are valid discussions," Walz said. "The
implications of the ability to use these powers with the check of the executive council have
made differences."

Executive Council Extends Gov. Walz’s Emergency Powers (WCCO)

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s emergency powers during the COVID-19
pandemic have been extended for yet another month as cases continue to proliferate. The
Minnesota Executive Council, all Democrats, extended the powers by another 30 days.

“From building a vast testing network to control the spread of the virus, to standing up vaccine
clinics virtually overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic has demanded swift action from state
officials,” Walz said. “As we work to outpace the spread of variants by getting the vaccine to
Minnesotans across the state, we cannot afford to lose speed.”

Gov. Walz’s Emergency Powers Extended As Restrictions Loosen Monday
As of this week, Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm noted that COVID-19 in
Minnesota is “about at the same level we were in October before fall surge,” and said the need
for an extension of emergency powers is “compelling.”

The state’s latest figures show a rolling average positivity rate above 7%, and we’re at three
times the high level risk threshold in cases per capita. Additionally, there is an upward trend in
ICU beds being filled with COVID patients.

Gov. Tim Walz said that most people did not anticipate that the emergency would last 14
months and counting when writing the law, and said that he recognizes the importance of
having a discussion about the parameters surrounding the powers.

However, he also said that the “ability of the powers has made differences” when it came to
mitigating the effects of the pandemic at long-term care facilities.

Of the increase in vaccinations, Walz said “the normalcy, you can feel it in the air.”

There are 47 states in the country that are still under a state of emergency, though every state
is different in what those powers involve.

CDC panel requests more data before making decision on J&J vaccine pause
(Axios)
An advisory panel for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday delayed
making recommendations on a decision to pause the use of Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus
vaccine, saying it needed more time to examine the data and possible risks, NBC News reports.

Driving the news: Researchers said they did not have enough data to analyze the potential
relationship between the J&J vaccine and the rare cases of severe blood clots that six women
developed within two weeks of receiving the shot. It will be at least a week before the panel
reconvenes.

Members of the independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices argued that
extending a pause on the vaccine would give more time to collect data and make sure health
care providers are appropriately treating people who develop blood clot-related symptoms.
The CDC said Tuesday there are too few cases to determine whether there are any
subpopulations particularly at risk.

The big picture: Nearly 7 million Johnson & Johnson doses had been administered in the U.S.
when the Food and Drug Administration recommended an immediate halt of the use of the
one-shot vaccine on Tuesday. All 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico paused or
recommended a pause on the use of the vaccine, per the New York Times.

"The committee’s assessment comes at a crucial time, while the nation is racing to vaccinate as
many people as possible to curb the steady accumulation of cases, particularly as worrisome
variants gain traction," the Times noted.

Yes, but: The White House said in a statement Tuesday that the pause "will not have a
significant impact" on the administration's vaccination plans, noting that it has secured enough
Moderna and Pfizer doses for 300 million Americans.

Gov. Walz addresses Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause (KEYC)

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) - Governor Tim Walz says he expects the Johnson and Johnson
vaccine pause to be relatively short.

The governor said he received the J and J shot, along with his wife, former Governor Tim
Pawlenty, and Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health Jan Malcolm. Walz says
the pause was done out of an abundance of caution and he fully expects that J and J vaccines
will come back.

“This is an abundance of caution. It’s making sure these vaccines are safe. But as it stands right
now, in this country, your chance of dying from COVID is 1 in 560. Your chance of having this
reaction from the vaccine is 1 in a million. And I would anticipate that sometime, Johnson and
Johnson will come back online,” says Walz.

The governor said 95 percent of the vaccines distributed in Minnesota have been Pfizer or
Moderna. Walz visited the FEMA-supported vaccination site in Saint Paul Tuesday. The CDC
says that as of Monday more than 36 percent of Americans have received at least one dose of
the vaccine and more than 22 percent of Americans are fully vaccinated.

Market forces, not mandates, should guide Minnesota’s electric vehicle
future (Minn Post)

By Michael K. Dorsey

[MENTION] When it comes to addressing the risk of climate change, electric vehicles certainly
have a role to play. Rightfully, we should be using all of the tools in our arsenal to reduce
emissions, but we also must acknowledge when those tools have limitations and consequences
as a result of erecting enforcement policies before we are ready.

At the moment, Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) are
advancing a rule that would require Minnesotan’s vehicles to completely conform to the
emissions standards established by California regulators. The reason: Walz wants Minnesota to
take a leading role in addressing climate change, and electric vehicles can certainly help limit
emissions from the transportation sector.

Serious hurdles, complicated realities
Getting more electric vehicles on the roads of Minnesota is a laudable goal, but there are
serious hurdles and complicated realities Minnesota’s leaders must first face.

For starters, adequate charging infrastructure for electric vehicles simply doesn’t exist yet
across Minnesota. California, ground zero for electric vehicles, has led the nation in the
buildout of public charging stations, but many states have lagged behind: Minnesota included.
A recent study from Pew shows Minnesota with only 776 charging stations statewide. Without
a dramatic increase in the installation of new public, private, and workplace charging stations,
Minnesotans – especially farmers and other residents in rural areas – will struggle to access
charging infrastructure needed to use electric vehicles in any practical way.

Moreover, the economic slowdown as a result of COVID-19 has significantly disrupted the auto
industry, stagnating sales in EVs. However, prior to the pandemic, EV sales in the United States
had already been slowing, with annual growth decreasing from 80 percent in 2018 to 12
percent in 2019 per a recent McKinsey report. According to the Minnesota Automobile Dealers
Association, the state’s sales of EVs have never exceeded 1.5%, with Minnesota dealers selling
only 2,000 electric vehicles annually.

One of the biggest reasons is owning an electric vehicle isn’t cheap. Battery-powered electric
vehicles cost on average $13,000 more than traditional internal-combustion engine cars and
require home charging. Another upfront cost to consider is at home charging. About two-thirds
of electric vehicle owners said they wouldn’t have bought a EV unless they had the ability to
charge at home.

So with a weak market and lack of infrastructure, what will happen? If passed, automakers
would be forced to ship more zero-emissions vehicles to Minnesota regardless of actual
demand. One press report says that would mean more than 18,000 electric vehicles dropped
annually onto Minnesota car lots, when only 5% of Minnesotans say they are very likely to
consider an electric vehicle when car buying.

Read full article here.

Commit to clean, green, renewable energy every day of the year (Bring Me
the News Day)

There’s a lot to celebrate this Earth Day when it comes to solar power and other renewable
energies. It’s as if there’s a competition to see who can set the most aspirational goals to
decrease and eliminate dependence on fossil fuels, as well as the emissions, waste and
pollution they leave behind.

First, there’s two of Minnesota's largest electricity providers — Xcel Energy and Minnesota
Power — pursuing 100% carbon-free energy by 2050. Then Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has
proposed a series of policies that would bring the state to 100% carbon-free electricity by
2040.

President Joe Biden has set a goal of 100% renewable energy in the power sector by 2035, with
the expectation that wind and solar energy will also be part of the pending infrastructure plan.

Each proposal moves the renewables target a little closer to now, and as believers in clean,
green power, we at All Energy Solar are rooting for reaching sustainable energy goals as quickly
as possible. There’s plenty of residential and commercial rooftops around Minnesota with
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Jensen banned from TikTok for ‘disinformation’ (The Sun Patriot)
Former Minnesota state senator and current Republican gubernatorial candidate Dr. Scott
Jensen has been banned from a social media platform after being accused of spreading
pandemic misinformation on the platform.

Jensen was de-platformed from popular messaging and video app TikTok on April 8. A TikTok
spokesperson confirmed to media that Jensen was banned for violating the network’s
community guidelines on spreading misinformation related to COVID-19, according to reports.

Jensen had more than 280,000 followers on TikTok after joining the social media network in
March, and was determined to be one of the most followed politicians in the country by media
organization Axios, who broke the story.

In a video Jensen posted Thursday to Twittter – where he still has a platform – the 2022
gubernatorial candidate said he had made posts critical of an April 4 “60 Minutes” story on
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and that state’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s pretty confounding, but it sure feels like being canceled,” Jensen said in the video.

It is not Jensen’s first brush with COVID-19 controversy. The doctor – who operates a clinic in
Watertown – was investigated by the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice last summer for
comments he made related to the pandemic on a news program.

Jensen has also been critical of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s use of executive emergency powers
during the pandemic. The former state senator has decried intermittent mandatory business
closings during the past year, going as far as filming a video at a Waconia eatery that
temporarily defied closures at the end of 2020.

Area counties have slight rise in new COVID-19 cases (Mankato Free Press)
MANKATO — South-central Minnesota counties had a slight rise in newly confirmed COVID-19
cases Wednesday.

The nine counties combined for 73 confirmed cases, up from 66 on Tuesday, according to the
Minnesota Department of Health.

There were no new COVID-19 deaths confirmed in the south-central region, but there were 16
statewide. Minnesota’s pandemic death toll rose to 6,978.

Wednesday’s 73 new cases in area counties were about average so far for April. Most days in
April have had at least 70 new cases, which puts it on track to be the first month since
December with such consistently high daily upticks.

Blue Earth County accounted for 26 of the 73 new cases. Nicollet County had the next most
with 14.

All nine area counties had at least two new cases. The full list of new cases by county includes:

• Blue Earth County — 26

• Nicollet County — 14

• Le Sueur County — 7

• Waseca County — 7

• Sibley County — 6

• Brown County — 5

• Martin County — 3

• Watonwan County — 3

• Faribault County — 2

Statewide, Minnesota’s vaccination rate remains near a record high, with around 37,000 new
first doses being administered per day. But the number of new doses shipped into the state has
fallen sharply recently — especially fewer doses of the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

On Tuesday, state officials followed the lead of the federal Food and Drug Administration and
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which jointly recommended a pause in
administering the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine while they investigate extremely rare
reports of blood clots. Minnesota will receive no new J&J doses next week, a sharp drop from
the 80,000 it received last week.

Gov. Tim Walz, former Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm all received
the J&J vaccine two weeks ago. Walz said Tuesday he anticipates the pause will be relatively
short and noted 95% of the state’s vaccinations have been Pfizer or Moderna.

Minnesota is on tap to receive about 142,000 new first doses next week — about the same
number it received this week. That’s enough to vaccinate about 20,000 new people per day, on
average.

Before the J&J pause and an earlier factory mishap, officials had been hopeful that a flood of
new J&J vaccines would combine with existing Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to drive
Minnesota’s vaccination rate to a new level.

The newest numbers still suggest the state may reach a hopeful milestone — half of adults with
at least one vaccine dose — by the end of this week or early next.

About 33.1% of Minnesota adults are completely vaccinated; 48.3% have received at least one
vaccine dose, including about 84.4% of residents age 65 and older, the state health department
said Wednesday.

In south-central Minnesota, about 32.3% of residents 16 and older are completely vaccinated.
The percentage of residents 16 and older with at least one dose in the region is 46.7%.

As vaccine numbers rise, COVID-19 case counts are trending higher, too. Two weeks ago, the
state was averaging about 1,600 new cases per day. Now it’s about 2,100.

The number of known, active cases has been trending upward over the past few weeks, with
more than 17,000 as of Wednesday’s report — marking more than three weeks with active
daily counts above 10,000.

Hospitalizations have climbed significantly in the past weeks to levels not seen since January,
and deaths tied to the disease are trending up, too. Health officials say coronavirus variants
circulating in Minnesota are driving those increases.

The state Wednesday reported 681 people in Minnesota hospitals with COVID-19; 164 needed
intensive care, hovering near the highest number of ICU patients since early January.

While still low compared to late November and early December, the rising trend is notable
given the worries over the rise of the highly contagious U.K. COVID-19 variant.

To date, the state has confirmed at least 1,600 cases of the U.K. strain. State epidemiologist Dr.
Ruth Lynfield said last week that the variant is linked to five deaths here and likely responsible
for the majority of the spread happening now.

The state has recorded 547,101 total confirmed or probable cases so far in the pandemic,
including 1,715 posted Wednesday. About 95% of Minnesotans known to be infected with
COVID-19 in the pandemic have recovered to the point where they no longer need to be
isolated.

16 COVID-19 deaths, 1,715 new infections reported in Minnesota (Star
Tribune)

By Jeremy Olson

Sixteen COVID-19 deaths were reported in Minnesota Wednesday along with 1,715 newly
confirmed infections with the novel coronavirus that causes the respiratory disease.

The latest counts in Minnesota's third significant wave of COVID-19 activity bring the state's
tolls in the pandemic to 6,978 deaths and 547,101 known SARS-CoV-2 infections.

State health officials said they are hoping to see some sign of leveling off in the latest wave
amid vaccination progress — with more than 2.1 million Minnesotas having received COVID-19
vaccine and more than 1.4 million completing the one- or two-dose series.

The state's progress was disrupted by a temporary nationwide pause announced Tuesday on
the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, because of reports of rare blood clots in
six of the nearly 7 million recipients in the U.S.

The federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — which includes one official from
the Minnesota Department of Health — was scheduled to meet Wednesday to review the
incidents and whether they should result in any restrictions or changes in how the J&J vaccine
is used.

Only 5% of recipients have received that type of COVID-19 vaccine in Minnesota, though, which
was buoyed Wednesday by the official launch of a federal vaccination site at the Minnesota
State Fairgrounds. The appointment-only site is scheduled to administer 2,000 doses per day
and to provide another 1,000 via mobile clinics in high-need areas of the Twin Cities.

"If you get the opportunity, consider to take the shot," said Kevin Sly, a regional director for the
Federal Emergency Management Agency that is operating the fairgrounds site. "It's a much
better choice to feel some side effects for a day or two, than to perhaps have a long-term issue
or a long-haul issue with COVID or quite possible worse."

Roughly 48% of people 16 and older have received COVID-19 vaccine in Minnesota, where Gov.
Tim Walz has set a goal of vaccinating 80% of the eligible population.

More than 84% of senior citizens in Minnesota have received vaccine. That is a key risk group
that has suffered 89% of Minnesota's COVID-19 deaths and 15 of the deaths newly reported on
Wednesday. Only two of those deaths involved residents of long-term care facilities, where
people also were prioritized for vaccination.

While the positivity rate of COVID-19 diagnostic testing has risen to 7.2% — above the state's
5% caution threshold for viral spread — Minnesota health officials are hopeful that COVID-19
deaths won't increase as well because of the vaccination of so many high-risk individuals.

Hospitalizations of COVID-19 patients have escalated, though, as doctors have reported more
younger, unvaccinated adults suffering breathing problems requiring inpatient care. The
number of inpatient beds filled with COVID-19 cases increased to 681 on Tuesday, an increase
from 210 on March 6.

Minnesota reports 1,715 new COVID-19 cases, 16 more deaths Wednesday
(KMSP)

(FOX 9) - The Minnesota Department of Health reported Wednesday that 2,131,904 people
have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 1,460,806 have received both
doses.

Meanwhile, MDH reported 1,715 new COVID-19 cases and 16 more deaths. Of the 16 deaths,
two lived in long-term care facilities.

The 1,715 new cases are out of 24,033 tests, a 7.1% positivity rate. The seven-day rolling
average positivity rate has increased to about 7.2%. Anything over 5% is a concern for MDH
because it indicates a high rate of community spread.

Walz in ‘hold pattern’ on restrictions as Minnesota heads toward third COVID-19 surge

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 are steadily increasing, with 159 COVID-19 patients currently in
the ICU and 517 in the hospital but not in the ICU. Hospitalizations are now at the highest they
have been since mid-January.

Despite the increasing cases, and concerns over another wave of COVID-19, Gov. Tim Walz has
said he doesn't have any plans for another set of COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, he and other
governors are pushing for the Biden administration to prioritize states that are facing a new
increase in cases for COVID-19 doses.

Date: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 9:08:18 AM

Contents
FAHS For VP Mondale (KMSP 4/20/21 – 4:34 AM, 5:07 AM)
FAHS For VP Mondale (KARE 4/20/21 – 5:09 AM)
Statement on VP Mondale (KIMT 4/20/21 – 4:37 AM, 5:38 AM)
Statement on VP Mondale (WDIO 4/20/21 – 5:04 AM)
LGF Statement (CNN 4/20/21 – 4:06 AM, 9:36 AM)
Mayor Elliot, LGF Statement (CNN 4/20/21 – 1:47 AM, 2:47 AM)
Journalists (WTVN Columbus, OH 4/19/21 – 5:30 PM)
PTE (WNYC New York, NY 4/19/21 – 5:30 PM)
PTE (WGN America 4/19/21 – 8:01 PM, 12:01 AM)
PTE (WCCO 4/20/21 – 12:50 AM)
PTE (KARE 4/20/21 – 4:36 AM)
PTE (WITI Milwaukee, WI 4/20/21 – 5:05 AM)
PTE (KMSP 4/20/21 – 5:05 AM)
PTE (KBJR 4/20/21 – 5:05 AM)
Request for State Troopers (KDLH 4/19/21 – 5:30 PM)
Public Safety Update (WDIO 4/19/21 – 5:05 PM)
Public Safety Update (KSTA San Antonio, TX 4/19/21 – 5:15 PM)
Public Safety Update (KDLT 4/19/21 – 5:31 PM)
Public Safety Update (KOMO Seattle, WA 4/19/21 – 4:02 PM, 3:40 AM)
Public Safety Update (KMSP 4/19/21 – 6:37 PM, 2:23 AM)
Public Safety Update (WSL-AM Chicago, IL 4/19/21 – 6:34 PM)
Public Safety Update (Newsmax Greg Kelly Reports 4/19/21 – 7:21 PM, 3:21 AM)
Public Safety Update (KHSL Chico, CA 4/19/21 – 5:05 PM)
Public Safety Update (Newstalk Hartford, CT 4/19/21 – 9:01 PM, 1:30 AM)
Public Safety Update (WZAW 4/19/21 – 9:05 PM)
Public Safety Update (KARE 4/19/21 – 10:00 PM)
Public Safety Update (KNWA Fort Smith, AR 4/19/21 – 10:10 PM)
Public Safety Update (WOKV Jacksonville, FL 4/20/21 – 5:05 AM)
Public Safety Update (WROC Rochester, NY 4/20/21 – 5:37 AM)
Public Safety Update (KAAL 4/20/21 – 5:00 AM)
Rep. Omar’s Response (Newsmax TV 4/19/21 – 9:07 PM)
Police Reform (WTAQ Greenbay, WI 4/19/21 – 5:31 PM)
Police Reform (MSNBC The ReidOut 4/19/21 – 7:21 PM)
Police Reform (WRKO Boston, MA 4/19/21 – 10:02 PM)
Police Reform (WDBO Orlando, FL 4/19/21 – 10:02 PM)
Police Reform (KMSP 4/19/21 – 10:09 PM)
Police Reform (WMFE Orlando, FL 4/20/21 – 12:04 AM, 5:08 AM)
Police Reform (KSFY 4/20/21 – 12:07 AM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (KMSP 4/19/21 – 6:05 PM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (KOGO San Diego, CA 4/19/21 – 5:35 PM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (San Antonio, TX 4/19/21 – 8:30 PM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (KIMT 4/19/21 – 10:02 PM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WOWT Omaha, NE 4/19/21 – 10:08 PM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WDIO 4/19/21 – 10:08 PM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WPVI Philadelphia, PA 4/20/21 – 4:05 AM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WILX Lansing, MI 4/20/21 – 5:05 AM, 6:55 AM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WXIX Cincinnati, OH 4/20/21 – 5:15 AM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WABC New York, NY 4/20/21 – 4:06 AM, 6:06 AM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WVUE New Orleans, LA 4/20/21 – 4:40 AM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WVUE New Orleans, LA 4/20/21 – 5:03 AM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (KIMT 4/20/21 – 5:03 AM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (KABC Los Angeles, CA 4/20/21 – 3:36 AM)
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (KAAL 4/20/21 – 6:03 AM)
Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott Says It's 'Not Safe To Drive in Minnesota' While Black
(Brooklyn Leader)
In Minneapolis, A Fortified City Awaits Derek Chauvin Verdict (WCCO)
State officials ask for calm, say law enforcement ready as world waits for Chauvin verdict
(KTOE)
Cities brace for violence as Derek Chauvin verdict looms (CBS News)
Minneapolis business owners express mixed feelings to National Guard presence (KARE 11)
Flags half-staff for Minnesotan and former Vice President Mondale (International Falls
Journal)
Walter Mondale: Politicians Honor ‘One Of Minnesota’s Proudest Sons’ (WCCO)
‘An Extraordinary Life of Service’: Jimmy Carter, Kamala Harris, and More Pay Tribute to
Walter Mondale (Media ITE)
Walter Mondale: Presidents Biden And Carter Lead Tributes To Former Vice President
Following His Death At 93 (FORBES)
MINNESOTA POLITICIANS GIVE STATEMENTS ON THE PASSING OF WALTER MONDALE
(KROX)
Walter Mondale remembered for decency, sweep of accomplishments (Star Tribune)
Mondale remembered as effective policymaker, public servant (KSTP)
Walter Mondale, Carter's Vice President and Democratic Presidential Candidate, Dies
(Newsweek)
Former senator, vice president leaves staff a touching farewell (The Atlanta Journal
Constitution)
Former Vice President Walter Mondale dies at age 93 (The Hill)
Former vice president Walter Mondale dies at 93 (The Independent)
Walter Mondale remembered. What U.S. and Minnesota leaders are saying (Pioneer Press)
Former Vice President Walter Mondale dies at 93 (KSTP)
Minneapolis law enforcement pledges ‘de-escalation’ should protests follow Chauvin verdict
as tactics draw scrutiny (The Washington Post)
Journalists beaten, pepper-sprayed, arrested as Minnesota police out of control at protests
(Fox News)
Ohio State Highway Patrol sends 100 troopers to Minnesota as verdict nears in Derek
Chauvin trial (Cincinnati Enquirer)
Walz requests public safety assistance from Ohio, Nebraska ahead of Chauvin verdict (KTTC)
Community on edge as jury deliberates in Derek Chauvin trial (Star Tribune)
US city on edge as jury deliberates Chauvin verdict (Report Door)
Operation Safety Net kicking into high gear ahead of Chauvin verdict (KTTC)
Walz declares emergency, brings in police backup from Ohio and Nebraska as Chauvin
verdict looms (KMSP)
Ohio State Highway Patrol sending troopers to Minnesota amid protests (WLWT)
Gov. Tim Walz requests law enforcement help, funding (Red Lake Nation News)
JOURNALISTS AT MINNESOTA PROTESTS ARE ALLEGEDLY BEING HARASSED, BEATEN,
WRONGFULLY ARRESTED (Vanity Fair)
Gov. Tim Walz requests law enforcement help, funding (Star Tribune)
Cities Brace For Violence As Derek Chauvin Verdict Looms (WSGW)
Opinion: The disturbing failure of Minnesota police to exercise restraint during protests (The
Washington Post)
Stop the attacks on working journalists (Star Tribune)
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on racial inequity and press freedom (KARE 11)
BLM protesters rally for ‘victim,’ leave after learning he was white (Fox News)
Walz seeks $9M for out-of-state law enforcement as protests, unrest continue (St. Peter
Herald)
Governor Walz Requests Assistance From States in Advance of Chauvin Trial Verdict (FOX 21)
Congress, White House brace for Chauvin verdict (Axios)
With Closing Arguments Finished, Chauvin’s Fate Is Now in Jury’s Hands (The New York
Times)
Jury begins deliberations after closing arguments in Derek Chauvin trial (CBS News)
Minneapolis braces for unrest as the Derek Chauvin trial reaches closing arguments (The
Philadelphia Inquirer)
Flags half-staff for victims of COVID-19, Indianapolis victims (International Journal Falls)
Two Minnesota National Guardsmen suffer minor injuries in drive-by shooting (New York
Post)


FAHS For VP Mondale (KMSP 4/20/21 – 4:34 AM, 5:07 AM)
new this morning. governor Tim Walz is all us and minnesota flags to be flown at half staff at all
state buildings in honor of mondale that went into effect last night and will continue until
sunset on the day that mondale is laid to rest. release from the governor, he says minnesota is
following a proclamation issued by president joe biden, businesses and other organizations are
also encouraged to join in lowering their flags.
FAHS For VP Mondale (KARE 4/20/21 – 5:09 AM)
. governor Tim Walz writes, walter mondale believed in and worked to create a nation with
heart, a soul and a conscience also has ordered flags to be flown at half staff. and senator amy
klobuchar shared a quote from mondale from his Time in the white house saying, we told the
truth. we obey the law. we kept the peace, she writes. that pretty much sums up walter
mondales life and his service. and we're told you guys that he was holding a picture of his
beloved wife joan when he passed away yesterday. but yeah, the state, of course, loved him
here and everyone is reacting to this news this morning .
Statement on VP Mondale (KIMT 4/20/21 – 4:37 AM, 5:38 AM)
how much joy he took in encouraging governor Tim Walz issued a statement in response to
mondale's death. it reads in part quote "we will miss terribly fritz mondale, the steady voice
and vision setter for ideas great and small, people powerful and powerless, and justice waiting
to be revealed."
Statement on VP Mondale (WDIO 4/20/21 – 5:04 AM)
saying her heart is with mondale's family at this Time. and governor Tim Walz called him a
friend and mentor -- saying monday worked to create a nation with a heart, a sole and a
conscience. :39 this use of force was unreasonable... 41" butt with 2:00 //these are officers
doing their job in a highly stressful situation 2:05 jury deliberation will pick back up for its *first
full day this morning -- after the prosecution and defense gave their closing arguments in the
trial of derek chauvin.
LGF Statement (CNN 4/20/21 – 4:06 AM, 9:36 AM)
what is the power in hearing a mayor say that, following the words of the lieutenant governor
who is a white woman, Peggy Flanagan, saying over the weekend, minnesota is a place where it
is not safe to be black. how important is it to hear it from them?

so, you know, truth crushed to earth will rise again. it's so important that we tell the truth right
now around the real reality in minnesota and minneapolis and brooklyn center, in gary, indiana,
in new york, you know, we are a microcosm so to speak of what's going on all over our country.
so it's powerful to have an elected official share his experience and our lieutenant governor.

and i think, of course, the obvious question is, what are you going to do about it? and i don't
mean you. you're already doing so much about it, but i mean action by those elected officials.
you've talked about feeling helpless as an adult. feeling like you can't protect your -- the
children of your community. and you've said this last year that it struck me. you said thank you,
george floyd. thank you for giving us the opportunity to see ourselves and to wake up.
Mayor Elliot, LGF Statement (CNN 4/20/21 – 1:47 AM, 2:47 AM)
it is important that we understand the phrase, black lives matter means. our law enforcement
infrastructure in america and minnesota has shown its ability to understand that white lives
matter and that other lives matter as well. that's why it is so important that we hammer home
this message. that black lives matter. they have to matter. our legal system has to be able to
assert that they matter. that our officers and law enforcement systems have to be able to
assert that they matter and we all deserve access to professional, court just, respectful, first
responders who can treat all of our communities with dignity and frequent peace and sanctity
of all of our neighborhoods.

you are very measured, mr. mayor. there are those who are not. one of the problems -- no
matter where your sympathies lie, there's action and reaction. both can be an issue when it
comes to progress. the lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan said, i am grappling with a stark
reality. minnesota is a place where it is not safe to be black. the brooklyn center mayor said the
following. play it, please.

it's not safe to drive in minnesota while you're black. the fact is there are so many of us who
drive, you know, and if we see police behind us, we're afraid. we're trembling. and that is a kind
of terror that no citizens of the, no citizen of the united states should ever have to face. it is
constant, ever present.

do you agree with the sentiments of the alone governor and the brooklyn center mayor?

both leaders are close personal friends of mine. what i'll tell you, if the alone governor may be
citing statistics. she may be citing facts, she may be citing the number of time you've had to
turn the eyes of your camera lens to minnesota. there is no excuse, no reason why minnesota
should be providing these hashtags to the east and west coast, to the deep south. i will tell you
being a young person who spent my high school years driving around minnesota, and my
college years driving around, going to school in florida, driving around the deep south. if write
to tell but the most disturbing experiences that i personally had with law enforcement, i would
be telling you mostly about minnesota stories. so i think what the maers less than my opinion
of those comments is our ability as a state and a community to live them down.

it is a hard spot for black americans because your outrage at your own reality gets used as
proof of you to be blamed for your own reality. so how do we see that made manifest?

without a doubt.

go ahead, please.

i was going to say. it's a hard time for america. a hard time for all of our country when the
entire world is eyewitness to something and we have to sit on pins and needles, wonder figure
this incident, if the whole world can look at and it see with their own eyes and say that's wrong.
we're sitting on pins and needles to find out if our judicial system is capable of holding
someone accountability. that's a hard time for our entire country. i am saddened. i mourn
george floyd, daunte wright. because they are black men. they are members of humanity. i
assume is must be challenging if you as well. we have i'm not asking folks not to be angry. i'm
not asking folks to be calm or to be quiet. quite the opposite. i'm asking our community to take
the resolve, to take the energy, to take all that we feel right now, and channel it, directly, into --
into constructing, not destructing, our communities. but constructing a new path forward, in st.
paul, in minnesota, and all throughout our country.
Journalists (WTVN Columbus, OH 4/19/21 – 5:30 PM)
Minnesota governor, Tim Walz, has apologized for the mistreatment of journalist by police at
protests following the shooting of Dante right as George Floyd trial heads toward a verdict.
New York Times photographer Joshua McFadden says police surrounded his car beat on the
windows but tons anted to car forced out be his leg struck his camera lens, CNN producer
Carolyn Sung was grabbed by a backpack thrown to the ground obese people showing their
Press credentials. She was resisting arrest. She got arrested. one officer ask songs Asian-
American do you speak English. She was jailed. She was strip-searched at a local photographer
named Tim Evans said police pepper-sprayed him punch me in the face tore my badge and
threw it in the dirt this conduct is absolutely egregious anyTime but Minnesota police should
be trying to demonstrate to the World that they are not bigoted or prone to excessive force
instead they're sending the opposite message put your medium minute
PTE (WNYC New York, NY 4/19/21 – 5:30 PM)
Minnesota's governor Tim Walz has declared an emergency in 7 counties that surround
Minneapolis, allowing the state to draw out law enforcement help from other States and Press
Secretary. Jen Psaki, says the White House is keeping a close eye as well. There's a range of
conversations about how to ensure that no matter what the outcome. There is a space for
peaceful protest but of course, we'll let the verdict of the jury delivery and I will wait for the
verdict to come out for East Timor about our R engagements. The jury will be sequestered
during deliberations. Florida's governor has signed a law in shoe off sign rather into law a
measure that imposes new restrictions on people who take to the streets in protest.
PTE (WGN America 4/19/21 – 8:01 PM, 12:01 AM)
after days of tesTimony involving dozens of witnesses, both the state and the defense making
their final arguments today before that jury, the group of 12 now left to debate whether or not
derek chauvin's actions last may worry, quote, substantial causal factor in the death of george
floyd the most serious of those charges comes with up to 40 years in prison outside the
fortified courthouse. as you can imagine, tonight security very much tightening, minnesota
governor Tim Walz declares a peaceTime emergency as schools there. send students, home
and business owners board up their stores with plywood. the city already on edge after a
deadly police shooting last week in brooklyn center. our news nation team is covering both of
these stories tonight. first, we begin with tom negovan. he's live in minneapolis with the latest
from the courtroom that city and this country now on edge Time to wait Time.
PTE (WCCO 4/20/21 – 12:50 AM)
twin cities metro's in a peaceTime emergency tonight.

gov. Tim Walz is asking other states to protect the twin cities for potential unrest, the says
increase law enforcement won't fix the most serious issues in minnesota.

this is not the way to live. we need to fix other things so we don't have to and up with national
guard on our streets. i cannot allow those businesses to burn.

today the minnesota senate approved $9 million to bring in state troopers from ohio and
nebraska to help minnesota state patrol. owner walls criticize lawmakers for not taking swift
action on police reform or other measures to help fix disparities impacting the black
community. neapolis giga prices unit police chief or instructing law enforcement to and
prioritize the de-escalation over the next few days. and weil, brooklyn center is the only city
under curfew tonight.

crowd marched in minneapolis today calling for the jury to convict derek chauvin. others editor
george floyd square to reflect. david shuman joins us now, and i know that some people talked
about the thought emotions that come with waiting for such unanticipated verdict.
PTE (KARE 4/20/21 – 4:36 AM)
gov. Tim Walz is declaring a peace Time emergency ahead of the shetlemen verdict. it's going
to allow the governor to request help from law enforcement in other states as well , says state
and local law enforcement have been fully deployed but are inadequate to address this threat.

we cannot allow civil unrest to descend into chaos. we must protect life and property. but we
also must understand very clearly if we don't listen to those communities in pain and those
people on the streets, many of whom were arrested or speaking a fundamental truth that we
must change or we will be right back. here again.

more than one hundred state patrol officers from both ohio and nebraska are expected to
come to minneasota to provide extra security. governor Walz is also asking the legislature for
more funding to help cover some of those emergency costs.
PTE (WITI Milwaukee, WI 4/20/21 – 5:05 AM)
minnesota's governor, pleading for calm ahead of the verdict in the trial of derrick show, vin
governor Tim Walz, declaring a state of emergency in the twin cities spanning seven counties.
also bringing in police backup from ohio in nebraska to help local police. the governor asking
for peaceful protest. he says he will also protect demonstrator's rights to do so. the governor,
not only asking for calm the white house is urging for unity ahead of the verdict as well. will
continue to encourage peaceful protests, but we're not going to get ahead of the verdict in the
trial.
PTE (KMSP 4/20/21 – 5:05 AM)
governor Tim Walz outlining his security plan in the event of civil unrest, declaring a state of
emergency in seven counties here in the metro on bringing in police from ohio and nebraska,
as the verdict nears, the governor says that we need. to protect life and property, but address
systemic change. if we don't listen, those communities in pain and those people on the streets,
many of whom were arrested for speaking of fundamental truth that we must change.
PTE (KBJR 4/20/21 – 5:05 AM)
that includes governor Tim Walz... who has declared a peaceTime emergency in order to get
law enforcement assistance from other states. last night... the minneapolis police chief said
they're ramping up security ahead of the verdict.. but it's still crucial to allow peaceful
demonstrations. after the death of george floyd... and the recent officer-involved shooting of
daunte wright... hundreds of students across minnesota walked out of class monday to stand
up for racial justice.
Request for State Troopers (KDLH 4/19/21 – 5:30 PM)
today governor Tim Walz issued a request to friday assistance from ohio in advance of the
derek chauvin trial verdict. they will report to the minnesota state patrol and will be assigned
to security missions at key state facilities. the governor said it will allow minnesota state
troopers and dnr kristen vake vegas officers to launch operation safety net in the metro area.
Public Safety Update (WDIO 4/19/21 – 5:05 PM)
ahead of the verdict, security in minneapolis is ahead of the verdict, security in minneapolis is
very much stepped-up. there are about two-thousand national guard members on standby --
and schools will be remote learning starting wednesday. right now, governor Tim Walz is
addressing the safety situation -- so let's listen in... again, that was governor Tim Walz with a
safety update as the trial of derek chauvin is expectd to finish in the coming days. if you would
like to continue watching his press conference, we are streaming it live on w-d-i-o dot-com as
well as our facebook page. the superior police department hiring for a new position -- to better
connect the officers with the people they serve and protect. "what we have to solve is, if
somebody calls 911 and the police get there, and they either can't solve the problem in the
short term -- or even if they can solve it in the short term but can't in the long term, well then
we really haven't met the challenge or adequately protected the public."
Public Safety Update (KSTA San Antonio, TX 4/19/21 – 5:15 PM)
I just want to say Yes I we don't need apologies when it becomes closing down Press it's easy
here give Rex access and I want people to understand this is such a fundamental concern that it
actually shakes at the heart of our democracy. We have seen Press and Press freedoms around
the World under threat we've seen journalists attacked and killed we've seen those diminishing
say things like fake news and trying diminished, it's not fake news. Just because you don't agree
with that. It's not fake news because criticizes you, it's trying to get the truth out of the people
can be informed on the decisions we make. And I know that there are situations in our law
enforcement tries to do the best they can. But this is truly a zero-sum proposition. We have got
to get this right and I'm asking and we're hearing and trying to make changes in real Time. But I
think we need a national discussion about this, because they think that always comes up that
it's easy to get Press access unless it's chaotic unless it's chaotic like you're seeing on the
streets to governor Tim Walz of Minnesota we thought this was a news conference about what
they call operations safety now which is to be the plan they have a therefore when the verdict
is rendered in how it's going to play out in the streets. The governor instead making a lot of
remarks to the effect of we can't live like this, he said. We can't keep having these riots
happened. We can't keep having this these these police-involved shootings of young black men
happen no one should die in a traffic stop situations, said the governor although he put all of
that responsibility, it seemed to me on the police and none of it on how people handle
themselves or acquit themselves when they interact with bullies and I find it interesting that is
so angry he is so furious about the burning of buildings, about the way that people have to live
or do live with fear of the police any said at one point and we can't let buildings burned. We
can't let businesses burned.
.minnesota state leaders are preparing for reactions to the trials verdict. windows jacob
minnesota governor Tim Walz and minneapolis jacob frey speaking to the media this
hour.....preparing for protests surrounding the verdict in this case. governor Walz focusing on
the systemic issues in society and the need for change...the need to listen to the protestors and
not let a traffic stop turn into a death. Walz showing frustration around creating laws to help
protect against a situation like this one in the future. the governor also talking about the need
to provide security and safety for houses and businesses.. transition sot full and that positive
way means change newsroom
Public Safety Update (KOMO Seattle, WA 4/19/21 – 4:02 PM, 3:40 AM)
Minnesota governor, Tim Walz is urging protesters to turn anger over Floyd's death into
positive action which will result in change half have that change we can't live like this. We
cannot continued to live like this some bill dings in the city are being fortified Cooper worries
about possible unrest. The White House says President Biden had a productive exchange of
ideas today with bipartisan lawmakers that they understand.
Public Safety Update (KMSP 4/19/21 – 6:37 PM, 2:23 AM)
we just need to all come together and acknowledge that what's going on in the world right now
is not okay. and many of the schools also held a moment of silence today. i mean it sort of
senate quickly passing a $9 million bill and emergency security funding as the chauvin trial
nears its and governor Tim Walz asked for that money with it. minnesota can reimburse ohio
nebraska for sending police backup. the rest will pay minnesota state trooper over Time and
costs of the massive deployment here in the twin cities. publican say it's needed to keep the
peace and democrats disagrees, saying it's escalating tension. there are bricks and bottles and
all form of. things that are being directed at the police. in point of fact, the national guard was
shot at we have. lot of military presence in the streets and people are traumatized. of house
democrats would not say if they will take up the bill. that's because the police mobilization has
splintered democrats. some want to ban the use of tear gas after last week's unrest in brooklyn
center.
Public Safety Update (WSL-AM Chicago, IL 4/19/21 – 6:34 PM)
On Saturday, April 24th to find collection site near you visit DEA take back Dotcom a chorus of
voices pleading for calm when the jury reaches verdict in the murder trial of former
Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin shortly after jury deliberations got underway,
Minnesota governor, Tim Walz says protesters needed turn anger over George for Lloyd's
death into positive action that will bring about change we must change O we will be right back
here again. Several 100 people are gathering near the County courthouse in Minneapolis. So
far it's common peaceful heavy security can be seen at all entrances to the building governor
Pritzker is activated the Illinois national guard Chicago's starting tomorrow at the request of
mayor Lightfoot. The mayor says there's no intelligence at this point to suggest unrest but Yes
for the guard out of an abundance of caution, the man who allegedly fired a gun before
Chicago police officer shot and killed 13 year-old Adam to later posted bond and was released
from the Cook County jail over the weekend, 21 year-old Ruben Roman was placed on
electronic monitoring Roman is charged with reckless discharge of a weapon child
endangerment and other felonies.
Public Safety Update (Newsmax Greg Kelly Reports 4/19/21 – 7:21 PM, 3:21
AM)
if we don't get the verdict we want in this case. i want to show you this from the news this
morning. tensions are high, and the minnesota governor Tim Walz, is calling for calm after 45
witnesses and hours of tesTimony and cross examination. minneapolis and st leaders are
bracing for unrest. national guard troops are deployed throughout minneapolis, working
alongside state and city police officers. the governor has requested more law enforcement
from neighboring states. minneapolis public schools officials are also bracing for the verdict.
switching students to remote learning later this week for their safety.
Public Safety Update (KHSL Chico, CA 4/19/21 – 5:05 PM)
protesters and law enforcement are already gathered downtown, and tensions are already
inflamed after the death of 20-year old daunte wright at the hands of police in a nearby suburb
just last week. ( gov. Tim Walz) i hear those concerns from people who fear for their businesses
and their homes. we need to provide the security and we're prepared to do so. but i also at the
same hand want to hear - i hear those decrying their inability to protest and what they believe
is heavy. outside the courthouse the floyd family joined activists in a prayer vigil. ( rodney
floyd/brother) so many people stepped up in this city, standing up for george, standing up for
what's right. chauvin faces second degree unintentional chauvin's murder, third degree murder
and second-degree manslaughter.
Public Safety Update (Newstalk Hartford, CT 4/19/21 – 9:01 PM, 1:30 AM)
Ahead of the verdict in the trial, Minnesota governor, Tim Walz has requested additional law
enforcement assistance from other States as he prepares for possible unrest. In a statement.
Wall said he requested help from Ohio and Nebraska to support efforts to preserve the
Amendment right to peaceful protests while protecting public safety
Public Safety Update (WZAW 4/19/21 – 9:05 PM)
governor Tim Walz told minnesotans he will protect people's right to protest... but will not
allow protesting to turn into chaos. he says he understands why emotions are so high... but will
do all he can to protect life and property. Tim Walz / minnesota governor "so in this moment,
it's our goal together, the mayors, the community organizers, people across the state, from law
enforcement to ministerial associations, is to try and make sure that we strike that proper
balance, of making sure that the peace and stability is upheld, but that equally as important is
that rage that will be on the street, regardless of what happens, is channeled into a positive
way." the governor declared a state of emergency in the seven-county twin cities metro area.
earlier tonight---governor Tim Walz..along with mayor's from minneapolis and st. paul---
preaching to minnesotans the need for systemic change...peace....and safety. transition sot full
frey: and peace, let me be clear, it does not mean we are forgetting why we are here right now.
the kind of peace that we seek here in the coming days it must propell us forward to a better
version of our city. to a better version of ourselves. Walz: i hear those concerns of those who
fear for their businesses and their homes, we need to provide the security and we're prepared
to do so, but also at the same hand i want to hear, i hear those decrying their belief to protest
and what they believe it heavy.
Public Safety Update (KARE 4/19/21 – 10:00 PM)
and don't write the things that we need to do on systemic racism. i said we're proud st. or a
state that needs to come to grips with our own history where state that needs to have that
conversation with a nation that needs to have that conversation when it comes to funding that
extra security.

governor Walz asked the legislature for more money and today the senate passed a nine
million dollar emergency funding bill that still needs to clear the house that will help pay to
bring in extra law enforcement from ohio and nebraska.

we have already seen a stepped up law enforcement presence for weeks now and is wigdahl
shows us in some miinneapolis neighborhoods hit hard by the riots last year.
Public Safety Update (KNWA Fort Smith, AR 4/19/21 – 10:10 PM)
minnisota governor Tim Walz is calling for peace. (gov. Tim Walz, (d) minnesota) "we cannot
allow civil unrest to descend into chaos. we must protect life and property. but we also must
understand very clearly, if we don't listen to those communities in pain and those people on
the streets, many of whom were arrested for speaking a fundamental truth that we must
change or we will be right back here again.
Public Safety Update (WOKV Jacksonville, FL 4/20/21 – 5:05 AM)
National guard soldiers Minneapolis police are guarding businesses around the city with the
verdict looming governor Tim Walz urging call cannot allow civil unrest descend into chaos. City
officials esTimate Minneapolis suffered roughly 350 million $ in damaging rides last spring,
mostly commercial properties
Public Safety Update (WROC Rochester, NY 4/20/21 – 5:37 AM)
three thousand national guard troops are depolyed throughout the city. minnesota's governor
and the minneapolis mayor are calling for peace, and say violence will not be tolerated gov. Tim
Walz, (d) minnesota "we cannot allow civil unrest to descend into chaos. we must protect life
and property." chief medaria arradondo, minneapolis police department "the number one
focus for us is de- escalation. we dont want to use force if we dont have to." ((lia/vo)) similar
steps are underway across the country. at least six states and the district of columbia have
made formal requests for help from the national guard ahead of the verdict.
Public Safety Update (KAAL 4/20/21 – 5:00 AM)
the fate of former minneapolis police officer derek chauvin... is now in the hands of a jury. we'll
show you how both sides addressed their closing arguments. plus... governor Tim Walz is
calling for extra security around the courthouse ahead of the verdict... and he's asking other
states for help.
Rep. Omar’s Response (Newsmax TV 4/19/21 – 9:07 PM)
ilhan omar, also, congresswoman, blasting state's governor and minneapolis mayor for not
trying to keep. peace with police preparations. she tweeted this governor Tim Walz and mayor
frye had placed as under military occupation operation. safety net can't be in operation. violate
people's first amendment rights and their civil liberties. stop terrorizing people who are
protesting the brutality of state sanctioned violence. the crazy part about this, sean is you
know, people can get out there. she's acting like if you can't be violent, right, you're not doing
your first amendment right? which is not true. it says that you can protest in peace. yeah, i
mean it. you are well, actually, let's remember when chris cuomo he had this to say last
summer when all that was happening. please show me where it says that protests are
supposed to be polite and peaceful. well, chris, i'll show you the constitution. it literally says
peacefully protest, but this is where the line is. people are committing acts of violence we saw
riding. we saw looting. we saw destruction vandalism. that's not acceptable. we've said it
before. when it was gone. the right you said it before was on the left. and you know, he said
maura this weekend that again is not helpful. take a listen to him. this past weekend. gun laws,
access to weapons. oh, you i know when they'll change. your kids start getting killed.
Police Reform (WTAQ Greenbay, WI 4/19/21 – 5:31 PM)
earby Brooklyn Center, Minnesota governor, Tim Walz says he's spoken to people in the
community who are calling for reform and they very clearly stated if the systemic changes that
need to be made art made that things would repeat themselves, and when I say things I mean
there are horrific deaths of young black men over an over Valls says life and property must be
protected. But people should be allowed to protest in a peaceful fashion.
Police Reform (MSNBC The ReidOut 4/19/21 – 7:21 PM)
during his closing argument, prosecutor steve shu liker argued that this case is about derek
chauvin and not about the police. but for far too many members of the community, including
those who actually witnessed the death of george floyd, it's really not the case. they were
reminded of that when daunte wright was shot to death in his car by a police officer in a
minneapolis suburb. in the court of public opinion, policing is on trial. if chauvin walks, it's hard
to imagine the community will recover. that's why minneapolis and cities across the country
are on edge. waiting to see what the jurors decide. in fact, the implications of this trial are so
momentous that multiple administration officials tell nbc news that president biden is expected
to address the nation after the jury rendered a verdict. this afternoon, the governor of
minnesota, Tim Walz, and jacob frye attempted to calm the community's nerves by vowing to
make changes.

the things we have to do on systemic racism, we're a proud state, a state that needs to come to
grips with our own history. we need have that conversation, we're a nation that needs to have
that conversation. i pledge to do all i can. this is our moment, minnesota, to draw around our
common humanity. the jury will decide that fate. i don't know what will come back. but what i
do know is we're going to be shaped by the response, both in the coming days and in the
months and years to come.

we ask not for acquiescence or assent but for peace. the kind of peace that we seek here in the
coming days, it must propel us forward to a better version of our city, to a vetter version of
ourselves.
Police Reform (WRKO Boston, MA 4/19/21 – 10:02 PM)
governor, Tim Walz encouraging protesters to turning their overflowing death Shamika
fundamental changes will need to be made it needs to be started with systemic public safety
reforms some very simple truce I think we can all agree on much work from our no one should
die resemble traffic violation deliberations resume tomorrow morning. Attorney general,
merrick Garland was asked about the trial and a new push for police reform. What's your
message to the American public be ending the verdict in Europe I intend to wait until the
verdict before I say anything and I would urge the American people to do the same.
Police Reform (WDBO Orlando, FL 4/19/21 – 10:02 PM)
Outside the courthouse in Minneapolis police officer charged with murder and manslaughter in
the death of George Floyd Minnesota governor, Tim Walz encouraging protesters to turn anger
over Floyd's death positive change systemic fundamental changes will be to be made it needs
to be started with systemic public safety reforms some very simple truce I think we can all
agree on much work from there. No one should die resemble traffic violation deliberations
resume tomorrow morning. Attorney general, merrick Garland was asked about the trial and a
new push for police reform.
Police Reform (KMSP 4/19/21 – 10:09 PM)
governor Tim Walz outlining his security plan is we wait for a verdict in the derek chauvin trial.
the governor says that we need to protect life and property but also address systemic change.
if we don't listen, those communities in pain and those people on the streets, many of whom
were arrested for speaking a fundamental truth that we must change. we will be right back
here again. walls and the mayors of minneapolis and st paul say that there are no plans to
preemptively order curfews right now. this week, the governor also declaring a state of
emergency in the seven county metro and is bringing in police backup from ohio and Nebraska
Police Reform (WMFE Orlando, FL 4/20/21 – 12:04 AM, 5:08 AM)
the mayor of Minneapolis Jacob Frey said measures were in place to prevent confrontation but
said people could not use peaceful protesters ask cover to cause destruction. Minnesota's
governor Tim Walz said systematic changes were needed to protect black Americans
Police Reform (KSFY 4/20/21 – 12:07 AM)
earlier tonight---governor Tim Walz..along with mayor's from minneapolis and st. paul---
preaching to minnesotans the need for systemic change...peace....and safety. transition sot full
frey: and peace, let me be clear, it does not mean we are forgetting why we are here right now.
the kind of peace that we seek here in the coming days it must propell us forward to a better
version of our city. to a better version of ourselves. Walz: i hear those concerns of those who
fear for their businesses and their homes, we need to provide the security and we're prepared
to do so, but also at the same hand i want to hear, i hear those decrying their belief to protest
and what they believe it heavy.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (KMSP 4/19/21 – 6:05 PM)
so let's get two political reporter theo keith and the governor just outlining his security plan
tonight, theo. yeah. he spoke just a few minutes ago. governor Tim Walz is getting some police
backup from nebraska and ohio and potentially other states to help here in minnesota as this
verdict looms. the governor says he is not ordering any changes to police tactics, even though
some in his own party have criticized them, including the reliance on tear gas last week in
brooklyn center. and the reliance on a heavy presence from the minnesota national guard. the
governor is asking state lawmakers for millions of dollars to pay for this outside police help and
for state trooper over Time. the senate quickly passed that request today, but top house
democrats have not said when or even if they will take it up. wall spoke about an hour after the
jury got this case. he and the mayors of minneapolis and st paul said they have no plans to
preemptively order curfews for this week. so i am told from the governor's office that curfews
are likely at the city level on a day by day basis. this Time. there's no statewide or region. why,
but what we do is and i think we assess multiple Times a day. that's why our public safety folks,
they're not here with us, and they briefed this afternoon. talk that mayors? i don't know if you
want to talk about. the governor stated. we don't have a curfew right now, either on the
regional or statewide level, nor do we have it at the city level, but it's certainly one of the tools
that we will have available if necessary, but as of right now, none is called. so again, entirely
possible, potentially even likely, according to the governor's office that there would be a city by
city curfew. but on lee on a day by day basis in other words, it would be called on the day that
it is to go in effect. i also asked governor walls today if he had spoken with president biden
about this case. governor said no, he had not, but said it would be helpful if the president were
to address the nation. after the verdict is read something that the president is reportedly
considering whether to do or live in saint paul. theo keith fox died. all right, thanks, theo and as
the world waits and watches now for the verdict to come in, there is a joint message from law
enforcement. and community members.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (KOGO San Diego, CA 4/19/21 – 5:35 PM)
reporting Minnesota's declaring a peaceTime me emergency to provide safety and protection
ahead of the verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvet the jury began
deliberations today in the George Floyd trial Minnesota governor, Tim Walz took the action
that allows law enforcement from Nebraska Ohio to help with any civil unrest and protests in
his state and the Colorado Department of transportation today is warning Coloradans to be
careful on the road have vote for 20 April 20th,
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (San Antonio, TX 4/19/21 – 8:30 PM)
Minnesota's governor has declared a peaceTime emergency to allow more resources to help
the state deal with potential reaction to a verdict. He admitted that he isn't sure what the jury
will decide what I do know is that we're going to be shaped by the response both in the coming
days and in the months and years to come. Governor Tim Walz took the action that allows law
enforcement from Nebraska and ohio to help with any civil unrest. The officer who died a day
after the riot on the US Capitol did so after suffering two strokes.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (KIMT 4/19/21 – 10:02 PM)
minnesota is braced for whatever verdict may come down and the potential aftermath. today
governor Tim Walz issued a request to bring assistance from ohio and nebraska to minnesota in
advance of the derek chauvin trial verdict. the governor requested the minnesota legislature
provide funding to support this additional assistance. state troopers from the supporting states
will report to the minnesota state patrol and will be assigned to security missions at key state
while protests aren't expected in here in rochester tonight over the derek chauvin trial
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WOWT Omaha, NE 4/19/21 – 10:08 PM)
oh by public schools, has purchased 7.5 acres of land east of the new point of visa high school.
and the approval came tonight at the board meeting the cost of the land $4.25 million. it will
allow improved access to the site and future expansion. and eventual closure of the current
frontage road. tonight there's a state of emergency in minnesota and governor Tim Walz has
requested assistance from ohio and nebraska as the state braces for unrest. the public safety
concerns comes as the murder trial against former minneapolis police officer derek shobin is
now in the hands of the jury.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WDIO 4/19/21 – 10:08 PM)
rotesters gathered outside of the courthouse in minneapolis for a gathering that remained
peaceful. thousands of minnesota national guard members remain on standby in the metro
area. governor Tim Walz has also asked nebraska and ohio to provide relief for minnesota law
enforcement. "we cannot allow civil unrest to descend into chaos, we must protect life and
property. but we must also understand very clearly if we don't listen to those communities in
pain and those people on the streets, many of whom were arrested for speaking a fundamental
trth, that we must change, or we will be right back here again." Walz says we must strike the
proper balance of peace and change, saying we cannot continue to live like this. and tensions
across the country are high right now as the nation awaits a verdict.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WPVI Philadelphia, PA 4/20/21 – 4:05
AM)
now there are around 2,000 national guard members on stand by right here in minneapolis,
and minnesota governor Tim Walz has asked from help from ohio and nebraska. reporting live,
ike ejiochi for channel six "action news", matt and tam.

thanks, ike.

as jury weighs the fate of derek chauvin philadelphia is among one of the major cities on the
ready for what may come. national guard is activated to protect the sit any case more civil
unrest and looting happens as did it when floyd died in may. "action news" reporter corey davis
is live in south philadelphia, continuing our coverage, good morning.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WILX Lansing, MI 4/20/21 – 5:05 AM,
6:55 AM)
minnesota govenor Tim Walz is requesting help from officers in ohio and nebraska. they'll join
the more than 3-thousand national guard soldiers... and 15- hundred police and federal agents
already on the ground.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WXIX Cincinnati, OH 4/20/21 – 5:15 AM)
chauvin has pleaded not guilty to murder and manslaughter charges... for the death of george
floyd. he faces at least 12-and-a-half years behind bars if convicted... but prosecutors are
asking for a longer sentence. meanwhile, minneapolis officials are preparing for more
widespread protests... and possible unrest. the ohio state patrol is sending 100 troopers to
minneapolis... at the request of minnesota governor Tim Walz. that state approved 2-point-8
million dollars in emergency funding... to pay for law enforcement help from ohio and other
states.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WABC New York, NY 4/20/21 – 4:06 AM,
6:06 AM)
minnesota's governor has declared a emergency ahead of the verdict. the move clears the way
for other states to help with security in case protests turn violent. governor Tim Walz has asked
ohio and nebraska for assistance. ohio is sending more than 100 state troopers. minnesota will
reimburse them.

people on the streets, many of whom were arrested for speaking a fundamental truth, that we
must change or we will be right back here again.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WVUE New Orleans, LA 4/20/21 – 4:40
AM)
meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrato rs call fo justice for george floyd. they packed downtown
minn yesterday as the jurynesota governor Tim Walz protect people's right to protest but will
not allow state of emergency in the seven- county twin cities metro a he also called in policem
ohio and nebraskato help local police.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (WVUE New Orleans, LA 4/20/21 – 5:03
AM)
and the jury is no u in deliberation. they will be sequestered until they reach a verdict.
governor Tim Walz requested federal emergency assistance from other states to help with
public safety once that verdict comes down. stay with kbjr 6 on air and online as we wait for a
verdict in derek chauvin's murder trial. you can also download the kbjr 6 mobile news app for
alerts and updates.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (KIMT 4/20/21 – 5:03 AM)
n monday, governor Tim Walz issued a request to bring assistance from ohio and nebraska
ahead of a verdict. the governor requested the state legislature provide funding for the extra
help. state troopers from the supporting states will report to the minnesota state patrol and
will be assigned to security missions at key state facilities. during a press conference, governor
Walz urged minnesotans to keep protests try and make sure that we strike that proper balance
of making sure that the peace and stability is upheld, but that equally as important is that rage
that will be on the street regardless of what happens is channeled into a positive way, and that
positive way means change." other cities across the country are also ramping up security ahead
of the verdict.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (KABC Los Angeles, CA 4/20/21 – 3:36
AM)
minnesota's governor has declared a emergency ahead of the verdict. the move clears the way
for other states to help with security in case protests turn violent. governor Tim Walz has asked
ohio and nebraska for assistance. ohio is sending more than 100 state troopers. minnesota will
reimburse them.
people on the streets, many of whom were arrested for speaking a fundamental truth, that we
must change or we will be right back here again.
Assistance from Ohio and Nebraska (KAAL 4/20/21 – 6:03 AM)
d governor Tim Walz is asking for more help. he issued a request for assistance from ohio and
nebraska. 0-22 "the world watched george floyd die with a knee on his neck for nearly nine
minutes and they've seen it replayed so many Times that the spectical of a black man dying i
fear that we desentize the horrificness of what was witnessed on that memorial day last year
an we are here because of that act plain and simple " the minnesota national guard will remain
in the streets of minneapolis this week.

Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott Says It's 'Not Safe To Drive in Minnesota'
While Black (Brooklyn Leader)
The mayor of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, has said it is time for a "reckoning" on policing
because "it's not safe to drive in Minnesota while you're Black."
Protests erupted in the city, a suburb of Minneapolis, after a police officer fatally shot Daunte
Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop on April 11. The officer, Kim Potter,
resigned and has since been charged with second-degree manslaughter.
Around 10 miles from where Wright was shot dead, jurors in the trial of Derek Chauvin—the
former Minneapolis officer accused of murdering George Floyd—began deliberations after
hearing closing arguments on Monday.
In an appearance on CNN's The Situation Room later in the day, Mayor Mike Elliott said his city
is preparing for protests once the verdict in the trial comes down.
"We're ready to keep the peace in our community, but, at the same time, make sure that we're
providing space for protesters to protest and express their constitutional right to gather and
deliver their demands, deliver their grievances to the government," Elliott told Wolf Blitzer.
Blitzer then brought up Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan's recent statement, in which
she said she was "grappling with the stark reality: Minnesota is a place where it is not safe to be
Black."
"Is she right?" Blitzer asked.
"She's absolutely right, Wolf," Elliott, who is Black, responded.
"This is something that people in my community have been grappling with for a very long time.
It's not safe to drive in Minnesota while you're Black."
He went on: "If we see police behind us, we're afraid. We're trembling.
"That is a kind of terror that no citizen of the United States should ever have to face. It's
constant. It's ever-present. And so it's something that must change," he added.

In Minneapolis, A Fortified City Awaits Derek Chauvin Verdict (WCCO)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Just outside the entrance to Smile Orthodontics, in a Minneapolis
neighborhood of craft breweries and trendy shops, two soldiers in jungle camouflage and body
armor were on watch Monday, assault rifles slung over their backs. Snow flurries blew around
them. A few steps away at the Iron Door Pub, three more National Guard soldiers and a
Minneapolis police officer stood out front, watching the street. A handful of other soldiers
were scattered nearby, along with four camouflaged Humvees and a couple police cars.

Across the street was a boarded-up building spray-painted with big yellow letters: “BLACK LIVES
MATTER ALL YEAR ROUND.”

Adam Martinez was walking down the street when he briefly stopped to stare at the scene.

“This city feels like it’s occupied by the military,” said Martinez, a commercial painter who lives
in nearby St. Paul. “This is so weird.”

More than 3,000 National Guard soldiers, along with police officers, state police, sheriffs
deputies and other law enforcement personnel have flooded the city in recent days, with a
verdict looming in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former police officer charged with murder in
the death last year of George Floyd.

But in the city that has come to epitomize America’s debate over police killings, there are
places today in Minneapolis that can feel almost like a police state.

It leaves many wondering: How much is too much?

Concrete barriers, chain-link fences and barbed wire now ring parts of downtown Minneapolis
so that authorities can quickly close off the courthouse where the trial is being held. It’s
become normal in recent days to pass convoys of desert-tan military vehicles on nearby
highways, and stumble across armed men and women standing guard.

One day they’ll park their armored vehicles in front of the high-end kitchen store with its $160
bread knives and $400 cooking pots. The next they’ll be outside the Depression-era movie
theater, or the popular Mexican grocery store or the liquor store ransacked by rioters during
the protests that followed Floyd’s death.

Meanwhile hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of stores and other buildings have been
boarded up across the city, from Absolute Bail Bonds to glass-walled downtown office towers
to Floyd’s 99 Barbershop.

Behind all the security are the days of violence that began with protests over Floyd’s death.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faced withering criticism for
not stepping in quicker to deploy the National Guard. City officials estimate the city suffered
roughly $350 million in damage, mostly to commercial properties.

“They’re between a rock and hard place,” said Eli Silverman, professor emeritus at the John Jay
College of Criminal Justice and a longtime scholar of policing. “You don’t want to overmilitarize
and make it appear that you’ve converted a sovereign state into a police state. But on the other
hand, you have to be prepared, too,” in case protests flare again.

More important than the size of the force, he said, is the expertise and planning behind it. Law
enforcement leaders, for example, need to ensure proper crowd control training, and that
officers from other jurisdictions are under a single command.

“It’s not just numbers, it’s the strategic decisions that are incorporated in these things,” he
said.

Minneapolis has a coordinated law-enforcement plan, called Operation Safety Net, that
oversees planning and law-enforcement responses.

Speaking on Monday to reporters, top law-enforcement officials stood alongside local
community leaders and vowed to protect property, allow peaceful protests, and try to de-
escalate tensions before demonstrations turn violent.

Recent history, though, hasn’t been so peaceful. A little over a week ago, 20-year-old Daunte
Wright, a Black man, was killed by police during a traffic stop in the Minneapolis suburb of
Brooklyn Center.

Protests outside the city’s police headquarters regularly spilled into violence, with protesters
lobbing water bottles and the occasional rock at an array of law enforcement officers, and law
enforcement responding by going after protesters – and sometimes journalists – with pepper
spray, tear gas and rubber bullets.

“We know we need to do better. What happened the last few days wasn’t something we
wanted,” Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson said at the press conference. “But we had
to act to keep the community safe. And I will never back down from anybody when it comes to
keeping this county safe.”

Many here doubt the promises of law enforcement, which has long had a troubled relationship
with the city’s Black community.

Burhan Israfael, a community organizer who lives in Cedar-Riverside, a Minneapolis
neighborhood with one of the largest East African communities in the country, said the
presence of military vehicles and armed soldiers was terrifying. He said the terror strikes
particularly sharply at the city’s many immigrants who fled violence for the safety of the United
States.

“I don’t know anybody that experienced and lived through something like that, that feels
comfortable coming outside,” he said. “To be faced with the violent image of somebody
dressed in all that camouflage, sort of parading around those massive weapons — is unsettling
for sure.”

But plenty of others believe the city needs to be ready for trouble.

The Rev. Ian Bethel, a leader in the city’s Black church community, sounded almost angry
Monday as he spoke alongside the law enforcement officials.

“We’re at a difficult time here, all of us having emotions, anxieties and stress that most of us
have not been able yet to express in a proper way,” he said. “But let me make this clear: One
way you do not express whatever you got tied up in you is through violence.”

On Monday afternoon, soon after lawyers’ closing arguments and the Chauvin case going to
the jury, about 300 protesters marched outside the courthouse.

State officials ask for calm, say law enforcement ready as world waits for
Chauvin verdict (KTOE)

By Ashley Hanley

As Minnesotans and the world await a verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial, top elected officials
are pleading for calm, while pledging a stepped-up law enforcement presence will keep the
peace if necessary.

Governor Tim Walz is asking the legislature for nine million dollars for extra security, but says
lawmakers must also pass additional police reforms:

“We have to have that change. We can’t live like this. We cannot continue to live like this.”

Walz contends more police reforms are necessary and says to the legislature:

“Don’t find a reason you need to go home, don’t find a reason to adjourn, and don’t say it’s
hard. ‘Hard’ is Katie Wright having to stand in front of the press, and the shame that all of us
should feel to watch her talk about why her son died.”

Walz is requesting nine million dollars for extra security, but says lawmakers must also approve
additional police reforms, plus other measures:

“If we can figure out a way to fund to get ready for this so that we don’t burn down our
buildings, then we can find the money to fund summer school.”

The governor was asked, should President Biden address the nation after the Chauvin verdict is
announced?

“I… would not be presumptuous enough to give the president of the United States advice, but I
think it would be helpful.”

Walz says he hopes the president uses the authority of the White House and the compassion
people have seen from him to address the nation and ask for calm.

Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter says more police reforms are badly needed, but…

“Like so many other local communities who are leaning into that work, our progress in Saint
Paul is stifled by state and federal elected officials, who again and again block meaningful policy
reform.”

Carter says there must be changes to how law enforcement handles traffic stops… cash bail
must be eliminated… and qualified legal immunity for peace officers must end.

Carter decries not only police brutality but also violent demonstrations, saying:

“We can best stop protests over police killings of unarmed black men, by stopping police
killings of unarmed black men.”

Carter:

“As we renounce officers who… inflict bodily harm on black and brown bodies,… so too must
we renounce those who bricks and stones at police.”

…and those who hurl unprovoked insults at teachers, plumbers, electricians and others who
stand forward as National Guard members.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says those who exercise their lawful First Amendment rights will
be protected, but…

“We cannot have people that seek to use peaceful protesters as cover to cause destruction in
our city. That will not be tolerated.”

Frey says peace “must propel us forward to a better version of our city, to a better version of
ourselves.”

Cities brace for violence as Derek Chauvin verdict looms (CBS News)

Minneapolis is preparing for the worst as the jury meets to deliberate a verdict in former police
officer Derek Chauvin's murder trial. Some 3,000 National Guard troops are deployed across
downtown and throughout Minnesota.

Two Guard members were slightly injured early Sunday when someone fired into their
Humvee. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for calm and
said violence will not be tolerated.

The precautions are intended to head off the kind of riots that destroyed $350 million in
property last summer when George Floyd was killed. Outside the courthouse are fences,
plywood and a strong security presence.

Similar steps are underway across the country, including in Beverly Hills, which is stepping up
patrols, and Philadelphia, where boards are covering windows. At least six states and
Washington, D.C., have made requests for help from the National Guard.

But Minneapolis is the trial's location and the likely epicenter for any protests. Local law
enforcement says it's ready.

"The number one focus for us is deescalation. We don't want to use force if we don't have to,"
said Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo.

The killing of Daunte Wright in nearby Brooklyn Center has added to an already tense
environment. Activist Nekima Levy Armstrong has been at protests in both cities.

"Who are they protecting? They are certainly not protecting peaceful demonstrators"
Armstrong said.

Minneapolis business owners express mixed feelings to National Guard
presence (KARE 11)

By Heidi Wigdahl

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — From Hennepin Avenue to Lake Street, there's an increased
presence of Minnesota National Guard service members outside businesses in Minneapolis.

Last Wednesday, more than a dozen soldiers were set up outside Two Bettys Green Cleaning
Service's Refill Station on East Lake Street.

Their presence came as a surprise to the staff member who was working at Two Bettys at the
time.

"The guardsmen have big weapons, like across the outside of their body with their hands on
the weapon, and the staff member that was here turned off all the lights and ran and hid
because it was really frightening," said Anna Tsantir, owner of Two Bettys.

When Minneapolis had a 10 p.m. curfew last week following the killing of Daunte Wright,
Tsantir said their cleaners who work late expressed not feeling safe.

"Cleaners who are out past curfew because we do commercial buildings expressed how it felt
to be out at night when there's nobody out on the roads except police and National Guard. So
they asked, 'If I get pulled over, there's nobody to witness. I don't want to be out with only
police and guard right now,'" Tsantir recalled.

"We're bringing them all back before 10 which has been a big disruption but we'll happily do
that to keep the cleaners feeling safer too," Tsantir said.

While some business owners are not happy about the increased police presence, others are
comforted by their visibility throughout the city.

Moh Habib, owner of STUDIIYO23 on Hennepin Avenue in Uptown, said his art gallery and
sneaker+apparel boutique has been hit three times by looters since last May. The shop was
looted twice after George Floyd's death and a third time after Daunte Wright's.

"The entire evening sets of one, two, three cars would pull up and look at us. Some people
actually got out thinking we were also looting to try and get in," Habib recalled.

After last year's looting, it took him seven months to rebuild. The store opened about two
weeks ago only to have to close again last Sunday.

As far as how he feels about the National Guard's presence in Uptown, Habib said, "Had you
asked me over a week ago my reply would've been different. At that time, I would've said...
having a militarized presence and army personnel in full gear is a little unsightly."

But after being looted again, Habib recalled how he and five friends protected the boutique
and the rest of the block for the remainder of the night.

"I feel much differently. I think the National Guard presence here is a stabilizing force," Habib
said.

More than 3,000 National Guard members are part of Operation Safety Net's Phase 3.
According to OSN, a majority of the members activated are from the Twin Cities metro area.

"If we don't learn from history, we are foolish. If we look at the history of May and June, we
had some challenges with our public safety, emergency services," said Major General Shawn
Manke, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General.

Governor Tim Walz also addressed the extra law enforcement during a press conference on
Monday. He talked about the systemic racism in Minnesota that needs to be addressed and
said, "We need to fix those other things so we don't have to end up with National Guard on our
streets but I cannot allow those businesses to burn."

Tsantir said, "I just think we really have to be careful when we're only talking about the
property. Sure there's 20 property owners on this block but there are hundreds of employees
that have to go in and out and that I'm asking to go out into the city. So we really need to
balance property and people."

Habib said he's unsure when STUDIIYO23 will be able to reopen but they are committed to
staying in the neighborhood. Since last May, they've launched a scholarship program to help
high school students pursue either higher education and/or a skilled trade.

From his boarded up shop, Habib said, "We just need to come together to try and move past all
of this."

Flags half-staff for Minnesotan and former Vice President Mondale
(International Falls Journal)
All Minnesota flags will fly at half-staff until sunset on the day of the interment of former Vice
President Walter Frederick Mondale, to honor his life and legacy, ordered Gov. Tim Walz last
night.

Minnesota joins states across the nation, in accordance with a proclamation issued by
President Joe Biden, in lowering its flags to honor Vice President Walter Mondale. Individuals,
businesses, and other organizations are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags.

Walz Monday released the following statement on the death of Mondale:

“Today, Minnesota and the nation mourn the loss of a beloved public servant. Gwen and I
mourn the loss of a dear friend and mentor.”

“Walter Mondale believed in and worked to create a nation with a heart, a soul, and a
conscience. He believed that the greatness of America is found in the everyday men and
women who build our nation, do its work, and defend its freedoms. And he fought tirelessly for
those values until the very end of his life, imploring each of us through his example to continue
the fight.”

“We will miss terribly Fritz Mondale, the steady voice and vision setter for ideas great and
small, people powerful and powerless, and justice waiting to be revealed.”

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan released the following statement:

“One of my earliest memories was telling my kindergarten classmates to go home and tell their
parents to vote for Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro in 1984. I’m so proud Minnesota
was there for him that day.”

“For me, Vice President Walter Mondale wasn’t just the nice guy on TV who served ably as
Minnesota Attorney General, U.S. Senator and Vice President. It was like he was part of our
family. My grandmother, Mary Hartmann, was so involved in DFL politics when Walter Mondale
was coming up that Walter delivered a message for her funeral. The first campaign I ever
worked on was for Senator Paul Wellstone, and when Paul died, Mondale was there to stand in
his stead on the ballot.”

“My mother, who worked on Hubert Humphrey’s campaign for president in 1968, instilled in
me that government and elected leaders should work to make people’s lives better. That was
Walter Mondale. We don’t always get it right, but he succeeded more than not.”

“The last time we spoke, Mondale had only encouraging words for me – perhaps knowing how
hard it is sometimes to be in public office. The nicest thing he ever said was that my
grandmother would be really proud of me.”

“Walter Mondale was an inspiration and mentor to generations of people in Minnesota and
across this country who went on to serve the public in any number of ways. His death in this
week of trauma for Minnesota calls us to our better angels and reminds us that, for all our
humanly faults, we must never stop trying to do better by people.”

“Thank you for everything, Fritz. I’m smiling thinking about the reunion you’re having with Joan
and Eleanor.”

Walter Mondale: Politicians Honor ‘One Of Minnesota’s Proudest Sons’
(WCCO)

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Tributes are pouring in for Walter Mondale — the former Vice
President, U.S. Senator, Minnesota attorney general, ambassador and Democratic presidential
candidate — who passed away Monday at his Minneapolis home at age 93.

Former President Jimmy Carter, whom Mondale served under as vice president from 1977 to
1981, said he considers Mondale “the best vice president” in U.S. history.

“Fritz used his political skill and personal integrity to transform the vice presidency into a
dynamic, policy-driving force that has never been seen before and still exists today,” Carter
said. “Fritz Mondale provided us all with a model for public service and private behavior.”

In a statement released late Monday evening, President Joe Biden said Mondale was one of the
first people to greet him when he arrived in the U.S. Senate in 1973.

“There have been few senators, before or since, who commanded such universal respect … It
was Walter Mondale who defined the vice presidency as a full partnership, and helped provide
a model for my service,” Biden said.

Former President Barack Obama also acknowledged Mondale’s transformative tenure as vice
president.

Vice President Kamala Harris said in a statement that she recently spoke with Mondale and
thanked him for his service.

“Vice President Mondale was so generous with his wit and wisdom over the years,” Harris said.
“I will miss him dearly, and my heart is with his family today. I hope they find comfort knowing
that he is with his beloved wife, Joan, and daughter, Eleanor, now — and that his legacy will
live on in all of us.”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said Mondale “believed in and worked to create a nation with a
heart, a soul, and a conscience.”

Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale (credit: CBS)

Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith said she is “grateful to have known” Mondale, who she considered
“a true friend.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar wrote in a statement Monday that Mondale was “a true public servant in
every sense of the word.”

“Walter Mondale taught me that leadership isn’t all about giving soaring speeches and punchy
sound bites — but actually getting things done for people,” Klobuchar said.

Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig calls Mondale “one of Minnesota’s proudest sons.”

Rep. Dean Phillips said Mondale was an “extraordinary mentor.”

Rep. Betty McCollum took to social media to honor Mondale, saying Minnesota was “blessed”
to have him “provide us with a lifetime of service.”

Rep. Ilhan Omar hailed Mondale for being “an advocate of peace, fair housing, women’s rights
and consumer protection.” She also quoted his statement on last year’s unrest following the
death of George Floyd.

“The battle for civil rights is a journey, not an end point. Each generation is tasked with the
hard work of serving in the great fight for justice. Our neighbors who took to the streets over
the past few weeks have joined a great cause. I thank them,” Mondale said.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said Mondale “put a Minnesota stamp on national politics.”

Mondale’s cause of death was not disclosed. He is survived by is two sons, Ted and William.

‘An Extraordinary Life of Service’: Jimmy Carter, Kamala Harris, and More Pay
Tribute to Walter Mondale (Media ITE)

By Gideon Taaffe

[MENTION] Another official on that phone call, Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, spoke of
Mondale’s vision for America.

He believed that the greatness of America is found in the everyday men and women who build
our nation, do its work, and defend its freedoms. And he fought tirelessly for those values until
the very end of his life, imploring each of us through his example to continue the fight.

Walter Mondale: Presidents Biden And Carter Lead Tributes To Former Vice
President Following His Death At 93 (FORBES)

[MENTION] On Sunday, Mondale spoke on the phone with President Biden and former
Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, as well as Vice President Harris and Minnesota Gov.
Tim Walz, Axios reported. Mondale also wrote a final goodbye email to 320 staffers who had
worked with him for over four decades. Mondale reportedly told them how much they meant
to him and affirmed his belief that they would keep up “the good fight” and acknowledged “Joe
in the White House certainly helps.” The email was sent out to the staffers following his death.

MINNESOTA POLITICIANS GIVE STATEMENTS ON THE PASSING OF WALTER
MONDALE (KROX)

Former Vice President, Presidential nominee, U.S. Senator, and Minnesota Attorney General,
Walter Mondale has passed away at the age of 93.
Mondale was Vice President to Jimmy Carter from 1977 to 1981, and lost a presidential bid to
Ronald Reagan in 1984.
Mondale was born in Ceylon, Minnesota, and graduated from the University of Minnesota in
1951 after attending Macalester College. He then served in the United States Army during the
Korean War before earning a law degree in 1956. Mondale was appointed Minnesota Attorney
General in 1960 and was elected to a full term in 1962.
Mondale was appointed to the U.S. Senate by Governor upon the resignation of Senator
Hubert Humphrey following Humphrey’s election as vice president in 1964. Mondale was
elected to a full Senate term in 1966 and reelected in 1972, resigning in 1976 as he prepared to
succeed to the vice presidency in 1977.

Minnesota politicians have given statements on Mondale’s passing and they are below.

Governor Tim Walz today released the following statement on the death of Vice President
Walter Mondale:
“Today, Minnesota and the nation mourn the loss of a beloved public servant. Gwen and I
mourn the loss of a dear friend and mentor. Walter Mondale believed in and worked to create
a nation with a heart, a soul, and a conscience. He believed that the greatness of America is
found in the everyday men and women who build our nation, do its work, and defend its
freedoms. And he fought tirelessly for those values until the very end of his life, imploring each
of us through his example to continue the fight,” said Governor Walz. “We will miss terribly
Fritz Mondale, the steady voice and vision setter for ideas great and small, people powerful and
powerless, and justice waiting to be revealed.”

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan released the following statement:
“For me, Vice President Walter Mondale wasn’t just the nice guy on TV who served ably as
Minnesota Attorney General, U.S. Senator and Vice President. It was like he was part of our
family. The last time we spoke, Mondale had only encouraging words for me – perhaps
knowing how hard it is sometimes to be in public office. The nicest thing he ever said was that
my grandmother would be really proud of me,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “Walter
Mondale was an inspiration and mentor to generations of people in Minnesota and across this
country who went on to serve the public in any number of ways. His death in this week of
trauma for Minnesota calls us to our better angels and reminds us that, for all our humanly
faults, we must never stop trying to do better by people.”

U.S. Senator Tina Smith released the following statement on the passing of Vice President
Walter Mondale:
“I loved Walter Mondale and I’m not the only one. Mondale was a giant not only because of
the positions he held—Minnesota Attorney General, U.S. Senator, Vice President, Democratic
Presidential candidate and Ambassador—but because of the work that he did. He provided his
strong, compassionate, clear, and fearless voice to the world for over six decades, and he never
stopped. Whether it was working with Marian Wright Edelman to lift children out of poverty,
fighting to repair the damage of housing discrimination with the Fair Housing Act, or
persistently pushing us to protect precious places like the St. Croix River and our beloved
Boundary Waters, he charted an unwavering path. He was also a true friend, full of lively
questions, incisive and hysterically funny commentary, advice offered with his unique dry wit,
birthdays remembered and lunches shared, preferably with onion rings. He deeply loved all his
family with the best gift a father can give, unconditional love, expressed with classic Mondale
understatement: ‘Keep up the good work.’ I am bereft and so grateful to have known him. May
his memory be a blessing and a reminder to do good work and love life.”

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar said the following –
Walter Mondale was a true public servant and my friend and mentor. He set a high bar for
himself and kept passing it and raising it, passing it and raising it. As Minnesota Attorney
General, Senator, Vice President, Ambassador and Presidential candidate he was kind and
dignified to the end,” said Klobuchar. “On the wall of the Carter Library is a quote of Walter
Mondale’s at the end of their time in office: “We told the truth. We obeyed the law. We kept
the peace.” That pretty much sums up Walter Mondale’s life and service.”

Walter Mondale remembered for decency, sweep of accomplishments (Star
Tribune)

By Patrick Condon and Hunter Woodall

Former Vice President Walter F. Mondale was remembered Monday as a towering figure in
Minnesota's public life and a leading influence on Democratic politics in the final decades of the
last century.

Mondale "led an extraordinary life of service — in uniform during the Korean War, as a
Senator, and as Vice President," Vice President Kamala Harris posted on Twitter. She said she
spoke to him a few days ago and thanked him for his service.

Tributes poured in on social media and in news releases from politicians of both parties in the
hours following the announcement from Mondale's family that he had died.

"Walter Mondale believed in the power of government to make a positive difference in
people's lives, and proved it at every stage of his remarkable career — with deep policy
knowledge, a tireless work ethic, and uncommon decency," former President Bill Clinton
posted on Twitter. "Hillary and I loved him and will miss him very much."

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who interned in the vice president's office under Mondale, said
that he "taught me that leadership isn't all about giving soaring speeches and punchy sound
bites — but actually getting things done for people," she said.

"I loved Walter Mondale and I'm not the only one," said U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, who also had
close personal ties. The Democrat said Mondale "provided his strong, compassionate, clear,
and fearless voice to the world for over six decades, and he never stopped."

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., also praised him. "Walter Mondale was a fixture in Minnesota
politics — but more importantly, he was a kind and decent man," Emmer tweeted. GOP Sen.
Chuck Grassley of Iowa wrote on Twitter that "Mondale spoke the values of Minnesota and
loved his state like I do Iowa."

A son of southwestern Minnesota, Mondale rose to the forefront of U.S. political power serving
alongside former President Jimmy Carter. In 1984, he was the Democratic candidate for
president, but lost to President Ronald Reagan.

"Walter Mondale believed in and worked to create a nation with a heart, a soul, and a
conscience," Gov. Tim Walz said. "He believed that the greatness of America is found in the
everyday men and women who build our nation, do its work, and defend its freedoms."

As Ken Martin, chairman of Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, pointed out, Mondale
also left a huge mark on policy in a dozen years in the U.S. Senate.

"In our nation's 245-year struggle to build a more perfect union, few have contributed as much
to that cause as Walter Mondale," Martin said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., said that Mondale remained an inspiration and guide for
generations of progressives long past his time in office.

"Even in his twilight years, he remained a vocal advocate for progressive values and a voice of
moral clarity," Omar said.

She noted that his death comes as Minnesota waits for a verdict in the murder trial of former
Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

"I am reminded of Vice President Mondale's words last summer: 'The battle for civil rights is a
journey, not an end point,' " Omar said.

In her statement, Klobuchar highlighted insightful words from her "friend and mentor."

"On the wall in the Carter Museum are Mondale's powerful words: 'We told the truth. We
obeyed the law. We kept the peace.' Those words summarize his life — he had a strong moral
core that defined his every action, from how he treated people to his willingness to fight hard
for policy that would improve the lives of Americans," Klobuchar said. "That is the standard that
we must hold ourselves to every day."

Mondale remembered as effective policymaker, public servant (KSTP)

[MENTION] "Walter Mondale believed in and worked to create a nation with a heart, a soul,
and a conscience. He believed that the greatness of America is found in the everyday men and
the fight." — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

"Walter Mondale was an inspiration and mentor to generations of people in Minnesota and
across this country who went on to serve the public in any number of ways. His death in this
week of trauma for Minnesota calls us to our better angels and reminds us that, for all our
humanly faults, we must never stop trying to do better by people." — Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy
Flanagan.

Walter Mondale, Carter's Vice President and Democratic Presidential
Candidate, Dies (Newsweek)

By Scott McDonald

[MENTION] Carter on Monday night recognized Mondale's service to Minnesota.

"He was an invaluable partner and and an able servant of the people of Minnesota, the United
States and the world" Carter stated. "Fritz Mondale provided us with a model of public service
and public behavior."

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz tweeted Monday night that his state was mourning the loss of
Mondale.

"Today, Minnesota and the nation mourn the loss of a beloved public servant. Gwen and I
mourn the loss of a dear friend and mentor. ... Walter Mondale believed in and worked to
create a nation with a heart, a soul, and a conscience.

"He believed that the greatness of America is found in the everyday men and women who build
the very end of his life, imploring each of us through his example to continue the fight," the
governor continued.

Former senator, vice president leaves staff a touching farewell (The Atlanta
Journal Constitution)

[MENTION] “Walter Mondale believed in and worked to create a nation with a heart, a soul,
and a conscience. He believed that the greatness of America is found in the everyday men and
the fight.” — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz

Former Vice President Walter Mondale dies at age 93 (The Hill)

Former Vice President Walter Mondale, who was also the Democratic nominee for president in
1984, died on Monday at the age of 93.

Kathy Tunheim, a spokesperson for the family, confirmed the former vice president’s death in
an email to The Hill. Axios first reported the news of Mondale’s death.

According to Tunheim, Mondale died peacefully of natural causes at his home in downtown
Minneapolis at 7:21 p.m. while surrounded by his immediate family.

Prior to serving as vice president during former President Carter’s single term in the White
House, Mondale represented Minnesota in the Senate for 12 years. Before that, he was
Minnesota’s attorney general for four years. Mondale also held a post in the Clinton
administration, serving as ambassador to Japan.

Mondale was the recipient of many calls and messages from friends and current and former
public officials in his final days, according to Tunheim.

Axios on Monday evening reported that Mondale spoke with President Biden, Vice President
Harris, former presidents Carter and Clinton, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) by phone on
Sunday as his health was fading. He also spoke to his friend and former campaign staffer Tom
Cosgrove.

According to Axios, Mondale sent a final goodbye email to 320 staffers, spanning more than
four decades, to express how much they meant to him, adding that he knew that they would
keep up “the good fight.”

“Before I Go I wanted to let you know how much you mean to me. Never has a public servant
had a better group of people working at their side! Together we have accomplished so much
and I know you will keep up the good fight,” Mondale wrote, according to Axios, which
obtained a copy of the email.

“Joe in the White House certainly helps,” Mondale continued before signing the note from
“Fritz.”

The message, Axios noted, was prepared to be sent upon his death.

Cosgrove told Axios that Mondale was relieved after Biden won over former President Trump
in the 2020 election, telling Axios that “there was a difference after the inauguration -- a letting
go” and adding that “there was a big exhale of relief.”

Mondale made history during his time in politics. He became the first major-party candidate to
select a female running mate, tapping former New York Rep. Geraldine Ferraro to join him on
the Democratic ticket.

Jimmy Carter remembers Mondale as 'best vice president in our country...
Mondale in last message to staff: 'Joe in the White House certainly...
Additionally, Mondale was the first vice president to have an office in the White House, leading
to unprecedented, frequent access to the president, according to the Wilson Center.

Mondale was married to his wife, Joan Mondale, from 1955 until her death in 2014. He is
survived by his two sons, Ted and William Mondale, in addition to a brother and six
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Eleanor.

Former vice president Walter Mondale dies at 93 (The Independent)

[MENTION] The former Senator, ambassador and Minnesota attorney general, spoke with Joe
Biden and former presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, as well as vice president Kamala
Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Sunday, after which his family said he had “perked
up.”

No cause was given for Mondale’s death.

In a goodbye email to 320 staffers who worked for him over a 40 year period, Mondale urged
them to keep up “the good fight,” according to Axios.

Walter Mondale remembered. What U.S. and Minnesota leaders are saying
(Pioneer Press)

[MENTION] Minnesota’s governor noted Mondale’s work to create “a nation with a heart, a
soul and a conscience. He believed that the greatness of America is found in the everyday men
and women who build our nation, do its work, and defend its freedoms. And he fought
tirelessly for those values until the very end of his life, imploring each of us through his
example to continue the fight.

“We will miss terribly Fritz Mondale, the steady voice and vision setter for ideas great and
small, people powerful and powerless, and justice waiting to be revealed.”
Former Vice President Walter Mondale dies at 93 (KSTP)

By Kyle Brown

Former Vice President Walter Mondale, one of the architects of Minnesota's liberal tradition,
has died, his family announced Monday. He was 93.

Along with Hubert Humphrey in the 1960s, Mondale put Minnesota on the map as a reliably
blue state.

Mondale started his career in Washington in 1964, when he was appointed to the Senate to
replace Humphrey, who had resigned to become vice president. Mondale was elected to a full
six-year term with about 54% of the vote in 1966, although Democrats lost the governorship
and suffered other election setbacks. In 1972, Mondale won another Senate term with nearly
57% of the vote.

In 1976, he was elected as President Jimmy Carter's vice president — a Southern governor
nicknamed "Grits" to go along with Mondale's nickname of "Fritz." The duo lost their reelection
bid to Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush in 1980.

In an Oct. 30, 2012, file photo, former Vice President Walter Mondale, a former Minnesota
senator, gestures while speaking at a Students for Obama rally at the University of Minnesota's
McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis. Mondale, a liberal icon who lost the most lopsided
presidential election after bluntly telling voters to expect a tax increase if he won, died
Monday, April 19, 2021. He was 93.

In an Oct. 30, 2012, file photo, former Vice President Walter Mondale, a former Minnesota
senator, gestures while speaking at a Students for Obama rally at the University of Minnesota's
McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis. Mondale, a liberal icon who lost the most lopsided
presidential election after bluntly telling voters to expect a tax increase if he won, died
Monday, April 19, 2021. He was 93.

In a statement Monday night, Carter said he considered Mondale "the best vice president in
our country's history." He added: "Fritz Mondale provided us all with a model for public service
and private behavior."

Flashback Friday: Walter Mondale reflects on Humphrey, McCarthy and 1968 Democratic
Convention chaos

In 1984, Mondale was the Democratic presidential nominee, along with running mate
Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman. Reagan won every state except Minnesota.

Mondale retired from running races and started backing other Minnesota political figures,
standing behind Paul Wellstone as he was sworn into office as a U.S. senator in 1991.

When a plane crash killed Wellstone on Oct. 25, 2002, Mondale stepped in to take his place on
the ballot. Mondale's five-day campaign wasn't enough to win against Republican Norm
Coleman, who was elected by a margin of fewer than 50,000 votes.

Mondale was born Jan. 5, 1928, in the southern Minnesota town of Ceylon to parents
Theodore and Claribel Mondale.

Gov. Tim Walz tweeted about the passing of the Minnesota politician, calling him "a dear friend
and mentor."

"He believed that the greatness of America is found in the everyday men and women who build
the very end of his life, imploring each of us through his example to continue the fight," Walz
said on social media.

Walz ordered all Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state buildings until Mondale's
burial.

Monday evening, Minnesota DFL Chairman Ken Martin shared a message that Mondale had
sent to his staff prior to his passing.

President Joe Biden said of Mondale: "There have been few senators, before or since, who
commanded such universal respect. ... It was Walter Mondale who defined the vice presidency
as a full partnership, and helped provide a model for my service."

The statement from the family can be read below:

It is with profound sadness that we share news that our beloved dad passed away today in
Minneapolis, Minnesota.

As proud as we were of him leading the presidential ticket for Democrats in 1984, we know
that our father's public policy legacy is so much more than that. The Fair Housing Act of 1968
was one of his proudest – and hardest fought – achievements. In the course of his years in the
U.S. Senate, he understood the sense of reckoning that this country then faced, and was
committed to that work alongside Hubert Humphrey, Josie Johnson, Roy Wilkins and so many
others. We are grateful that he had the opportunity to see the emergence of another
generation of civil rights reckoning in the past months.

It is also poignant that his other area of major policy focus was the environment, as the world's
grappling with climate change enters a new generation of critical work. Passage of the Wild &
Scenic Rivers Act was another hard-fought accomplishment in his long career.

He was honored to serve as Minnesota's Attorney General, as United States Senator from
Minnesota, as U.S. Ambassador to Japan; his greatest honor and privilege, of course, was
serving as Vice President of the United States under President Jimmy Carter.

Beyond his commitment to public service, our dad was committed to our family, and we will
miss him more than words can capture. He was preceded in death by our sister, Eleanor, and
our mother. He is survived by sons Ted and William; grandchildren Louis, Amanda, Berit and
Charlotte Mondale, and Cassandra and Danielle Miller; daughter-in-law Rebecca Mondale and
son-in-law Chan Poling.

We also want to express our deep gratitude to all the people who worked on his staff in each
public office and who maintained active connections with him in the years since. Finally, deep
appreciation to Lynda Pedersen, his long-standing executive assistant at the Dorsey Law firm
and to Patti Schwartz, his primary homecare provider since the passing of our mother, Joan, in
2014.

Minneapolis law enforcement pledges ‘de-escalation’ should protests follow
Chauvin verdict as tactics draw scrutiny (The Washington Post)

By Kim Bellware and Marisa Iati

MINNEAPOLIS — As protests against police violence roil a suburb and jurors deliberate in the
trial of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, law enforcement here sought Monday to
show solidarity with community activists and emphasize that they intend to prioritize de-
escalation in the coming days.

“Our goal is de-escalation and non-confrontation at all chances,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D)
told reporters.

Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said at a separate news conference that
Operation Safety Net, an eight-month-old coalition formed by state and local law enforcement
to manage community response to the Chauvin trial, “is not about arresting people.” The
agencies want to avoid using force during protests unless absolutely necessary, Arradondo said.

“We know that we have a city that is mourning, that is in grief,” he said. “The last thing we
want to do is turn this into an enforcement situation.”

While there are no statewide or regional curfews, nor one in Minneapolis, Walz said
implementing a curfew remains an option for crowd control if circumstances change. Brooklyn
Center, a Minneapolis suburb where 20-year-old Daunte Wright was shot and killed during a
traffic stop on April 11, has been under a curfew for several days because of unrest.

The law enforcement response to the public’s reaction to the Chauvin verdict will serve as a
litmus test for whether officials have made good on promises to rebuild trust with communities
after widespread protests last summer. The Minneapolis area is on edge this week as residents
await a decision in Chauvin’s murder trial in the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd.

Minneapolis braces for unrest as Derek Chauvin trial enters final phase

Recent protests over the death of Wright, who was Black, have also heightened tensions, and
law enforcement in the region has faced scrutiny in recent days for its response to those
events.

Aggressive police tactics have injured dozens of protesters and journalists in the past week.
Police have used “less lethal” munitions, including chemical irritants, rubber bullets and stun
grenades — also known as flash-bangs — to control the crowds. Several journalists have
reported being punched, beaten in the legs, forced to the ground and arrested by police,
despite identifying themselves as members of the news media and showing officers their
credentials.

The turmoil has been especially hazardous for residents of an apartment complex adjacent to
Brooklyn Center police headquarters, where most of the demonstrations have taken place.
Tenants, many of them low-income and Black, have reported rashes and nosebleeds and said
they are unable to sleep because of the fumes and noise.

Outcry over the police tactics intensified so much that a federal judge issued a restraining order
late Friday barring police in Brooklyn Center from arresting journalists, using force against
them, destroying their equipment or compelling them to disperse.

A letter sent Saturday to Walz on behalf of more than two dozen press advocacy groups and
news organizations, including The Washington Post, called on the Minnesota State Patrol to
embrace the language of the temporary restraining order and halt arrests and physical assaults
against reporters.

Asked Monday whether police have escalated tensions with demonstrators, Walz called it “a bit
of a chicken and an egg.”

“I think it starts to feed on itself,” Walz said. He said the vast majority of protesters expressing
their anger tell elected officials like him that if they don’t fix the underlying factors, they will
continue to face people protesting in the streets.

“I think Mayor Carter probably got that right: ‘If you don’t want to see people demonstrating
about Black men being killed, then figure out how to not get Black men killed,’ ” Walz said,
referring to an observation by Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter (D).

Hennepin County Sheriff David Hutchinson on Monday simultaneously defended his
department and conceded that his officers’ response in Brooklyn Center was not ideal.

“We know we have to do better,” he told reporters. “What happened the past few days wasn’t
something we wanted. But we had to act to keep the city safe.”

Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt Langer said about 130 state troopers from Ohio and Nebraska
will come to Minneapolis to assist the police response after the Chauvin verdict. While he said
the troopers would be trained in Minnesota’s use-of-force law, he acknowledged that they are
not subject to the temporary restraining order, as other law enforcement agencies are.

Representatives of several community and activist groups joined police at that news
conference and stressed that any response to the verdict should be peaceful. The Rev. Ian
Bethel of New Beginnings Baptist Tabernacle said protesters “stand with law enforcement” and
should demand from one another the same accountability they are demanding from police.

Journalists beaten, pepper-sprayed, arrested as Minnesota police out of
control at protests (Fox News)

[MENTION] "Apologies are not enough; it just cannot happen," said Minnesota’s Democratic
governor, Tim Walz. He told a CBS station that the assault on media over the last few years has
been "chilling." So why doesn’t he do something about it? He sounds like a bystander.

Minneapolis freelance photographer Tim Evans said on social media that police sprayed him in
the face with pepper spray, tackled to the ground, and even after showing his press badge, an
officer "punched me in the face, tore off my badge, and threw it in the dirt."

Minneapolis freelance photographer Tim Evans said on social media that police sprayed him in
the face with pepper spray, tackled to the ground, and even after showing his press badge, an
officer "punched me in the face, tore off my badge, and threw it in the dirt."

Ohio State Highway Patrol sends 100 troopers to Minnesota as verdict nears
in Derek Chauvin trial (Cincinnati Enquirer)

The Ohio State Highway Patrol sent 100 troopers to Minneapolis on Monday to assist with
protests and potential unrest following the conclusion of the Derek Chauvin trial.

Troopers will "be present to keep people safe and protect property," patrol spokesman Lt. Sgt.
Craig Cvetan said. Cvetan did not disclose how long troopers will be deployed, citing security
concerns. But the cost will be reimbursed by Minnesota.

"Our goal is the same as it is here, to work with our law enforcement partners to keep people
safe, to protect property and still allow everyone to exercise their constitutional rights safely,"
Cvetan said. "Ohio troopers are always prepared to respond to incidents in the interest of
public safety, whether it’s here in Ohio or when requested by another state."

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz requested the extra enforcement after a week of demonstrations in
the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center to protest the death of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-
old Black man who was fatally shot by a police officer during a traffic stop.

Meanwhile, the murder trial of Chauvin, the former police officer charged in the 2020 death of
George Floyd, wrapped up Monday in Minneapolis. Jury deliberations began Monday evening,
and local officials urged the community to respond peacefully regardless of the verdict.

Minnesota lawmakers approved $2.8 million in emergency funding to pay for law enforcement
assistance from Ohio and other states, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported. The Ohio
troopers are joined initially by 28 from the Nebraska Highway Patrol.

"Our hope is that we don't need them at all," Minnesota State Patrol Col. Matt Langer said
during a news conference Monday.

Cvetan said the patrol considered concerns about responding to potential demonstrations in
Ohio before deploying troopers. The patrol has more than 1,500 troopers statewide.

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“We are confident we will be able to provide the necessary security and safety services here in
Ohio even with the deployment,” he said.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has been dispatched to assist other states in the past, and Ohio
has called on other states to help with large events. In 2016, hundreds of officers from several
states were in Cleveland for the Republican National Convention. Later that year, Ohio troopers
were sent to North Dakota where people were protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Walz requests public safety assistance from Ohio, Nebraska ahead of Chauvin
verdict (KTTC)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) -- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued a request for public safety help from
Ohio and Nebraska. The request comes ahead of an anticipated verdict in the Derek Chauvin
trial.

According to a news release from the governor's office, the request is under the federal
Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).

Walz is also asking the legislature to help fund the request.

According to the governor's office, state troopers from Ohio and Nebraska will be assigned to
security missions at key state facilities. Help from those troopers will allow the Minnesota State
Patrol to focus on Operation Safety Net operations in the metro area.

“I am grateful to our colleagues in Ohio and Nebraska for their willingness to provide assistance
and relief to our State troopers and law enforcement officers as they continue to work to keep
the peace in our communities,” said Walz in a news release.

Community on edge as jury deliberates in Derek Chauvin trial (Star Tribune)

By Reid Forgrave and Zoë Jackson

Three hundred and thirty days after George Floyd died on the corner of 38th Street and
Chicago Avenue in south Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and the state began a new period
Monday: a time of anxiety and uncertainty until a jury decides whether the police officer who
knelt on his neck is guilty of murder.

On the day that jurors began deliberations in the Derek Chauvin trial, with Minneapolis being
watched around the globe, Facebook declared the city a "high-risk location" and said it would
remove posts that incite violence or celebrate Floyd's death.

Locally, students walked out of class to protest racial injustice. Thousands of Minnesota
National Guard soldiers joined law enforcement in standing guard. Civil rights leaders the Revs.
Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson led a prayer outside the courthouse. And protests continued
over Daunte Wright's killing a week ago by a Brooklyn Center police officer.

The entire region remained on edge.

Kenza Hadj-Moussa, the public affairs director for TakeAction Minnesota, a statewide
progressive organization, said she believes the tension is made "1,000 times worse" by the
heavy military and law enforcement presence on Twin Cities streets in preparation for any
violence.

"It's just compounding the trauma, especially with what Black Minnesotans are going through
right now," she said.

"A guilty verdict won't bring justice, won't bring a life back," she continued. "But it's what do
we do after this? We do have agency, we do have power."

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stressed that the heavy police presence on the streets was
temporary: "We will get through this together."

Dave Bellows, the retired Dakota County sheriff and an instructor of criminal justice at Inver
Hills Community College, said he has faith the process will render a fair verdict. While everyone
he has spoken with believes Chauvin's actions were "clearly inappropriate," he said that it's up
to the jury to decide whether those actions were criminal.

He said he hopes people don't lump in all of law enforcement with Chauvin.

"Some people look at law enforcement as a monolith, that this is all law enforcement, and that
absolutely is not accurate," Bellows said. "Law enforcement agencies have been in reform for
many years. It's a constant reform."

But in the Twin Cities' Black community, the powerful imagery of this moment gives Chauvin's
trial outsized symbolism.

At Black Table Arts, a cooperative space for Black artists in Minneapolis, writer and activist
Jessica Garraway worked on homework for her master's degree during the trial's closing
statements.

"I think the state may throw Derek Chauvin under the bus as a way to maintain the legitimacy
of the police, which has been completely delegitimized in the eyes of the people of the Twin
Cities and really all over the world," Garraway said.

Minneapolis artist D.A. Bullock said it was hard to assess his feelings this week.

"I'm still nervous and still on edge," Bullock said. "Judging by the way the body responds to
pain, you kind of get numb at a point, but you're still feeling it."

Jai Hanson, a Bloomington police officer, said he hopes the aftermath of the trial will usher in a
chance for reform.

"The whole world and media is watching and expecting us to burn down our city," Hanson said.
"This affects us all. This is not us vs. them. … We have an opportunity where we can heal and
get reform accomplished, and that's a unique position to be in. Minnesota can lead the way on
that."

Gov. Tim Walz said in a Monday evening news conference that there will be rage regardless of
the outcome but it must be channeled toward positive change.

The governor and the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul stressed two goals: That Minnesota
and the nation address racial inequality whatever the outcome of the trial and that people not
repeat last year's destruction.

"Rioting won't solve this problem," said Melvin Carter, St. Paul's mayor. "And looting won't
breathe life back into the bodies of our lost loved ones. We cannot cure harm by inflicting harm
on others."

Nicole Norfleet, Jessie Van Berkel and Maya Rao contributed.

Chauvin’s fate is now in the jury’s hands after closing arguments (Deccan
Herald)
[MENTION] Gov. Tim Walz called for calm on Monday as the jury began deliberations. He
declared a “peacetime emergency” to allow the police from neighbouring states to be called in
if necessary, joining more than 3,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen who hav...

US city on edge as jury deliberates Chauvin verdict (Report Door)

[MENTION] The footage of Mr Chauvin, who is white, restraining Mr Floyd, a black man, on the
floor as he shouted “I can’t breathe” spurred months of global protests in 2020.

On Monday the governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, requested security assistance from the
states of Ohio and Nebraska ahead of the verdict.

The Democrat was heavily criticised after more than 1,000 buildings and businesses were
damaged in rioting last year.

In the early hours of Sunday, two National Guard members who were providing neighbourhood
security in Minneapolis escaped with minor injuries when they were shot at in a drive-by
shooting.

Operation Safety Net kicking into high gear ahead of Chauvin verdict (KTTC)

By Zack Fuller

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (KTTC) -- With the jury now deliberating a potential verdict of former
Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, state and city leaders coupled with law enforcement
are now in Phase III of Operation Safety Net.

Phase III will feature the largest presence of law enforcement and national guard members
since the beginning of the trial.

The Minnesota National Guard alone has 3,000 soldiers and airmen activated in communities
to help assist law enforcement keep the peace.

Meanwhile the Minnesota State Patrol is spread so thin the state has asked for help from Ohio
and Nebraska.

While officials say they have learned from last summer's protests and riots, this past week's
events in Brooklyn Center showed them how to adapt their plan going forward as the jury
deliberates a verdict.

"We need help," said Minnesota State Patrol Chief Colonel Matt Langer.

He means community help. Monday, several members of the community came together to
speak to their commitment to help law enforcement keep the peace.

"We are in here together, working this out together," said New Beginnings Baptist Church and
Unity Community Team Co-Chair Rev. Ian Bethel. "Please, let's stop this violence that's going on
in our community. This is our community and as King said, let's keep it a beloved community."

Law enforcement thanked members of the community for helping to keep the peace during
the demonstrations following the death of Daunte Wright. as each member of the press
conference affirmed it will take everyone to remain calm no matter the outcome.

"We all need to relax. Law enforcement, citizens, everyone; we need to relax to get through
this week," Langer said.

"On top of the trauma of George Floyd's killing, we endured the widespread devastation of the
neighborhoods he loved," said St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. "But rioting won't solve this
problem and looting won't breathe life back into our loved ones."

As of early Monday evening, there are no curfews in place for either Minneapolis or St. Paul.
However, Gov. Tim Walz said that still remains a tool that can be used to quell crowds.

Brooklyn Center has a curfew in effect for Monday starting at 11 p.m.

Walz declares emergency, brings in police backup from Ohio and Nebraska as
Chauvin verdict looms (KMSP)

Gov. Tim Walz has declared a state of emergency in the seven-county Twin Cities Metro and is
bringing in police backup from Ohio and Nebraska as a verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial nears.

Full video coverage here.

Ohio State Highway Patrol sending troopers to Minnesota amid protests
(WLWT)

COLUMBUS, Ohio —
One hundred officers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol are in Minneapolis, assisting patrol as
a jury deliberates the case against former Officer Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd.

The officers will assist with protests and potential unrest as the trial concludes.

Ohio sent the troopers at the request of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and the Minnesota State
Patrol.

"When you're dealing with protests of this type, typically there aren't issues,” said Lt. Craig
Cvetan with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. “When there are, we deal with the issues and
handle those issues. Ultimately, our goal is to provide a safe environment for people to voice
their opinion, and also to protect the property we're assigned to protect."

Cvetan was unable to say how long Ohio troopers will be needed in the state, adding much of it
depends on what unfolds over the next few days with the Chauvin verdict.

Gov. Tim Walz requests law enforcement help, funding (Red Lake Nation
News)

Gov. Tim Walz is marshaling law enforcement help from other states and asking the Legislature
for more funding as the state juggles the conclusion of the Derek Chauvin trial and tensions
over the fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright.

The extra "surge capacity" of law enforcement is necessary to be prepared for a verdict in the
trial, officials said Monday, after deploying unexpected resources last week to respond to
protests in Brooklyn Center, where Wright was killed.

"We cannot allow civil unrest to descend into chaos. We must protect life and property," Walz
said, but he added state leaders must also listen to communities in pain and people on the
streets, "many of whom were arrested for speaking a fundamental truth that we must change,
or we will be right back here again."

JOURNALISTS AT MINNESOTA PROTESTS ARE ALLEGEDLY BEING HARASSED,
BEATEN, WRONGFULLY ARRESTED (Vanity Fair)
[MENTION] Responding to the allegations over the weekend, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
called the attacks “chilling” and pledged to correct the mistreatment, saying in a tweet that he
had “directed our law enforcement partners to make changes that will help ensure journalists
do not face barriers to doing their jobs.” In another Twitter statement, Walz wrote, “A free
press is foundational to our democracy.” The Minnesota State Police also responded to the
letter, vowing to “respect the rights of the media to cover protest activity” in a statement. “All
of these words and claims may be put to the test soon,” CNN’s Brian Stelter reports, adding:
“Unrest is no excuse to violate the First Amendment.”

Gov. Tim Walz requests law enforcement help, funding (Star Tribune)

By Briana Bierschbach and Jessie Van Berkel

Gov. Tim Walz is marshaling law enforcement help from other states and asking the Legislature
for more funding as the state juggles the conclusion of the Derek Chauvin trial and tensions
over the fatal police shooting of Daunte Wright.

The extra "surge capacity" of law enforcement is necessary to be prepared for a verdict in the
trial, officials said Monday, after deploying unexpected resources last week to respond to
protests in Brooklyn Center, where Wright was killed.

"We cannot allow civil unrest to descend into chaos. We must protect life and property," Walz
said, but he added state leaders must also listen to communities in pain and people on the
streets, "many of whom were arrested for speaking a fundamental truth that we must change,
or we will be right back here again."

Chauvin faces murder charges in the death of George Floyd last May, which sparked
widespread unrest and destruction of buildings.

The Senate passed $9 million in emergency funding on Monday. It includes nearly $2.8 million
to pay for highway patrol help coming from other states, while another $6.3 million would
cover extra costs in Minnesota.

"Tensions are still really high. There's a lot of emotion involved," said Senate Majority Leader
Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake. "But the streets are safer. The buildings aren't burning, the
businesses aren't destroyed."

State Patrol Col. Matt Langer said during a news conference Monday that officials reviewed the
needs of Operation Safety Net, which is law enforcement's long-planned coordinated response
to the Chauvin trial, and the response to protests in Brooklyn Center.

"We've exhausted local resources in the current plan we had been building, and the realization
was that we needed additional resources," Langer said. They expect 128 state patrol members
from Ohio and Nebraska to come to Minnesota to help provide security around critical
infrastructure.

"Our hope is that we don't need them at all," Langer said, adding that they're planning for "the
absolute worst and then make darn sure we're doing everything we can to realize that never
happens."

But the funding, which passed on a 48-19 vote in the Senate, faces an uncertain future in the
House, where some Democrats have expressed growing frustration over tactics like tear gas
and rubber bullets used by law enforcement on protesters and journalists in Brooklyn Center.

"We know that some individuals took advantage of the civil unrest last year to engage in
criminal activities that destroyed livelihoods and neighborhood resources, and we need
sufficient law enforcement personnel to respond if individuals again seek to take advantage of
any civil unrest to commit criminal acts," House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park,
said in a statement. "At the same time, I remain concerned that individuals must have the
opportunity to exercise their First Amendment rights to peacefully protest and to provide
media coverage of public events."

Democrats in both chambers also called on Republicans to take up police accountability
measures that have so far been stalled in the Senate. Rep. Carlos Mariani, the chairman of the
House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee, said he has told the Walz
administration that for many House members, approval of the funding will be contingent on
Walz's "clear public support" for police reform and movement on the policing changes.

Mariani said despite the "horrible behavior" of law enforcement, particularly against the press,
he is open to the funding request if Walz is a leader on reform. "I and ninety percent of my
caucus are the only ones who have clear recorded votes for such a balanced approach,"
Mariani said.

Walz said he is grateful for the Senate's passage of the additional funding because he needs to
pay the salaries of law enforcement. "If we could just move one piece of reform with this," that
would be helpful for people who are hurting, Walz said. "And next week get another one, and
then keep going."

A similar divide between the House and Senate occurred when Walz previously proposed
creating a $35 million "SAFE Account" to help pay for the mutual aid costs of law enforcement
agencies that pitch in during emergencies in other communities, such as security needs around
the Chauvin trial.

The House failed to pass a bill in February that included the money and police accountability
provisions, with House Republicans and some DFL members rejecting the measure. The Senate
approved some money to support police offering mutual aid, but did not want to tie
accountability measures to the funds.

A handful of House Democrats are pushing for a statewide ban on using tear gas, pepper spray
and other nonlethal munitions against protesters. Meanwhile, the Senate GOP brought forward
a resolution Monday honoring the Minnesota National Guard, after members were kicked out
using a St. Paul union hall as a staging area last week.

Cities Brace For Violence As Derek Chauvin Verdict Looms (WSGW)

Minneapolis is preparing for the worst as the jury meets to deliberate a verdict in former police
officer Derek Chauvin’s murder trial. Some 3,000 National Guard troops are deployed across
downtown and throughout Minnesota.

Two Guard members were slightly injured early Sunday when someone fired into their
Humvee. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for calm and
said violence will not be tolerated.

The precautions are intended to head off the kind of riots that destroyed $350 million in
property last summer when George Floyd was killed. Outside the courthouse are fences,
plywood and a strong security presence.

Similar steps are underway across the country, including in Beverly Hills, which is stepping up
patrols, and Philadelphia, where boards are covering windows. At least six states and
Washington, D.C., have made requests for help from the National Guard.

But Minneapolis is the trial’s location and the likely epicenter for any protests. Local law
enforcement says it’s ready.

“The number one focus for us is deescalation. We don’t want to use force if we don’t have to,”
said Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo.

The killing of Daunte Wright in nearby Brooklyn Center has added to an already tense
environment. Activist Nekima Levy Armstrong has been at protests in both cities.

“Who are they protecting? They are certainly not protecting peaceful demonstrators”
Armstrong said.

Opinion: The disturbing failure of Minnesota police to exercise restraint
during protests (The Washington Post)

DURING THE at-times violent unrest in Minnesota following the death of Daunte Wright, the
20-year-old Black man killed by a police officer in a traffic stop, some of the lawbreakers have
been protesters. Others have been the police themselves, who have subjected credentialed
journalists to unwarranted beatings, chemical irritants, detention and intimidation — even
after a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order last Friday explicitly forbidding law
enforcement from using physical force and arresting journalists covering the protests.

Over the weekend, Gov. Tim Walz (D) acknowledged the police misconduct, committed by
Minnesota State Patrol officers as well as local police, saying, “Apologies are not enough; it just
cannot happen.”

But it did happen, repeatedly, and in some cases targeting Black journalists, specifically. Among
those subjected to violence and harassment are journalists affiliated with the New York Times,
CNN, the USA Today Network and Agence France-Presse.

Even as repeated violent encounters between officers, African Americans and others have
subverted public trust in law enforcement, the ongoing examples of misconduct in Minnesota
have further underlined the dangers posed by some police, who evidently feel that they are
above the law, unaccountable to the public and communities they serve. That is particularly
chilling as the state, and the country, brace for the possibility of further unrest following the
outcome of Derek Chauvin’s trial, the former Minneapolis officer charged with the death of
George Floyd.

The police failed to exercise restraint even as the nation’s eyes were upon them. Just hours
after U.S. District Judge Wilhelmina Wright handed down the temporary restraining order,
officers in Brooklyn Center, the locality in suburban Minneapolis where the protests took place,
forced reporters to lie face down on the ground, then herded them into an area where they
and their credentials were photographed.

The judge acted following reports of journalists being beaten with batons and mistreated by
police. Tim Evans, a freelance photojournalist, said he was tackled by officers who punched him
in the face and sprayed him with a chemical agent even as he showed them his media
credentials. Another, Joshua Rashaad McFadden, who is Black, and covered the events for the
New York Times, said officers forced him from a vehicle as he was leaving the protests, and
beat him with batons.

On Saturday, Mr. Walz directed law enforcement agencies not to interfere with journalists
doing their work, which is to inform the public of events as they take place. The Minnesota
State Patrol issued a statement forbidding officers from arresting, threatening, or threatening
to arrest journalists covering the protests.

The question now is whether officers will comply with orders from a judge, a governor and
their own superiors to allow journalists to do their jobs.

Stop the attacks on working journalists (Star Tribune)

By Editorial Board

Journalists sometimes have to put themselves in harm's way to do their jobs. But when that
harm comes from law enforcement officers who have been showed proper credentials, when it
is deliberate and intentional, it is unconscionable and unacceptable.

On Friday a judge issued a temporary order barring law enforcement in Minnesota from using
physical force or chemical agents against journalists, or from seizing equipment journalists
need to do their jobs, including their press credentials. Within hours of that order, however,
journalists covering a Friday night protest in Brooklyn Center were rounded up and forced by
officers to lie on the ground on their stomachs. They were released only after having their faces
and press credentials photographed.

Reporters and photographers have been gassed with chemical spray at close range, shot with
rubber bullets and treated roughly even after showing identification. A photojournalist for the
New York Times, who is Black, said he was dragged from his vehicle by police and hit with
batons. A Star Tribune photojournalist was across the street from the action and behind a
fence when an officer shot his hand with a rubber bullet, breaking one of his fingers in two
places despite the protective gloves he was wearing. A CNN journalist, who is Asian, was
thrown to the ground, searched and detained for two hours before CNN was able to extricate
her. Another photojournalist was pepper-sprayed, tackled and hit in the face.

Gov. Tim Walz has denounced the incidents, expressing regret and embarrassment. On
Monday, Walz said, "We have got to get this right. ... We're not here to manage the press. They
are not meant to be managed." During chaotic events, he said, "that is the time it's most
important for press freedom and we're not getting it right." Earlier, the governor had called the
incidents "chilling," and said that "apologies are not enough. It just can't happen."

But it keeps happening. This is no one-off. Last May, during the riots and protests over George
Floyd's death, a CNN reporter was arrested during his live broadcast, when it was evident that
he was well away from the action, with few others around him. A journalist at that time was
blinded in one eye by an officer's rubber bullet, and others were injured, mistreated, arrested
and detained. Walz apologized then, too.

This time, news media outlets acted in concert to defend reporters and photographers,
meeting with Walz and other leaders. Since then, a directive has gone out from the State Patrol
to the many agencies involved in Operation Safety Net about respecting journalists and
assuring that they can do their jobs. In other words, to obey the judge's order. Officers cannot
subject journalists to curfew, and are prohibited from arresting, detaining, threatening or using
physical force against them. They may not spray those they have reason to believe are
reporters.

That's fine as far as it goes. But the State Patrol statement also said that the agency "has and
will continue to respect the rights of media to cover protest activity," and "has not and will not
target the media." That is a carefully worded statement that avoids characterizing the actions
of other law enforcement agencies or individual officers. The fact is that some members of law
enforcement have not respected the rights of media to cover protests, and have targeted
journalists. There should be an acknowledgment of those actions, to bring greater credibility to
any promise to do better.

We recognize the enormous complexity of this situation. Journalists have faced some hostility
from protesters as well. And two National Guard members were injured in a drive-by shooting
early Sunday morning.

All of this comes against the heightened tension of a jury verdict in the trial of former
Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, accused of George Floyd's murder. More Guard troops will
be deployed, along with law enforcement from other states. That makes it imperative that
Minnesota's policy on the treatment of journalists covering civil unrest is crystal clear.
Journalists will continue to do their jobs, even when it comes at the risk of their personal
safety. Law enforcement should not make that risk greater.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on racial inequity and press freedom (KARE 11)

In a briefing to discuss the public safety plan for the Derek Chauvin trial verdict, Governor Tim
Walz spoke about racial inequity and the freedom of the press.

Full video coverage here.

BLM protesters rally for ‘victim,’ leave after learning he was white (Fox News)

By Lee Brown

Black Lives Matter protesters in Minnesota dropped to a knee and set off to march over a fatal
police shooting — only to return when they learned it was a white carjacker who had fired at
police, according to reports.

Dozens of people protesting outside Gov. Tim Walz’s mansion in St. Paul on Sunday were
filmed by Fox 9 reporter Mitti Hicks as they knelt for a moment of silence over initial rumors
about Sunday’s 3 p.m. fatal shooting.

"Protestors kneel after hearing there was an officer-involved shooting in Burnsville moments
ago," Hicks tweeted of the wild, caught-on-camera armed carjacking in the suburbs.

"This information HAS NOT been confirmed but this group says they’re heading there," Hicks
said.

The man who was killed is believed to be a white man in his 20s who had stolen a car from a
woman at gunpoint — then repeatedly shot at cops as they chased him, Burnsville police said.

Traffic camera footage shared by KARE11 showed the suspect leaping out of the still-moving
stolen car, then running into the road and seemingly pointing his gun at an approaching SUV
before he was shot by "multiple" pursuing officers, police said.

The BLM marchers, riled by the local police-involved deaths of George Floyd and Daunte
Wright, soon appeared to get word that the latest shooting was not one fit for protest.

The protesters turned back and instead headed to Brooklyn Center — the city where Wright
died — "because they need more information about what happened in Burnsville first," Hicks
said in an update about an hour after her initial video.

Word of their planned protest after a rush to judgment quickly had the protesters ripped
online.

"For an armed carjacker?????? Are people this stupid????" one person replied to Hicks’ video,
while Amanda Felske said that the group planned to "just immediate loot /riot!!" without
getting the facts.

Brendan Hartmann, meanwhile, pointed out that the latest suspect had been shooting at
police.

"Are they kneeling for the amazing work these officers did to keep the community safe from a
mad man with a GUN," he asked of the protest group.

The Burnsville carjacker has yet to be identified. No police were injured and there were no
reports of any of the suspect’s victims being wounded, either.

"All Burnsville Police Officers wear body cameras and camera data will be handled by the
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) who will lead the investigation," the force
said.

Walz seeks $9M for out-of-state law enforcement as protests, unrest
continue (St. Peter Herald)

By Ricardo Lopez

The Minnesota Senate on Monday voted 48-19 to approve $9 million in emergency funding to
pay for out-of-state law enforcement assistance Gov. Tim Walz sought over the weekend.

Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake, said Walz asked legislative leaders to
quickly approve the funding, adding that all four caucus leaders agreed to the request.

Walz on Sunday confirmed that he had requested assistance from other states as large protests
and demonstrations continued in Brooklyn Center as the murder trial of Derek Chauvin nears
its conclusion. Police and protestors have clashed over several nights at the Brooklyn Center
Police Department.

“As we think about some of the events that have been happening, we have to come together,”
Gazelka said. “Part of that, frankly, is supporting the police and the National Guard and the
work they are doing to keep our streets safe.”

The Senate voted to suspend the rules to allow a vote on the last-minute bill, which passed
despite objections Twin Cities-area Democratic-Farmer-Labor lawmakers.

Walz in a statement said he had requested the out-of-state help through the federal
Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

“As the world awaits a verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, we need support in our efforts to
preserve the First Amendment right of peaceful protests while protecting public safety,” said
Walz said in a statement. “I am grateful to our colleagues in Ohio and Nebraska for their
willingness to provide assistance and relief to our State troopers and law enforcement officers
as they continue to work to keep the peace in our communities.”

The Senate bill now moves to the House.

In a statement, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, said she intends to bring
the measure to a floor vote.

“We know that some individuals took advantage of the civil unrest last year to engage in
criminal activities that destroyed livelihoods and neighborhood resources, and we need
sufficient law enforcement personnel to respond if individuals again seek to take advantage of
any civil unrest to commit criminal acts,” she said. “At the same time, I remain concerned that
individuals must have the opportunity to exercise their first amendment rights to peacefully
protest and to provide media coverage of public events.”

Some House DFL members are already expressing misgivings about the emergency funding,
with at least one Minneapolis state representative, Aisha Gomez, saying she would vote no.
Governor Walz Requests Assistance From States in Advance of Chauvin Trial

Verdict (FOX 21)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – On Monday afternoon, Governor Tim Walz issued a request for Ohio and
Nebraska to bring assistance to Minnesota in advance of the Derek Chauvin trial verdict.

The request was made under the Federal Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

“As the world awaits a verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, we need support in our efforts to
preserve the First Amendment right of peaceful protests while protecting public safety,” said
Governor Walz.

“I am grateful to our colleagues in Ohio and Nebraska for their willingness to provide assistance
and relief to our State troopers and law enforcement officers as they continue to work to keep
the peace in our communities.”

According to the governor’s office, under the request state troopers from the supporting states
will report to the Minnesota State Patrol and will be assigned to security missions at key state
facilities, allowing Minnesota State Patrol Troopers and Department of Natural Resources
Conservation Officers to support Operation Safety Net in the metro area.

The Emergency Management Assistance Compact requires the Governor to declare an
emergency to receive assistance.

Executive Order 21-20, declaring a peacetime emergency in the seven-county metropolitan
area, is effective immediately.

Congress, White House brace for Chauvin verdict (Axios)

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are anxious as the nation awaits the verdict in former police officer
Derek Chauvin's trial, fearing a not-guilty decision could exacerbate racial tensions and spark a
new wave of riots.

Why it matters: Leaders on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue are trying to figure out how to
calibrate any personal or legislative response, while also acknowledging how the final outcome
in Chauvin's murder trial in the death of George Floyd could affect their district and them
politically.

The D.C. National Guard is activating about 250 members to support local police "in response
to potential First Amendment demonstrations."
What we're hearing: Many lawmakers, both from and beyond Minnesota, have spent the
weekend watching greater Minneapolis teeter on the brink both over Chauvin's trial and last
week's police shooting of Daunte Wright in nearby Brooklyn Center.

"I'm very worried," Rep. Karen Bass (D-Calif.), said Sunday on CNN's "State of the Union." "I
don't think anyone in Minneapolis, frankly, anyone in the United States or over a good part of
the world would understand any other verdict other than guilty."
Bass, chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, is concerned about parallels to the
Rodney King riots that erupted in Los Angeles in 1992, after four white police officers caught on
camera beating an unarmed King were acquitted, her spokesperson told Axios.
Aides to other top Democrats tell Axios they see a potential flashpoint not only in the jury's
verdict but in any sentencing to follow.

"Finding him guilty may not be enough," one senior Democratic aide said.
Meanwhile, Republicans have made Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) a focal point back in D.C.

She said in Minnesota last weekend that protesters “need to be more confrontational” if
Chauvin is acquitted. She clarified to theGrio on Monday that she was talking about
"confronting the justice system, confronting the policing that’s going on, I’m talking about
speaking up."
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) tweeted Monday that he will introduce a
resolution to censure Waters over her comments.
The RNC also sent an email blast attacking Waters, as well other Democrats for defending her.
"Democrats are the 'no-more-policing' party," the subject line read. The Republican Study
Committee sent a similar email, labeling her "Kerosene Maxine."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shut down any notion of letting such a measure against Waters
pass, telling reporters Monday she doesn't think the congresswoman should apologize.

Chauvin's defense attorney, Eric Nelson, complained about the comments after closing
arguments, telling the judge: "There's a high probability that members of the jury have seen
these comments, heard these comments."
Judge Peter Cahill acknowledged the remarks and singled out Waters by name at the trial as he
complained about legislators making comments that could affect the operations of a c0-equal
branch of government.
This is also a huge moment for President Biden. During a closed-door meeting last week with
members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Biden said he was concerned about the potential
fallout from the trial.

The president is not planning to leave Washington this week and is likely to address the
outcome of the trial, CNN reports.
Asked on Monday if Biden should address the nation after the verdict, Minnesota Gov. Tim
Walz, a Democrat, said: "I would not be presumptive enough to give the president of the
United States advice, but I think it would be helpful.”
Between the lines: The Chauvin trial and Wright's shooting have also led to renewed calls for
additional police accountability legislation, both in Minnesota and nationally in Congress.

Biden vowed during the 2020 campaign to introduce legislation reforming the country's
criminal justice system, but he's left that promise unfulfilled during his first few months in
office.
The administration instead has focused on gun control measures and signed onto another
police reform bill already under consideration in Congress.

With Closing Arguments Finished, Chauvin’s Fate Is Now in Jury’s Hands (The
New York Times)

[MENTION] Gov. Tim Walz called for calm on Monday as the jury began deliberations. He
declared a “peacetime emergency” to allow the police from neighboring states to be called in if
necessary, joining more than 3,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen who have been
deployed to assist local law enforcement.

“Local and state resources have been fully deployed, but they are inadequate to address the
threat,” Mr. Walz said in an executive order.

Schools will move to remote learning later this week, and businesses have been boarded up
because of the potential for unrest following a verdict.

The fatal shooting of Mr. Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, in a suburb called Brooklyn Center
has cast a shadow over the proceedings.

After the jury left to begin deliberating, Mr. Nelson asked for a mistrial, saying that comments
by Representative Maxine Waters, Democrat of California, amounted to threats and
intimidation. While visiting Brooklyn Center, Ms. Waters told protesters that they should “stay
on the street” and “get more confrontational” if Mr. Chauvin were acquitted.

Jury begins deliberations after closing arguments in Derek Chauvin trial (CBS
News)

[MENTION] Minnesota National Guard troops have been stationed throughout Minneapolis
and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called in the Ohio State Highway Patrol to assist local
officials with their security plan, Operation Safety Net. Walz is calling for calm with tensions
high ahead of a looming verdict. Jamie Yuccas reports.

Minneapolis braces for unrest as the Derek Chauvin trial reaches closing
arguments (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

MINNEAPOLIS — Night after night, tear gas has hung like a cloud over the Sterling Square
Apartments, just across the street from the Brooklyn Center Police Department, seeping
through the walls and air vents like an invisible predator.

The two-story apartment complex has been ground zero for demonstrations over last week's
fatal shooting of 20-year-old Daunte Wright by a Brooklyn Center police officer. Residents have
looked outside their windows as protesters clash with law enforcement officers who have used
the chemical irritant, stun grenades and other nonlethal munitions to control the
demonstrators.

The aggressive tactics have injured dozens of protesters and journalists and sent dangerous
fumes and projectiles into the adjacent apartments, leaving residents sick and fearful for their
safety in what many describe as a "war zone." The tenants, many of them low-income and
Black, have reported rashes and nose bleeds and say they are unable to sleep because of the
fumes and noise.

"We have been sneezing and coughing every day, because it comes through the walls and then
it stays in the walls," said Iranesha Anderson, 29, who has four children, two of whom have
asthma. "You can't even air out your apartment, because the [expletive] still keeps coming in."

The law enforcement response to the protests over Wright’s killing has elevated tensions in
neighboring Minneapolis, a city already on edge as it braces for a verdict in the murder trial of
Derek Chauvin, the former police officer accused of killing George Floyd.

Two Minnesota National Guard members were injured when someone fired on a security team
made up of troops and the Minneapolis Police Department in a drive-by shooting early Sunday.
There were no serious injuries, according to Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the adjutant general, but
he said the shooting "highlights the volatility and tension in our communities right now."

There were protests against police shootings in several U.S. cities over the weekend, including
in Chicago; Oakland, Calif.; Portland, Ore.; and the District of Columbia, where four people
were arrested in clashes with police as a march was breaking up.

Closing arguments began Monday in the landmark case, and officials, business owners and
residents across the city fear that Minneapolis could see a repeat of the civil unrest that
erupted after Floyd’s death in May.

The killing of Wright, a Black man who was shot by a police officer during a traffic stop April 11,
has increased anxiety over the potential for violent protests and looting, and has created
confusion over who is in charge of efforts to keep the city safe. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a
Democrat; Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat; the city police chief; and the county
sheriff share the role, but they appear to hold different views on how best to respond.

"It just feels like it's more politically driven than productively saying, 'What can we do to
prevent people from getting harmed here,' " said Lonnie McQuirter, 35, owner of 36 Lyn Refuel
Station in Minneapolis, who, like many residents here, is torn between needing police to
protect his business and being concerned that an aggressive response will do more harm.

Last week, thousands of Minnesota National Guard troops began deploying throughout the
city, taking up armed positions along commercial corridors and in residential neighborhoods
alongside police officers as part of what city and state officials describe as a deterrent to
potential looting and violence in response to the Chauvin verdict.

The unprecedented level of security includes more than 3,000 National Guard troops and at
least 1,100 officers from public safety agencies across the state as part of a joint effort known
as Operation Safety Net. The massive show of force, officials say, is aimed at preventing a
repeat of the violence that erupted across the city last summer, including the burning of a
police station and an estimated $350 million in damage to buildings and businesses.

But the wartime posture has alarmed some residents and elected officials who have repeatedly
complained in recent weeks that the heavily militarized approach ignores the community's
trauma over the events of last summer, when mostly peaceful protesters were tear-gassed and
injured by police action. Many elected officials say aggressive response resulted in the
subsequent violence and destruction, lessons that some say were ignored in Brooklyn Center.

Flags half-staff for victims of COVID-19, Indianapolis victims (International
Journal Falls)
Gov. Tim Walz has directed all flags at state and federal buildings in Minnesota to be flown at
half-staff from sunrise to sunset today.

The flags are also half-staff until sunset through Tuesday to mourn the eight victims of the
senseless act of violence perpetrated in Indianapolis, Indiana on Thursday, April 15, 2021.

He has directed flags to fly at half-staff on the 19th of every month to remember, mourn, and
honor lives lost due to COVID-19.

Two Minnesota National Guardsmen suffer minor injuries in drive-by
shooting (New York Post)

By Tamar Lapin

A team of Minnesota National Guard members and Minneapolis police officers were targeted
in a drive-by shooting in the city early Sunday — as California Rep. Maxine Waters joined
hundreds of angry protesters and urged them to be “more confrontational.”

Two guardsmen suffered minor injuries when someone in a light-colored SUV fired at the
“neighborhood security team” at around 4:19 a.m. in Minneapolis, the Minnesota National
Guard said in a statement.

One guardsman was treated at a local hospital after being cut by shattered glass and the other
“received only superficial injuries,” the statement said.

“I am relieved to know none of our Guardsmen were seriously injured,” said Maj. Gen. Shawn
Manke, Minnesota National Guard adjutant general.

“This event highlights the volatility and tension in our communities right now. I ask for peace as
we work through this difficult time.”

The shooting came just hours after Waters broke the law by violating curfew with protesters in
Minnesota — where she demanded anti-cop demonstrators get “more active” and “more
confrontational.”

“We’ve got to stay in the streets, and we’ve got to demand justice,” she urged the crowd,
according to one tweeted clip.

“We’ve got to get more active, we’ve got to get more confrontational, we’ve got to make sure
that they know we mean business,” the California Democrat added when asked what the
people should do if Derek Chauvin, the ex-cop accused of murdering George Floyd, is
acquitted.

The city has been on edge amid the trial of Chauvin in Floyd’s death and protests over the fatal
police shooting of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, a Minneapolis suburb.

The Minnesota National Guard was activated as part of the joint “Operation Safety Net” effort
with local law enforcement “to protect people, freedom of speech and property” during both
the trial and protests, the statement said.

Gov. Tim Walz said he spoke with the two injured guardsmen, one in his 30s and the other in
his 40s, and said they “are OK,” according to CNN.

“But it highlights how dangerous the situation can get,” Walz told local station WCCO.

“The verdict is going to be a pivotal point in our state’s history, and how we respond to that is
going to shape us,” he said.

Subject: Evening Update - Friday, April 9, 2021
Date: Friday, April 9, 2021 6:59:52 PM
Attachments: 2021 04 09 Senate Agriculture Omnibus.pdf
2021 04 09 House Agriculture Omnibus.pdf
2021 04 09 Representative McCollum Social Security Legislation.pdf
2021 04 09 Minnesota Historical Society ARP Funds.pdf
2021 04 09 Racial Equity & Joy Coalition ARP Funds.pdf
2021 04 09 BCA Trial Update.pdf
2021 04 09 Talking Points Voting Trends 2021.pdf

1. MDH – Responded to inquiries from Strib, MPR, WCCO, KARE 11, KSTP, Pioneer Press, and the
New York Times. Topics included increasing case numbers, variant spread, case hotspots,
vaccine doses, J&J allocation, Vault contracts, breakthrough cases, vaccine passports, and
youth sports.

2. MPCA – Released a statement to Star Tribune and Duluth News Tribune regarding Class 3 & 4
Water Quality Standards decision from the ALJ: “The MPCA is pleased that the ALJ recognized
the reasonableness of the agency’s approach and recommended approval. The agency has
consistently said Minnesota can protect its waters while lowering regulatory hurdles by using
the latest science as a guide. The MPCA will proceed with the process to formally adopt the
rule and submit it to U.S. EPA for approval.”

3. MDE – Josh Verges, Pioneer Press, is continuing to work on his story about the accountability
waiver and followed with questions about how MDE will do their accountability calculations
this year and what standardized assessment administration will look like.

4. MDE – Rilyn Eischens, Minnesota Reformer, is writing a story on the Senate bill that would
ban transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports. MDE provided the following statement
from Commissioner Mueller: Every Minnesota student deserves to feel seen, heard, valued,
safe and welcome in their school community. I strongly oppose any effort to prohibit our
transgender students’ participation in sports based on their identity.


Omnibus Bills
Agriculture
Attached are summaries of the Senate and House’s respective Agriculture omnibus bills.

Floor Schedule
Next week, the Senate will start hearing omnibus bills on the floor Wednesday, and the
House will begin on Thursday.

Floor Update
Senate
On Monday, the Senate will take up the eviction moratorium. Senator Draheim will offer an
amendment on the floor and needs DFL support. Policy Team is working with Senate DFLers
on strategy.

Legislator Updates
Senator Benson
Senator Benson released a video today on her Facebook page with a series of misleading
claims about the state’s relationship on testing with Vault Health and her requests to review
the related contracts. MDH staff are working to schedule a follow-up meeting with Senator
Benson on Monday to discuss her concerns.

Senator Weber
Commissioner Doty met with Senator Weber. Senator Weber expressed sympathy for
counties impacted by state assessed property valuation lawsuits. He plans to hold an
informational hearing towards the end of this legislative session.

Representative Davnie
Commissioner Mueller met with Representative Davnie for their regular weekly check-in.
They connected on current holds on federal funds, especially for summer programming and
special education. There is interest in overlapping areas where federal funds can be used to
address learning loss and social-emotional supplements. Also discussed strategy for
conference committee and the federal funds discussion and how to best proceed to that
point. Additionally discussed the summer package status in the Senate.

DFL House Environment Committee
DFL members of the House Environment & Natural Resources committee have submitted
several letters requesting ARP funds. Their requests included:
$1.075 million for timber industry permit refunds
$595,000 for BWSR COVID related expenses
$832,000 to make up for lost revenue at Badoura State Forest Nursery
Funding up to three LCCMR projects related to COVID-19
$3.978 million to make up for lost revenue at Science Museum
Up to $7 million to make up for lost revenue at the Minnesota Zoo

Notable Bills Introduced
HF 2471
HF 2471 (Davnie) establishes a culturally responsive teaching, learning, integration, and
inclusion program. Note, this is the Cruz Guzman settlement bill. The bill was read for the
first time and referred to the Committee on Education Finance.

Federal Update
Administration
Budget Request
The Biden administration released a $1.52 trillion FY22 discretionary budget request. The
Biden administration wants Congress to increase non-defense discretionary spending by 16%
over FY21 and national defense by 1.7% over FY21.

Gun Violence
The Biden Administration released its plan to address gun violence. The plan includes several
actions to be undertaken by the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, and
Labor to include proposed rule makings to help stop the proliferation of “ghost guns” and
model “red flag” legislation for states.

CODEL
Senator Smith
Senator Smith wrote to Secretary of State Blinken about travel restrictions for Minnesotans
who want to travel into or out of the Northwest Angle.

Representative Hagedorn
Representative Hagedorn issued a statement blasting President Biden's executive actions on
gun control, blaming a spike in crime on "Democrats in Congress and major urban areas
[who] have spent the better part of a year actively working to undermine and defund the
police."

Representative Craig
Representative Craig wrote to the White House expressing concern about the
Administration's dismissal of employees who have disclosed in their background checks their
past use of marijuana.

Representative Phillips
Representative Phillips published an opinion piece in Newsweek, decrying partisanship and
pledging to work cooperatively to solve problems.

Representative McCollum
Attached is a letter from Representative McCollum to the Governor and Legislative Leaders
in support of state legislation that would allow the Social Security Administration (SSA) to
provide online replacement Social Security Number (SSN) card service in Minnesota.

Representative Emmer
Representative Emmer wrote to President Biden asking him to disavow increases in the
capital gains tax as being harmful to family farms, a letter which was supported by the
Minnesota Farm Bureau.

Minnesota Historical Society
Attached is a letter from the Minnesota Historical Society requesting use of the American
Rescue Plan funds to help minimize the effects of COVID on the MNHS.

Racial Equity & Joy Coalition
Attached is a letter from the Racial Equity & Joy Coalition for American Rescue Plan funds to
be distributed at the state and local levels with the assistance of a racial equity impact
assessment.

Operation Safety Net

Operations Update
Current MNNG Operations
There are 282 total Service Members supporting OSN. MNNG is providing critical
infrastructure security in Minneapolis at the Hennepin County Government Center and
Hennepin County Medical Center with 78 Service Members, and in Saint Paul at the SPPD
Headquarters with 72 Service Members. Elements of the MNNG continue to conduct
activities to set conditions for wider MNNG support to the mission.

Future MNNG Operations
MNNG is closely monitoring trial progress to inform decision making. Beginning April 10, the
MNNG will be bringing on forces at a faster pace to emplace logistics and command
structure in preparation to receive larger formations as the end of the trial nears

Interagency Coordination
MNNG participated several briefings today to provide external entities situational awareness
into ongoing preparations to respond should there be civil unrest following the trial.

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Madeline Hormann | Policy & External Relations Coordinator
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prosecution/defense to give him questions & expected answers by Thursday, he will evaluate, decide
which questions he will allow and then Mr. Hall will have time to review the questions and confer with
his attorneys prior to testifying. Mr. Hall is currently in-custody in Hennepin County. It is unknown
when Mr. Hall would testify. This motion is still pending.
➢ Defense put on the record – they would stipulate to the experts reviewing Dr. Baker’s reports as long as
prosecution will call Dr. Baker as a witness, which prosecution has agreed to, therefore the defense
would not argue foundational issues for the expert witnesses.
Witness Scheduled for Next Day:

Note: Witness list/order may change at a moments notice, days listed are only projected days:
➢ Dr. Lindsey Thomas (Forensic Pathology) (Friday)
➢ Dr. Andrew Baker (Forensic Pathology) (Friday)
➢ Dr. Jonathan Rich (medical expert?) (Friday)
➢ Philonise Floyd (Spark of Life) (Monday)
➢ Seth Stoughton (Use of Force Expert) (Monday)
Juror Selections/Strikes:
➢ Jury Seated: (14/15) *last juror selected was released on today’s date.
o Males: 6 (Jurors identify as; 3 white, 3 black)
o Females: 9 (Jurors identify as; 3 multi-racial, 5 white)
➢ Jury Seating Chart:
o Back Row
▪ Juror 2 (male), Juror 9 (female), Juror 19 (male), Juror 27 (male), Juror 44 (female), Juror
52 (male), Juror 55 (female)
o Front Row
▪ Juror 79 (male), Juror 85 (female), Juror 89 (female), Juror 91 (female), Juror 92(female),
Juror 96 (female), Juror 118 (female)
Subject: Evening Update - Monday, April 5, 2021
Date: Monday, April 5, 2021 7:03:25 PM
Attachments: 2021 04 05 Commerce ARP Energy Proposals.pdf
2021_04_05_Don’t Forget Us Campaign High School Student Unemployment Insurance.pdf
2021 04 05 MAPE Premium Pay Request.pdf
2021_04_05_Minnesota Environmental Partnership Ag Soil Carbon Sequestration.pdf

1. ADMIN – Mara Gottfried, Pioneer Press, contacted the Department of Administration this
evening regarding the cost of the replacement security fence around the State Capitol. She was
following up on Commissioner Harrington’s announcement today that the new fence had been
installed. This information had previously been shared in closed session at the Capitol Security
Advisory Task Force last month.

2. MPCA – Jennifer Bjhorus, Strib, inquired about the EPA’s letter to the MPCA regarding the 2020
impaired waters list. MPCA provided herwith the letter and background on the EPA’s decision.
Jennifer is following up later this week. A story is expected this week.

3. DEED/DHS – Tasha Redel, MNN, and Lori Sturdevant, Strib, listened in on an online live
roundtable discussion today sponsored by DEED and co-hosted by Commissioner Grove and
Commissioner Harpstead. The commissioners listened to family and center child care providers
describe the challenges and insights of providing care during the pandemic. They also heard from
economic development directors, who shared ideas of creative approaches to support providers,
communities and businesses working together to ensure adequate availability of child care for
families.

4. DOC – Andy Mannix, Strib, asked for a statement on the judge’s ruling that incarcerated people
have the ability to sue the state related to COVID. DOC provided the following statement: “We
look forward to presenting the court with the results of our continuing effort to get vaccines in the
arms of our staff and the people incarcerated in the state’s prisons,” said Commissioner Paul
Schnell. “Despite the challenges of COVID in custodial settings, Minnesota has been a national
leader in the use of COVID testing to inform response protocols. As an agency, we have and will
continue to follow the guidance of state and national health experts to mitigate the risks of
COVID-19.”

5. MDE – Erin Golden, Strib, is working on a follow-up to a story she wrote earlier this year about
the increase in the number of school districts applying to offer online programs. She spoke with
MDE’s online learning specialist today about the latest number of districts applying and who has
been recently approved. She’s also looking into doing a bigger story this summer about the
history and current state of online learning programs in Minnesota, and MDE provided her with
some background as she works through that idea.


Representative Long
Attached is a letter from Representative Long and DFL Climate and Energy Committee members
requesting Commissioner Arnold’s support to fund two proposals through the American Rescue
Plan: ratepayer relief related to the recent natural gas price spikes and an increase in
weatherization funding.

Senate Taxes
Tuesday, April 6, DOR will present the Governor’s supplemental budget tax provisions to
Senator Nelson’s committee.

Beltrami Positive CWD Case
The Board of Animal Health heard from USDA on Friday that a white-tailed deer in a Beltrami
herd tested positive for CWD. This herd has been quarantined since October 2020, as the herd
received animals from the same Winona county herd that was the origin for the CWD. The
Beltrami herd has approximately 70 animals. DNR field staff are meeting with the owner and will
be notifying tribal members who have participated in rules discussions prior to issuing a press
release.

Don’t Forget Us Campaign
Attached is a letter from the Don’t Forget Us Campaign, a coalition of organizations working on
the youth unemployment insurance legislation, requesting the Governor works with legislative
leaders to pass the repeal language contained in HF 1034/SF 1044 before the end of session.

MAPE Premium Pay
Attached is a letter from MAPE to the Governor regarding premium pay for workers using ARP
funds.

MDVA Daily Update
Attached is the daily COVID-19 update from MDVA that details number of staff and residents
infected, logistics, budget, etc.

Minnesota Environmental Partnership
Attached is a letter from MEP supporting the use of agriculture cover crops and no-till practices.

New Veterans Homes
Last week, MDVA received approval of three VA Construction Grants for new veterans homes in
Minnesota.

Daily Public Engagement Update

Total Recorded Constituent Contacts: 1236
Top Five Constituent Concerns: In Favor Oppose Total
Justice for George Floyd 590 2 592
Police reform - Law Enforcement and Accountability 92 0 92
Mask Mandate 1 30 31
Opening vaccine eligibility to all Minnesotans 0 29 29
Vaccinate people faster 26 0 26


Operations Update
Phase 3 Planning
Plans for this week include refining the timeline for the phase 3 activation to ensure adequate
lead time for state agency response without chaos in addition to an executive team meeting
tomorrow.

There are 248 total Service Members supporting OSN. MNNG is providing critical infrastructure
security in Minneapolis at the Hennepin County Government Center and Hennepin County
Medical Center with 77 Service Members, and in Saint Paul at the SPPD Headquarters with 72
Service Members. Elements of the MNNG are also conducting activities to set conditions for
wider MNNG support to OSN.

On April 7, Command Sergeant Major Sampa, the Command Sergeant Major of the National
Guard, will visit the MNNG to include a briefing on Operation Safety Net and a visit to Service
Members supporting the mission. The week of April 12 the MNNG will begin establishing
support areas and command and control functions to ensure full readiness as the end of the
trial approaches.

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confidential and/or privileged information, and may be protected from disclosure by law. If you are not
the intended recipient, any review, dissemination, retransmission, distribution or copying of this e-mail
(or its attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender
immediately and delete this e-mail and any attachments.

Attachments: 2021 04 12 Senator Benson Data Practices Request.pdf
2021 04 12 Consul General of China in Chicago.pdf
2021 04 12 Consul General of Japan in Chicago.pdf
2021 04 12 Minnesota Environmental Partnership ARP.pdf

Legislator Contact
Senator Benson
Today, the Governor’s Office and MDH received data practice requests for all
communications related to revisions of the MDH’s contact tracing script and all documents
or communication containing the words “Dan Feehan” or simply “Feehan.”

Senator Pratt
Commissioner Doty spoke with Senator Pratt about the Business Relief Payment program
extension and modification in the Omnibus Jobs bill. DOR is concerned that provisions in this
bill would prove difficult to administer and lack needed guardrails and clarity. Additionally,
continuing this program would have a staffing cost that is not addressed. This provision will
be heard in the Senate Finance Committee tomorrow and DOR is sending a letter to the
committee to make sure these concerns are on the record.

Floor Updates
Senate
The Senate took up SF 524 (Housley) to change the occupancy threshold for when sprinklers
are required in place of public accommodation from 100 to 300 occupants, impacting rural
event venues or wedding barns that are currently required to be sprinkler at 100 occupants.
Senator Housley briefly presented the bill and there was no discussion and no amendments.
The bill passed 67-0. The companion bill awaits action on the House floor. The Senate has
also included the language in the Jobs omnibus bill.

Consul General of China
The Consult General of China in Chicago sent the attached letter to the Governor on April 9,
2021. The letter pushes back strongly against claims of forced labor and demographic
genocide in the Xinjiang region of China, calling them "absurd, flat-out lie(s)." The letter
doesn't ask for a response. The Trade Office acknowledged receipt of the letter.

Consul General of Japan
The Consul General of Japan in Chicago sent the attached letter to the Governor today
thanking him for his work to respond to COVID-19 and requesting that the Governor
prioritize support for Asian-Americans, Asian citizens, and specifically Japanese nationals in
light of the increased anti-Asian hate crimes across the country. Specifically, the Consul
General requests the info for MN’s anti-discrimination hotline and requests that a Japanese
translation service be available at that hotline. Staff are looking into the availability of
Japanese translation on existing hotlines and will draft a response letter to the Consul
General that will be included in the Governor’s book in the coming week.

MDVA Daily Update

Minnesota Environmental Partnership
Attached is a letter from MEP on use of federal ARP funds for water infrastructure.

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Brooklyn Center last night (04.11.21), and the subsequent civil unrest. One juror who is a resident of
the city. State opposed. Judge denied.
➢ Judge Cahill told jury that the case will be turned over to the defense on 4-13-21. Also that the case
will be complete by the end of the week and to pack a bag, expecting closing arguments possibly on
Monday. Also, possibly no court on Friday of this week.

➢ Morries Hall (Passenger in Mr. Floyd’s vehicle during the incident)
o Back Row
o Front Row
Attachments: 2021 04 19 Minneapolis Legislative Delegation.pdf
2021_04_19_MDVA Daily Update.pdf

1. MDH – Responded to inquiries from the Strib and MPR. Topics included variant cases, congregate
care facilities, vaccine hesitancy, and outdoor sports.


Floor Updates
Senate
Today on a vote of 48-19, the Senate passed SF 2441 (Gazelka) DPS and DNR funding
deficiencies as well as EMAC reimbursement costs. The House will take up the bill on
Wednesday.

House
On Saturday, the House passed the Transportation and State Government omnibus bills. Today,
Higher Education Omnibus passed off the floor along party lines, 74 to 59, with a few
Republicans voting in support. The Education Omnibus is currently being debated with over 70
amendments. On Tuesday, they will hear the Jobs and Commerce omnibus bills. And on
Wednesday, they will hear the Public Safety & Judiciary Omnibus.

Notable Bills Introduced
HF 2543
HF 2543 (Hassan) Prohibiting the use of certain traffic stop-related information as criteria for
peace officer job performance.

HF 2546
HF 2546 (Xiong, J) Prohibiting law enforcement from using tear gas, chemical weapons, and
kinetic energy munitions)

Minneapolis Delegation
Attached is a letter from the Minneapolis Legislative Delegation following up on this weekend’s
meetings and OSN tactics.

Senator Benson
Kris Ehresmann and Lisa Thimjon from MDH will meet with Chair Benson to discuss adverse
vaccine events and school nurses.

Senate Finance
Tomorrow, Commissioner Mueller will testify to the Senate Education Omnibus bill. On
Wednesday, the committee will hear HHS Bill, SF 2360. Commissioner Malcolm will be testify.

Committee Hearing Notes of Significance
House Ways & Means
On a vote of 17-10, the committee passed the House Taxes omnibus bill. Discussion from GOP
members focused primarily on their desire to pass a standalone bill for the exemption of UI
benefits and full conformity for PPP loan forgiveness. Chair Marquart and other DFL members
expressed support for the proposal’s revenue raising provisions to make needed investments in
families and local businesses. Chair Marquart stressed that 90 percent of Minnesota businesses
would have their full PPP loan exempted under his proposal.

MDVA Daily Update


Prove it First – HF 148 regulating copper sulfide mining 865 0 865
Operation Safety Net response to civil unrest 130 307 437
Police Reform – Law enforcement accountability 369 1 370
Rep Maxine Waters visit to MN and Brooklyn Center April 2021 11 150 161
Allow Peaceful Protesting 113 8 121

Also of note:
Use of Chemicals and tear gas – Brooklyn Center civil unrest – 107 oppose, 7 in favor
MN National Guard Deployment – 93 oppose, 19 in favor
Protect Members of the Press from Abuse and Unnecessary Arrest – 75 in favor
Enforce law and order – 54 in favor
Justice for Daunte Wright – 54 in favor, 17 oppose

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Sydney Jordan
State Representative Minnesota
House of
Hennepin County
Representatives
April 19, 2021
The Honorable Tim Walz

Governor, State of Minnesota
75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Saint Paul, MN, 55155
via electronic delivery.
Dear Governor Walz,
Thank you for meeting with us to hear our concerns yesterday. We, the Minneapolis Legislative
delegation, share our community’s anguish and outrage over the death of Daunte Wright at the hands of
law enforcement, and the continual cycle of violence perpetrated by our policing system. All people,
without exception, deserve safety. Minneapolis has experienced unimaginable trauma in the past year
compounded by the nearing conclusion of the Chauvin Trial.
People of color, especially Black, Brown, and Indigenous people are disproportionately impacted by
police violence. The violence that law enforcement inflicted on community members attempting to grieve
publicly and protest state violence in Brooklyn Center as a part of Operation Safety Net was wrong, just
as it was in Minneapolis after police killed George Floyd. Escalation of force does not make the people
and communities we serve safer. It is unacceptable that law enforcement officers from the Minnesota
State Patrol, Hennepin County, Brooklyn Center Police Department, and other jurisdictions have
continually used tactics and approaches that escalate the situation with peaceful protestors. Chemical gas
and less-lethal weapons have also been used on our neighbors, including members of the press, violating
the First Amendment and a federal temporary restraining order protecting members of the media. As
elected leaders, we stand with our communities who are hurting and crying out for justice.
As we move into a week that will see the beginning of jury deliberations in the trial of Derek Chauvin we
call on the Minneapolis police department and their cross-jurisdictional partners to exercise compassion
and restraint in the coming days. The way that law enforcement handled the first hours and days of
community grieving for George Floyd and Daunte Wright was unnecessarily harsh, escalatory, and
disproportionate. The extensive use of chemical munitions and less-lethal rounds during those critical
first nights, last week and last year, set the tone for the days to come. We saw over the last week that
when law enforcement and the National Guard allowed people the space to exercise their constitutional
right to protest, without escalation or provocation, there was significantly less violence and injury.
As the elected representatives of Minneapolis residents we call on the leaders of Operation Safety Net to
re-evaluate their tactics and maintain as paramount the First Amendment rights of protestors and the
media.
We expect that police engage the community with dignity, respect, and care. We ask that local authorities
not authorize any use of chemical or less-lethal munitions on crowds of protestors. We are also deeply
concerned about the addition of officers from out of state and ask the city and their cross jurisdictional
partners to end this escalation of force and cycle of violence. Finally, the public deserves full
accountability and transparency in the decision-making processes of OSN and future responses to
protests against police violence.
We appreciate your willingness to meet with us, and we share your commitment to safety and justice for
all Minnesotans. The city, county, and state have the power to protect the security and rights of all our
neighbors and do it in a way that reduces trauma, and ends the violence against our communities. The
world is watching.
Signatories:
Sydney Jordan Kari Dziedzic

State Representative State Senator
Mohamud Noor Patricia Torres Ray

Esther Agbaje Omar Fateh

Hodan Hassan Bobby Joe Champion

Emma Greenman Scott D. Dibble

Jim Davnie
State Representative
Aisha Gomez
Jamie Long
Frank Hornstein
CC:
Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Walz, Hue Nguyen

Policy and External Relations Coordinator for the Governor, Madeline Hormann
Speaker of the House, Melissa Hortman
Majority Leader, Ryan Winkler
Mayor of Minneapolis, Jacob Frey
Chief of Staff for Mayor Frey, Gia Vitali
Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, John Harrington
Minneapolis Chief of Police, Medaria Arradondo
Sheriff of Hennepin County, David Hutchinson
State Trooper, Colonel Matt Langer
motion for a mistrial.
Ø A motion was also made by defense to submit all objections in writing for record.
Ø The defense walked Mr. Chauvin through the Blakley Motion that the state submitted and advised him
of his rights to have the jury or judge to make the aggravating factors decision. Mr. Chauvin confirmed
that he is asking for the judge to decide on the aggravating factors.

Ø All witnesses have testified.
Ø Jury Seated: (14/15) *last juror selected was released on today’s date.
Ø Jury Seating Chart:
o Back Row
§ Juror 2 (male), Juror 9 (female), Juror 19 (male), Juror 27 (male), Juror 44 (female), Juror
o Front Row
§ Juror 79 (male), Juror 85 (female), Juror 89 (female), Juror 91 (female), Juror 92(female),
Subject: Evening Update - Thursday, April 8, 2021
Date: Thursday, April 8, 2021 7:17:45 PM
Attachments: 2021 04 08 Senate State Government Omnibus.pdf
2021_04_08_House State Government Omnibus.pdf
2021 04 08 House Tax Omnibus.pdf

1. MDH – Responded to inquiries from Strib, KARE 11, WCCO, NBC, and the New York Times. Topics
included increasing case numbers, variant cases, breakthrough cases, geographic distribution of
vaccine, and vaccine cards.

2. MDH/COMM – Both agencies provided statements to MPR regarding provider payer rates with
Vault for COVID testing. Story is expected to run tonight or tomorrow.


Omnibus Bills
State Government
Attached are summaries of the Senate and House’s respective State Government omnibus bills.

Taxes
Attached is a summary of the House’s Tax omnibus bill.

Senate Omnibus Bills
Senator Gazelka announced today that they will start hearing omnibus bills on the Senate floor
on Wednesday, April 13.

Senator Benson
Senator Benson asked MDH for an update on the Vault vaccine and testing contracts and MDH
is working on a response. Chair Benson also requested a meeting with MDH to discuss.

House Capital Investment
The omnibus bonding bill will be released on April 11. The committee will walk through the bill
on Monday, take public testimony on Wednesday, and consider amendments and pass the bill
out of committee on Friday.

House Early Childhood
Markup and amendments on HF 2230, the committee’s omnibus. Re-referred, as amended, to
the Ways and Means Committee where it will be split up between the HHS and Education
Finance omnibus bills. The most contentious areas of discussion were regarding licensure
requirements for early childhood educators and the Pathway II Scholarships cap.

House Education Finance
the Taxes Committee on a vote of 10-7 along party lines. Kresha claimed that the bill will give
bureaucrats more power, give students and teachers less freedom, and will push teachers of
color out of the classroom.

House State Government Finance
The committee included Representative Vang’s racial equity impact note working group in their
omnibus bill. The working group appoints the MDHR commissioner to the working group and
has MDHR appoint three additional members from the public.

MDVA Daily Update


HF718: Termite treatment amendment affecting the Real Estate
0 36 36
Market
Achieving 100% clean energy by 2040 31 0 31
SF 960 School Choice Bill 30 0 30
HF 1691/SF2003 Combatting Hate Crimes Bill 29 0 29
Mask Mandate: Outdoor Youth Sports 0 24 24


Operations Update
State Capitol MNNG
MSP OSN Coordination Team was advised by National Guard Command that their units assigned
to the State Capitol and attached to MSP field force teams will conduct their weekend drill from
April 16-18 and go on state active duty on Monday, April 19. The will be staged and able to
respond from that date forward.

State Capitol Contingency Plans
Preliminary contingency plans were developed internally and forwarded to outline the process
of assisting agency requests at the State Capitol if they are needed. The reallocation of
resources and span of control along with logistical support needed were reviewed. This is a
close hold plan to increase mobility of State Troopers. For example, MSP requests mutual aid to
provide law enforcement assistance at the State Capitol which could free up State Trooper
resources as a contingency plan.

Service Members. Elements of the MNNG continue to conduct activities to set conditions for
wider MNNG support to the mission.

MNNG is closely monitoring trial progress to inform decision making. The week of April 12 the
MNNG will begin establishing support areas and command and control functions to ensure full
readiness as the end of the trial approaches.

MNNG participated in the Capital Security WG, as well as impromptu meetings in Saint Paul to
discuss mission timing relative to the evolving trial timeline. The Region V Defense Coordinating
Officer (DCO) will receive an OSN update brief on April 9 in the MNNG JOC.

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o Back Row
o Front Row
Subject: Evening Update - Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 7:18:43 PM
Attachments: 2021 04 06 Minnesota State Profile.pdf
2021_04_06_PPE Shipments.pdf
2021 04 06 Nursing Home COVID-19 State Analysis.pdf

1. MDH – Responded to inquiries from Strib, MPR, WCCO, KARE 11, NPR, and the New York Times.
Topics included increasing case numbers, variant cases, cases in school, vaccine numbers, FEMA
vaccine site, and hospitalizations.


Vaccine Legislative Updates
· Representative Morrison, Representative Xiong
Vaccine Legislative Director Dan Kitzberger sent a follow-up email to Representative Morrison
and Representative J. Xiong after MDH’s Friday afternoon call regarding HF 2113, the Vaccine
Equity Bill. In addition to what was discussed on Friday – requiring MDH to report weekly on
why there are unused doses, MDH found a few other technical items they'd like to address in
the vaccine equity language that was included in the House Health Finance and Policy omnibus
bill such as: expiration dates, new appointment to allocation advisory board, striking confusing
language on department role in second appointment scheduling.

· Senate Education Finance
Wednesday, April 7, the committee will hear member questions and amendments for SF 960,
omnibus bill. Senator Wiger will introduce the Governor’s budget and summer bills as
amendments.

· Senate Health and Human Services
Wednesday, April 7, Commissioner Malcolm will testify on SF 2360, Senate HHS Omnibus Bill.

· House Early Childhood
Wednesday, April 7, the committee will hear testimony on HF 2230, omnibus bill. MDE will
testify.

· House Education Finance
testify.

Senate Education Finance
The committee walked through and heard testimony of SF 960 A1 Amendment, the Senate’s
omnibus finance and policy bill. A detailed summary is forthcoming. MDE provided testimony
that covered proposals supported, proposals that could use more work to get MDE support, and
proposals that MDE is in staunch opposition to. AFSCME, AMSD, MASE, MESPA/MASSP, MASBO
and other notable stakeholders sent a strong letter of opposition regarding the vouchers
provision.

· Senate Energy and Utilities
SF 2075 (Senjem), Energy and Utilities Omnibus Budget and Policy Bill, was introduced to the
committee. The bill includes $5M for the State Building Energy Conservation Revolving Loan
fund, but mistakenly gives the money to the Department of Commerce. Admin worked with the
author and Senator Frentz on an amendment to send the funding to Admin which was added.
The bill, as amended, was recommended to pass and rereferred to Finance Committee.
Commissioner Grace Arnold testified that the current omnibus bill will result in the loss of two
important aspects of Commerce’s work by letting vital programs and funding sunset (repealing
the sunset of the Energy Planning and Systems assessment; the elimination of the Petrofund
program repealer in statute; Commerce’s operating adjustment), requested continued
consideration of the energy-related policy proposals that were introduced on behalf of the
Administration, like Governor’s Clean Energy package, Cold Weather Rule and a tribally-created
Tribal Advocacy Council on Energy and expressed the Department’s concerns with the telecom-
related policy provisions within this Omnibus bill and requested the consideration of the
Committee to include all of the Governor’s budget recommendations.

Senate State Government
The committee heard SF 1831 (Kiffmeyer): State Government Finance and Policy Omnibus Bill.
The bill fully funds Admin’s In Lieu of Rent request, but none of Governor Walz’s other budget
recommendations for Admin and makes the hold back in FY21 of $300K permanent. It also
provides funds to repair and reinstall the Columbus statue, install flag poles and state and
federal flags at state-owned historic properties, and reimburse FEMA for the sale of the 1415
Building. The bill includes some of Admin’s requested policy changes, but not all. Also, some of
the requested corrections for SHPO are ignored to take away authority for the MNHS. It also
puts state-owned historic sites under the control of SHPO instead of MNHS. SHPO is a
regulatory body and not capable of running or providing interpretation services at these sites.
There is also no funding for this change. Commissioner Roberts-Davis testified with Admin’s
appreciation for the inclusion of modest funding increases and policy changes and also our
concerns with the SHPO changes, missed policy, and unfunded requests. There was no time for
senator questions. The committee will consider amendments and pass the bill out of committee
on Wednesday.

· Senate Taxes
This morning, Commissioner Doty presented the Governor’s revised budget to the Senate Taxes
committee. Chair Nelson opened her comments by expressing her continued desire to exempt
the entirety of PPP loans from taxable income. Additionally, Chair Nelson asked the
Commissioner about the Renters’ Credit Tax provisions, and whether those renters who have
unpaid rent would be eligible. Senator Rest asked about how the Governor’s revised proposal
would impact the budget reserve.

Senate Transportation
Commissioner Anderson Kelliher testified on the Senate’s transportation omnibus bill during
today’s committee meeting, identifying various concerns, including those related to restrictions
on the agency’s use of trunk highway funds, earmarks, and changes to MnPASS. MnDOT noted
as well as that several item from the Governor’s budget are missing from the Senate’s omnibus
bill: small contracts to advance equity; salt reduction, sustainability and public health; cyber
security and risk management; rail safety and development; addressing homeless encampments
on trunk highway right-of-way; the full department request for increased state road
construction; budget adjustments for operating pressures; adjusting the administrative cap for
transit assistance; horse and buggy traveler safety; removing the cap on the number of
construction manager/general contractor projects; and implementing an employment
preference for projects on or near Indian reservations.

The committee heard a walkthrough of HF 2230 DE1 Amendment, the committee’s omnibus
finance and policy bill. A detailed summary is forthcoming. Thursday is markup. MDE to testify
tomorrow.

finance and policy bill. No member questions or testimony. MDE to testify tomorrow.

· House Climate and Energy
HF 2110 (Long), Climate and Energy Omnibus Budget and Policy Bill, was introduced to the
committee. The bill makes investments to help the state meet their energy and greenhouse gas
emissions reductions goals. The items that affect Admin include $10M for the State Building
Energy Conservation Revolving Loan Fund, solar in state parks, solar on state buildings,
proposals to study the global warming impact and labor practices of construction materials,
develop a Climate Transition Plan, update the hierarchy of vehicle fuel types for the state fleet,
and EV chargers in state parks. However, it also directs Admin to end the Solar Master Contract
at the end of its current term instead of allowing Admin to determine if the contract should be
rebid or if the current vendors are meeting the needs of the state. Admin is following-up with
the author. The committee will take testimony on Wednesday and consider amendments and
pass the bill out of committee on Thursday.

House Judiciary
Commissioner Lucero testified in support of the MDHR-related provisions in the Judiciary
Omnibus Bill, and expressed gratitude for including elements of the Gov/LG budget
recommendations. The House Judiciary Omnibus funded MDHR slightly below its supplemental
budget request, but included MDHR’s entire policy agenda. Representative Scott asked MDHR
to explain why it continues to support the rebuttable presumption language in the Preventing
Pay Discrimination Act, which is included in the Judiciary Omnibus. MDHR explained that it’s
important to set a clear standard that the use of the pay history question should not be allowed.

House State Government
HF 1952 (Nelson), State Government Finance and Policy Omnibus Bill, was introduced to the
committee. The bill includes the Governor’s budget recommendations for Admin including the
revised request for PTAC and Office of Equity in Grants. However, Enterprise Planning &
Consolidation receives $500K less than requested. It also includes all of Admin’s technical policy
changes. It does not include Admin’s policy to expand the Procurement Equity thresholds
(preference of 12% or $50,000 no-bid) or the construction and sustainability changes because
these bills did not receive a hearing prior to first deadline. The committee will hear public
testimony, consider amendments, and pass the bill out of committee Wednesday.

House Transportation
Commissioner Anderson Kelliher are scheduled to testify this evening on the House’s
transportation omnibus bill, intending to speak in support of issues related to the
recommendation of MnDOT’s Sustainable Transportation Advisory Council (STAC) to reduce
vehicle miles traveled by 20%, along with items from the Governor’s budget proposal.

Federal Update
Administration:
· State-Level COVID-19 Profile
Attached is Minnesota’s state-level COVID-19 profile from the federal level. The purpose of this
report is to develop a shared understanding of the current status of the pandemic at the
national, regional, state, and local levels. Data at the state level may differ from data available at
the Federal level.

· Weekly State & County-Level PPE Shipment Data
Attached is information on personal protection equipment (PPE) and other critical supplies
distributed by commercial distributors and FEMA at the county- and state-level as of April 2.
PPE was distributed by commercial distributors to healthcare facilities in the state through the
normal commercial supplier distribution system.

· Nursing Home COVID-19 State Analysis
The Summary of Nursing Home COVID-19 State Analysis contains three slides that reflect the
information found in the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare
Safety Network (NHSN) file.
Slide 1: Shows state-wide nursing home information with respect to COVID-19 data
elements.
Slide 2: Shows state-level nursing home information for those facilities that have either
had their initial case, or three or more cases this week. Those nursing homes require a
survey, which is an on-site visit to evaluate compliance with federal health and safety
requirements.
Slide 3: Shows state-wide trends for nursing home residents and facilities with respect to
COVID-19 information. The third slide’s information does not include the last reporting
week, which means that the numbers from slide 2 and 3 will be different. This is due to the
changes in the data reported in the last reporting week that affect trend lines.

· ATU Bargaining Update
Last week negotiating teams from Amalgamated Transit Unit and METC participated in a two-
day bargaining session with the Bureau of Mediation Services. They began bargaining last year
amid COVID that took a heavy toll on ridership and operating revenues, and METC’s bargaining
position reflected a dire financial picture. As the federal government has stepped up over the
last year to temporarily fill funding gaps, the Council’s Management Committee established a
new bargaining parameter for a base wage increase and contract term that aligns with the
updated financial outlook. METC’s position does not align with the expectations of the ATU
bargaining team. The bargaining session ended late Wednesday evening with a 3-year offer on
the table including annual wage increases of 2%, 2%, and 2.5%. This was in response to the ATU
bargaining team’s position that included higher wage rates and proposed a hazard pay structure
that METC estimates would cost more than $10 million. Rather than present their wage
proposal as a best and final offer, METC’s goal is to achieve a tentative agreement with the
union and have asked for an additional mediated bargaining session to be scheduled.

· MDVA Daily Update


Protect wolves 85 0 85
Drink Local Economic Recovery – Beer and Cocktails To-Go 27 0 27


Operations Update
· Current MNNG Operations

· Future MNNG Operations
trial approaches.

MNNG participated in the Executive Committee today and based on discussions during this
meeting conditions are being set to ensure the MNNG has flexibility to respond within the
evolving timeline of the trial.

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Cc: Bailey, Erin K (MMB); Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV); Bergman, Sasha (GOV); Castaneda, Kayla J (GOV); Held, Jessi
(GOV); Huml, Tara ( (GOV); Leininger, Sophie ( (GOV); Loyola, Migdalia (GOV); Mills, Taylor
( (GOV); Nguyen, Hue (GOV); Park, Patina (GOV); Procaccini, Karl ( C (GOV); Quinn, Hannah
( M (GOV); Simpson, Amanda ( (GOV); Tanis, Patrick (GOV); Taylor, Chris ( (GOV);
Tschann, Teddy (GOV); Bauer, Emmalynn (GOV); Carlson, Charlie ( B (GOV); Courcy01, Catherine (GOV);
Lamers, Kate R (GOV); Lancaster, Claire (GOV); Leininger, Sophie ( (GOV); Long, Nate (he/his) (GOV);
Nelson, Madelyn ( (GOV); Park, Patina (GOV); Parks, Emily ( M (GOV); Rumicho, Kaleb (
(GOV); Sidley, Jane ( (GOV); Tschann, Teddy (GOV); Wallington, Brooke ( (GOV)
Subject: Evening Update - Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 8:19:18 PM
Attachments: 2021 04 14 Senate Higher Ed Omnibus.pdf
2021 04 14 House Higher Ed Omnibus.pdf
2021 04 14 Senate Human Services Omnibus.pdf
2021_04_14_House Human Services Omnibus.pdf
2021 04 14 CGMC House Capital Investment.pdf
2021 04 14 Agency Public Engagement Overview.pdf
2021 04 14 Letter re special prosecutor.pdf
2021_04_14_Letter of Response to ACLU Request.pdf

1. DPS – Continue to field numerous press requests from local, national, and international media
outlets regarding the situation in Brooklyn Center.

2. MDH – Responded to inquiries from KSTP, WCCO, Wall Street Journal, and the New York Times.
Topics included emergency powers, hospitalizations, youth cases, variants, and breakthrough
cases.


Omnibus Bills
Higher Education
Attached are summaries of the Senate and House’s respective Higher Education omnibus bills.

Human Services
Attached are summaries of the Senate and House’s respective Human Services omnibus bills.

Floor Updates
Senate
Senate passed SF 975, their omnibus higher education bill as amended, along party lines with
the exception of Clausen, typical for minority members who want to be on the conference
committee, and Baak alongside Chair Tomassoni. Final vote 38-29. The Senate also passed the
Agriculture and Rural Development omnibus and the Commerce omnibus off the floor.

Senator Benson
Deputy Commissioner Kelly will have a follow up meeting with Chair Benson regarding the
Vault contract this week.

Senator Hawj
Commissioner Lucero met with Senator Hawj to discuss anti-AAPI hate. Senator Hawj stated
that he will introduce components of the Representative Hornstein hate crimes bill as an
amendment to the Senate Judiciary Omnibus.

Senate Finance
Tomorrow, Commissioner Doty will testify in committee. DOR sent a letter regarding SF 1831,
the State Government Finance Omnibus bill, to express concerns around cuts to the agency's
budget. MnDOT also sent a letter in advance of tomorrow’s hearing, where the omnibus
transportation bill is on the agenda. Commissioner Anderson Kelliher is planning to participate
as well. Lastly, the committee will hear the Veterans Affairs Omnibus. On Friday, the
committee will amend Senator Duckworth’s bill on Friday with “the State Fiscal Recovery Fund”
using money from the American Rescue Plan. The amendment looks like a bonding bill with
local roads projects and money for various industries to help them recover from the pandemic.

On Friday, the committee will hear HF 337 (Lee). The bill includes all of the Governor’s
recommendations for Admin: CAPRA, Security, and Parking fund relief. The committee will
consider amendments and pass the bill out of committee.

House Ways & Means
Tomorrow, the committee will hear HF 707 (Moller) Sexual conduct crime updates and
clarifications; HF 38 (Pelowski) Disaster assistance contingency account funding; HF 1030
(Becker-Finn) Judiciary and Civil Law omnibus; HF 1078 (Mariani) Public Safety and Criminal
Justice Reform omnibus; HF 2230 (Pinto) Early Childhood omnibus; HF 2127 (Schultz) Human
Services omnibus; and HF 2128 (Liebling) Health omnibus.

Public testimony on DE amendment to HF 337 (Lee) Omnibus 2021 bonding bill. Deputy
Commissioner Johnson testified on the bonding for DCT, the $10 million for early childhood
learning facilities and the $50 million for homeless shelter facilities. There were no questions.
Mark-up and voting on the bill will occur on Friday.

House Judiciary
The committee heard the following bills:
HF 1103 (Thompson) Duties imposed on peace officers and law enforcement agencies
regarding video and audio recordings of deadly use of force and civil remedy provided.
Representative Scott stated that she would be open to working on this bill if
Representative Thompson is willing to compromise on some areas. Representative
Thompson stated he does not believe the bill needs to be changed.
HF1104 (Thompson) Peace officer civil and criminal liability immunity prohibited. Bill
received strong opposition from GOP members on the committee.
HF640 (Gomez) Citizen oversight council established. Bill received opposition from GOP
members of the committee.
HF XXXX (Frazier/Moller) Limiting the authority for peace officers to stop or detain drivers
for certain motor vehicle equipment violations. This bill was heard on an informational
basis, as such no votes were taken. There was not strong opposition voiced to this bill
during committee, but Representative Scott did have clarifying questions on the origins of
laws allowing for law enforcement to pull over drivers for minor infractions. Chair Becker-
Finn stated that she will introduce this language as an amendment to her omnibus bill
tomorrow.
HF600 (Winkler) Legalizing adult-use cannabis. Bill passed out of committee on a party-
line vote and was referred to State Government Finance.

House Ways & Means
The committee heard HF 2230 (Pinto) Early Childhood omnibus. During the hearing,
Representative Pinto clarified that his intent is for CCAP maximum rates to be set at the 50th
percentile, though the language gives the commissioner discretion to set them at the 75th
percentile if sufficient funds are available. There were no questions for the DHS during the
hearing, and the HHS portions of the bill were laid over to be added to the HHS omnibus bills
later this week.

Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities
Attached is a letter from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities to Chair Lee expressing their
disappoint in the House Capital Investment Bill. Their complaints: the bill underfunds clean
water infrastructure; economic development funding ignores Greater Minnesota; housing
investment fails to address Greater Minnesota’s unique needs; and Metro parks get significant
funding, but Greater Minnesota is overlooked.

Weekly Public Engagement Update
This week's report is from Wednesday, April 7 – Tuesday, April 13.

Constituent Services
Top Constituent Concerns In Favor Oppose Total
Support HF 148 Regulating Copper Sulfide Mining 2483 0 2483
Law Enforcement & Accountability 1380 0 1380
Justice for Daunte Wright 628 214 842
Concerns Over Custody 762 0 762
Governor’s Tweet on the Eve of the Daunte Wright’s Shooting 0 650 650
Curfew in Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, and Dakota County 0 356 356
School Choice – Financial Aid to Students in Non-Public Schools 272 0 272
Craft Beer & Cocktails To-Go 270 0 270
Enforce Law and Order 232 0 232
Independent Agency to Investigate Daunte Wright Shooting 185 0 185
Constituent Highlights
April 10 – “Dear Governor, I'm 73 years old and this might have been the hardest year of my life.
And you, Sir, have done such an AMAZING job for us Minnesotans on so many fronts, all the
while staying calm and focused, taking our hand, walking us through, trying to help us come
together: COVID, Equity, Climate, Education - the list goes on and on. You must be exhausted. I
can't thank you enough. Thank you thank you thank you! Plus, happy belated birthday and I love
your dog!” Virginia Averill from Marine on Saint Croix, MN

Proclamations
Date Title
April 10 Week of the Young Child

Public Engagement Activities
Ongoing – Ploua and Migdalia are working with the Office of Inclusion and Appointments to set
up the processes to review applications for the One Minnesota Community Council.

Ongoing – Fred is working with DHS and TPT to translate a couple of Stay Safe MN documents to
Hmong Somali and Spanish for dissemination also translate state fair vaccine site flyers.

April 8 – Representatives from the Governor’s Office and staff from DHS, MHFA, DEED partnered
with attorneys from SMRLS & Legal Aid to convene a high-level conversation about updates to
the Public Charge rule.

April 13 – Nico joined the weekly immigration forum convened by the Cities of St. Paul &
Minneapolis.

April 14 – Nico participated in the monthly Migrant Services Consortium meeting.

Upcoming Public Engagement Activities
April 22 – Fred is working with the Vaccine Equity team at MDH to prepare for two community
vaccines conversation events with State leaders.

Tribal State Relations
Ongoing – The TSR team continues to connect and receive updates from the Tribal Codification
workgroup who are moving forward with a bill to codify EO 19-24.

April 13 – Mattie attended the WASH-MN meeting today on behalf of the Governor’s office.
They covered legislative updates and progress on their Native-focused initiatives.

April 15 – The team will be hosting MDH & DEED on the weekly call with Tribal Leaders.

Attached is a document detailing public engagement events agencies held as well as upcoming events.

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not the intended recipient, any review, dissemination, retransmission, distribution or copying of this e-
mail (or its attachments) is strictly prohibited. If you received this e-mail in error, please notify the

o Back Row
o Front Row
Teresa J. Nelson
Legal Director
tnelson@aclu-mn.org
Office: 651.529.1692
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Governor Tim Walz
Attorney General Keith Ellison

Keith.Ellison@ag.state.mn.us
Hennepin County Attorney Michael O. Freeman

Michael.Freeman@hennepin.us
By email
Re: Request for special prosecutor in killing of Daunte Wright
Dear Governor Walz, Attorney General Ellison and County Attorney Freeman,
The purpose of this letter is to request the appointment of an independent special

prosecutor to investigate, charge, and prosecute the Brooklyn Center police officer
involved in killing Daunte Wright.
The horrific extrajudicial killing of Daunte Wright by the police has once again
focused a national spotlight on racial bias and use of excessive force by police in
Minnesota, particularly against Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. Many
communities feel a deep chasm between themselves and the police who are
supposed to serve them, deepened by a history of failures to hold police accountable
for their misconduct.
County Attorney Freeman, you have taken a step in the right direction by referring
the matter to another County Attorney. However, County Attorneys work closely
with the police agencies in their jurisdiction, relying on those officers to investigate
crimes and serve as witnesses. It is untenable for people to investigate and
prosecute a police officer when they are also daily working with and relying on
police officers. Having them do so fosters distrust and suspicion in the community.
For these reasons, appointing an independent prosecutor is necessary in this case.

Doing so would send a strong message to the community that a third party who
American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota

P.O. Box 14720, Minneapolis, MN 55414 • T/651.645.4097
www.aclu-mn.org
Governor Tim Walz
County Attorney Mike Freeman
April 13, 2021
Page 2
does not have a working relationship with the police will vigorously pursue justice
and police accountability.
Attorney General Ellison, last year, you recognized the need for accountability,
transparency and justice when you stepped up to pursue the prosecution of the
officers who killed George Floyd. Now, we respectfully urge transferring this matter
to the Attorney General and appointing a Special Assistant Attorney General who is
qualified to prosecute cases of this magnitude but who is not currently a prosecutor
who works with any Minnesota police agencies.
This is something Minn. Stat. § 8.01 gives you the power to do:
Upon request of the county attorney, the attorney general shall appear in
court in such criminal cases as the attorney general deems proper.
Whenever the governor shall so request, in writing, the attorney general

shall prosecute any person charged with an indictable offense, and in all such
cases may attend upon the grand jury and exercise the powers of a county
attorney.
Having assumed jurisdiction, the Attorney General has the authority under Minn.
Stat. § 8.02, subd. 1, to appoint a Special Assistant Attorney General. See Conant v.
Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi, L.L.P., 603 N.W.2d 143, 148 (Minn. Ct. App. 1999);
Minn. Stat. § 8.06.
Finally, the Governor has broad authority to appoint special state employees not
otherwise provided for by law. Minn. Stat. § 4.04, subd. 1.
Community distrust in the police has been steadily growing in the Twin Cities, in
Minnesota, and around the nation. And for good reason: Black, Indigenous and
other people of color are twice as likely as white people to be killed by police. Even
more startling, since the year 2000, 207 people have died at the hands of Minnesota
law-enforcement officers. 1 Of those killed, 46% were Black Indigenous and other
people of color, even though over 83% of Minnesota’s population is white. 2 Only
three of those deaths resulted in criminal charges against any officer.
1
https://www.startribune.com/every-police-involved-death-in-minnesota-since-2000/502088871/
2
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/MN
www.aclu-mn.org
Governor Tim Walz
County Attorney Mike Freeman
April 13, 2021
Page 3
An independent special prosecutor will bring to the role needed credibility and
objectivity. For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to act on this request.
Very truly yours,
Teresa Nelson

www.aclu-mn.org
To: Walz, Tim (GOV)
Cc: #GOV Gov Communications; Schmitter, Chris ( L (GOV); Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV); Carlson, Charlie
( B (GOV); Leininger, Sophie ( (GOV); Procaccini, Karl ( C (GOV); Rumicho, Kaleb
( (GOV); Hugel, Arielle (GOV); Bergman, Sasha (GOV); Nguyen, Hue (GOV); Hormann, Madeline L (GOV)
Subject: FOR APPROVAL: EMAC Release
Governor,

Please see below a release announcing your request for assistance ahead of the Chauvin trial verdict.
Here is your quote for edits or approval:

“As the world awaits a verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin, we need support in our efforts
to preserve the First Amendment right of peaceful protests while protecting public safety,”
said Governor Walz. “I am grateful to our colleagues in Ohio and Nebraska for their
willingness to provide assistance and relief to our State troopers and law enforcement
officers as they continue to work to keep the peace in our communities.”


April 19, 2021
651-402-8841

Governor Walz Requests Assistance from Additional States in Advance
of Chauvin Trial Verdict

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today issued a request under the federal Emergency
Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) to bring assistance from Ohio and Nebraska to
Minnesota in advance of the Derek Chauvin trial verdict. The EMAC support is part of the
state’s response to requests for public safety assistance from local governments.


The Governor has requested that the Minnesota Legislature provide funding to support this
additional assistance.

State troopers from the supporting states will report to the Minnesota State Patrol and will be
assigned to security missions at key state facilities, allowing Minnesota State Patrol Troopers
and Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers to support Operation Safety Net in
the metro area.

emergency to receive assistance. Executive Order 21-20, declaring a peacetime emergency the
seven-county metropolitan area, is effective immediately.

EMAC is a mutual aid agreement and partnership between states. More information about
EMAC can be found here:
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/emergency-response/Pages/emergency-management-
assistance-compact.aspx.

###

Holland Griffin | Communications Coordinator
Ste. 130

One Minnesota


To: Walz, Tim (GOV); Flanagan, Peggy ( (GOV)
Cc: Schmitter, Chris ( L (GOV); Procaccini, Karl ( C (GOV); #GOV Gov Communications;
Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV); Taylor, Chris ( (GOV); Nguyen, Hue (GOV); Bergman, Sasha (GOV); Tanis,
Patrick (GOV); Tummel, Janelle (MMB); Schowalter, Jim D (MMB)
Subject: FOR AWARENESS: Enterprise Email
Hi Governor and Lieutenant Governor,

We plan to send the below email from you to all state employees. Please let us know if you have any
edits. We plan to hit send at 1pm. Chris Taylor, Karl, and leadership at MMB have reviewed.

Dear Colleagues,

We are devastated to have to write this message again today. As the world watches Minnesota, the
life of another Black man was taken by law enforcement on Sunday.

The death of Daunte Wright is a tragedy. He was a young man, a father, and a son. While the officer
may not have meant to shoot him with her gun, we cannot afford mistakes that lead to the loss of
life. And we must ask ourselves if he would have been pulled over in the first place if he had been
white.

For many white Minnesotans, these tragic incidents are an awakening to a truth that Minnesotans of
color have known all their lives. While our state ranks as one of the best places in the country for a
white child to grow up, it often ranks as one of the worst for a child of color. As many Minnesotans
welcome getting back to normal after the pandemic, we must acknowledge this and recognize that
for too many getting back to normal isn’t good enough. We must take meaningful action to root out
systemic racial inequities and ensure every Minnesotan has the opportunity to succeed.

In the coming days, we must continue to ensure Minnesotans can grieve together and peacefully
protest while also keeping the public safe. Since we have been preparing for the trial of Derek
Chauvin, the National Guard is already activated. They are working in a unified command structure
with local police chiefs, local sheriffs, and the Minnesota State Patrol. We will not allow anyone to
exploit this tragedy. If anyone tries to use this tragedy to harm our communities, they will be
arrested. If you see criminal or suspicious activity, call 911 or the BCA hotline at 651-793-7000.

At the unanimous recommendation of relevant state and local public safety leaders, we will not
extend our county-wide curfew tonight in Hennepin, Dakota, Ramsey, and Anoka counties. Local
jurisdictions may choose to do so, and we ask Minnesotans to abide by them. For employees
working at the Capitol complex, we encourage you to work from home if possible. Additional safety
and security measures are in place around the Capitol complex. Expect some road closures on and
around the Capitol over the next few days. Employees should have their ID with them.

We know these events are draining. Please take care of yourselves in the best ways you can,
including using the resources below to find support when you need it.
· Get support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Our EAP provides free,
confidential support and a wide range of services. Call anytime at 651-259-3840 or 1-800-657-
3719.
· Talk to culturally competent counselors. If it is helpful, you can request to talk to a
counselor who identifies as a person of color. Call 877-455-2814.
· Talk to a specialist who assists law enforcement and first responders. Contact a specialist
at 833-731-0680.
· Find resources within your agency. Talk to your supervisor about resources that are
available through your agency, such as listening sessions or events hosted by Employee Resource
Groups.

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan

Ste. 130

One Minnesota


From: Long, Nate (he/his) (GOV)
To: Carlson, Charlie ( B (GOV); Flynn, Adam (DPS); Gerhartz, Jonathan (DPS); Gorski, Paul (DPS); Gwen
Walz; Held, Jessi (GOV); Krambeer, Adam (DPS); Lautigar, Mike (DPS); Long, Nate (he/his) (GOV); Marks,
Benjamin (DPS); Pederson, Kelly A (DPS); Peggy LouPark; Poptelecan, Daniil (DPS); Roeske, Eric (DPS); Tim
Mankato; Wahl, Scott (DPS)
Subject: GOV: Schedule and Materials for Monday, April 19
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2021 8:08:00 PM
Attachments: GOV FINAL Call Linda Sloan CMAH 04.19.21.pdf
GOV FINAL MPR 04.19.21.pdf
GOV Meeting with Speaker Hortman 4.19.21.pdf
NOTE: Schedule is subject to change

MONDAY, APRIL 19

GOVERNOR TIM WALZ

Nate Long | Scheduler for the Governor

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DISCLAIMER: This e-mail is intended to be read only by the intended recipient. It may contain confidential and/or
privileged information, and may be protected from disclosure by law. If you are not the intended recipient, any
review, dissemination, retransmission, distribution or copying of this e-mail (or its attachments) is strictly prohibited.
If you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this e-mail and any
attachments.

Event Summary
From: Claire Lancaster
Title: Interview with Tom Crann on MPRs All Things Considered
Date: Monday, April 19, 2021
Your time: 1-1:30pm
Event Purpose: To talk about public safety, police reform
Lead Staff: Claire Lancaster,
Event Contact: They will send a link for Opal (the same program you used last time
you were on All Things Considered)
DETAILS
You will have a pre-recorded interview with Tom Crann for MPR’s All Things Considered
on public safety, police reform, and to ask for peace ahead of the verdict.
AGENDA
1:00 PM Prep
1:08 PM YOU log on to Opal (link in your inbox)
1:10 PM Interview with Tom Crann begins
1:30PM Interview ends
ATTENDEE PICS/BIOS
Tom Crann, Radio Host, Minnesota Public Radio
Tom Crann has been the host of MPR News’ All Things Considered
since 2005. He’s an award-winning anchor of live breaking news
coverage. He has hosted special coverage for MPR, including
election nights, and most recently the summer 2020 unrest in St.
Paul and Minneapolis. He has been recognized with several regional
and national awards for his work with MPR News. Prior to MPR,
Crann was a host for American Public Media’s Classical 24. Crann
received a BA in English Language and Literature from Providence College.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES – Q and A
Governor what are you going to do to ensure journalists can do their jobs going
forward?
• A free press is foundational to our democracy—you, and your colleagues, have
worked tirelessly every day to keep Minnesotans informed.
• I am deeply concerned about the stories I’ve heard of how the press has been
treated during the unrest. That is why I met with media leaders on Saturday to
determine a better way forward. I also gave specific directives to ensure the media’s
right to report is protected. They included ensuring:
o Journalists are not photographed or detained

o They don’t have to comply with dispersal orders
o Media is never prohibited from recording
Talk about the criticism you’ve received for an excessive police response to protests.
• For many Minnesotans, especially Black Minnesotans, this time is unbearably
emotional.
• More than justice hangs in the balance this week. Our state is wrestling with a deep,
dark history of injustice against our communities of color—and this week holds the
promise of a symbolic step toward a new day.
• Our communities need and deserve space to grieve and to heal. They need and
deserve space to demand change and fight for a better future.
• I have pledged to protect Minnesotans’ First Amendment right to peacefully protest
and express themselves during this painful time.
• We need to hold two truths:
o The first is that Minnesota is in pain and our communities deserve a place to
peacefully grieve.
o And the second is that the volatility of this situation demands that we take
action to protect public safety.
o We have neighborhoods, predominately made up of communities of color
and immigrant communities, who are still doing their best to recover.
o Saturday night, someone shot at a National Guard vehicle, shattering the
window and narrowly missing a soldier.
o My duty is to preserve the First Amendment right of peaceful protests while
protecting public safety.
How are you preparing for the results of the trial?

• Whatever the result, we need to create space for Minnesotans to share their pain.
And we need to respond peacefully.
• If anyone tries to take advantage of this moment to harm our communities, they will
be arrested.
• While we have a robust public safety response, the call for peace from our
community is much more impactful. I want to say thank you to the community
leaders who have already taken action to keep protests peaceful.
What are your priorities for police reform?

• At the end of the day, Minnesotans cannot lose sight of why our state finds itself
here in the first place: the deaths of George Floyd—and now Daunte Wright.
• George and Daunte’s lives mattered.
• I have said that this moment demands more than sympathy, it demands action.
• That is why I’ll continue to call for meaningful reforms to make sure we don’t get to
the point where a life has been taken.
• Last summer I signed the Minnesota Police Accountability Act to strengthen
transparency and oversight, ban chokeholds, and expand mental health de-
escalation. It was a first step.
• I continue to call on Republicans in the state legislature to pass proposals to:
o Provide more tools for robust civilian oversight
o End no-knock warrants
o Examine why and how we enforce minor traffic violations
o Invest in a community healing model to elevate the voices in the policy
making process of those most impacted
o Require police departments to make public and immediately share cases of
officer discipline
o Require all law enforcement officers to wear body worn cameras
o Work toward ending police-only responses to mental health crisis calls
o Provide the POST Board with more robust authority to license the profession
Do you really think police reform could pass?

• I’m hopeful that it could happen. Daunte Wright’s family deserves that.
• Let’s acknowledge there are centuries of structural racism built into the criminal
justice system. It’s not just about this legislation, it’s not just about one legislative
session, it’s not something we can change overnight.
• So Republicans agreeing to have hearings is more than they were willing to do last
week, so in that sense it’s a good start. But we need to see action.
• The most important thing they need to do is hear the community.
• Minnesotans deserve more than hearings that are political theater.
• The emotional impact of talking to hearing from victims, for example I spoke with
Daunte Wright’s family, is just devastating. The loss and the grief is visceral. We
need Senate Republicans to have those kinds of very real, very hard conversations.
• But I am hopeful we can get something done this session.
Advocates want to talk about qualified immunity and requiring insurance for officers.
What do you think?
• Those are issues we should look further into, I think we should have public hearings
on them but make sure we’re not creating any unintended consequences.
Anything else to add?

• I want to acknowledge the timing of this. Daunte Wright’s death was right in the
middle of a trial that follows a year of trauma, of pain, and of frustration.
• We need to acknowledge we’re in an incredibly difficult time for our state.
• I am devastated we are again here talking about another death, and I know that pain
is felt even more acutely for many of our people of color and indigenous
communities.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES – Public Safety talking points
• Minnesota finds itself in a defining moment. Not just for our state, but for our entire
country. We must hold two truths.
• The first is that Minnesota is in pain and our communities deserve a place to
peacefully grieve.
• For many Minnesotans, especially Black Minnesotans, this time is unbearably

emotional. They’ve been forced to relive the trauma of that day again and again.
They’ve had painful memories of their own encounters play over and over in their
mind.
• Black mothers and fathers see a terrifying future for their child in George—and now
in young Daunte just 12 miles down the road.
• Our communities need and deserve space to grieve and to heal. They need and
deserve space to demand change and fight for a better future.
• Minnesotans have my promise that I will protect their First Amendment right to
peacefully protest and express themselves during this painful time.
• The second truth is that the volatility of this situation demands that we take
action to protect public safety.
• Last summer, thousands of Minnesotans peacefully took to the street to demand

change.
• Hiding within those thousands of people who had all the right intentions were a
much smaller group of people who wished to wage destruction on our communities.
• They exploited the movement—burning vibrant neighborhoods and looting

businesses that Minnesotans put their life’s work in to build.
• Feeding off the instability, members of extremist groups descended upon our cities.
They even attempted to stage a coup of our State Capitol.
• We have neighborhoods, predominately made up of communities of color and

immigrant communities, who are still doing their best to recover.
• And unfortunately, a year later, we’ve already seen some of these bad actors loot
businesses and start fires in the wake of Daunte Wright’s tragic death.
• Last night, someone shot at a National Guard vehicle, shattering the window and
narrowly missing a soldier.
• My duty is to preserve the First Amendment right of peaceful protests while

protecting public safety.
• If anyone tries to take advantage of this moment to harm our communities, they will
be arrested.
• While we have a robust public safety response, the call for peace from our
community is much more impactful. I want to say thank you to the community
leaders who have already taken action to keep protests peaceful.
• At the end of the day, Minnesotans, we cannot lose sight of why our state finds itself
• George Floyd called out for his mother. Daunte called his mother
• I spoke to Daunte Wright’s mother this week. Her strength and resolve is
unimaginable.
• Daunte’s mom—and all the other mothers who have lost loved ones to police—do
not need our sympathy. They need our action.
• While we cannot control what the verdict says, we can control how we respond.
Peacefully, and with resolve that no matter what happens, we have work to do.
Event Summary
From: Hue Nguyen
Title: Check in with Speaker
Date: Monday, April 19, 2021
Attire: business casual
Your time: 11:00 am – 11:45 am
Event time: 11:15 am – 11:45 am
Location: Teams meeting
Requestor: Speaker Hortman
#of attendees: 5 people
Event Purpose: Get on the same page for end of session
Lead Staff: Hue Nguyen
DETAILS
Last week the Speaker asked for more frequent check ins with you. This is the first of weekly
check ins between the two of you and key staff.
AGENDA / PROGRAM
11:00 am – 11:15 am Prep with Staff
11:15 am – 11:45 am Meeting with Speaker
KEY ATTENDEES
• Speaker Melissa Hortman
• Sean Rahn, House DFL Chief of Staff
• Chris Schmitter
• Hue Nguyen
1
4/18/2021 7:30 PM
POLICY INFORMATION
DPS/DNR/EMAC Funding Request
Jim Schowalter and Hue have been working through the weekend on the bill to fund DPS/DNR
and EMAC. The original bill sent over to the Speaker and Sen. Kent included the deficeincy
request for costs related to Brooklyn Center, the Chauvin trial, refinancing of costs for last
summer and EMAC. The speaker asked us if there was a way to lower the cost of the bill and
asked for information on how we calculated the cost. We removed the cost of refinancing
because we can deal with that in the larger budget discussion, the total cost for everything else
is $22 million.
The Speaker wanted to be strategic about the timing of sending the language over to the GOP.
She wants to take the bill up on the floor on Wednesday the same day she is taking up the
omnibus public safety bill and does not want the Senate to send the bill over to her on Monday
and then the House GOP forcing her to bring the bill up on Tuesday. Therefore, as of 5 pm we
have not shared language with the GOP.
2
4/18/2021 7:30 PM
To: Carlson, Charlie ( B (GOV); Flynn, Adam (DPS); Gerhartz, Jonathan (DPS); Gorski, Paul (DPS); Walz,
Gwen (GOV); Held, Jessi (GOV); Krambeer, Adam (DPS); Lautigar, Mike (DPS); Long, Nate (he/his) (GOV);
Marks, Benjamin (DPS); Pederson, Kelly A (DPS); Flanagan, Peggy ( (GOV); Roeske, Eric (DPS); Walz,
Tim (GOV); Wahl, Scott (DPS)
Subject: GOV: Schedule for Tuesday, April 13
Attachments: BOTH FINAL Legislative Leaders Meeting 04.12.21.pdf
BOTH FINAL POCI Caucus Meeting 04.13.21.pdf
BOTH DRAFT FEMA site visit 04.13.21.pdf
GOV FINAL Midwest gov call 04.13.21.pdf
ALL FINAL Federal Funds Discussion-Equitable Economy 4.13.2021.pdf
BOTH FINAL Police reform advocates meeting 04.13.21.pdf
TUESDAY, APRIL 13

GOVERNOR TIM WALZ

Ste. 130
Office: 651-201-3436 |Cell:
Pronouns:

One Minnesota


Event Summary
To: Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan
From: Emily Lefholz
Title: Meeting with POCI Caucus
Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Attire: Business casual
Your time: 8:45 AM – 9:15 AM
Location: Teams
Requestor: You
#of attendees: 15-20 Legislators only and your staff
Event Purpose: To connect with POCI Caucus members on next steps with police reform.
Lead Staff: Emily Lefholz
DETAILS
To connect with the POCI Caucus on how they would like to approach police reform this
session.
WHAT IS THE ASK

The POCI Caucus’s general direction on police reform is informed by Rep. Carlos Mariani and
his Public Safety Committee. They include:
1) Passing police reform bills advocated by the community (see police section)
2) Pushing the POST Board to act administratively
AGENDA / PROGRAM
YOU provide remarks
POCI CAUCUS MEMBERS

• Rep. Samantha Vang (Chair and • Rep. Hodan Hassan (Vice-Chair)
incident happened in her district) • Rep. Carlos Mariani
1
4/12/2021 10:19 PM
• Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn • Rep. Heather Keeler
• Rep. Cedrick Frazier • Rep. Athena Hollins
• Rep. Rena Moran • Rep. Jay Xiong
• Rep. Ruth Richardson • Rep. John Thompson
• Rep. Mohamud Noor • Sen. Bobby Joe Champion
• Rep. Aisha Gomez • Sen. Patricia Torres Ray
• Rep. Fue Lee • Sen. Omar Fateh
• Rep. Tou Xiong • Sen. Mary Kunesh
• Rep. Esther Agbaje • Sen. Melisa Franzen
• Rep. Kaohly Her • Sen. Foung Hawj
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The POCI Caucus let the DFL approach to the development of the 2020 Police Accountability
and Reform.
POLICY INFORMATION
Bills that the advocates are demanding action on, listed for your awareness but you don’t
need to speak to them individually:
• Qualified Immunity: The proposal would end qualified immunity as a defense in civil
bases for police officers in misconduct matters.
• Carried by Rep. John Thompson in the House, it has a hearing in House Judiciary at
1pm on 04/13
• Police Professional Liability Insurance: Creates a requirement for law enforcement
officers to carry professional liability insurance as a condition of employment.
Employing agencies may pay the base but any additional premiums based on an
officer’s conduct would be the officer’s responsibility to pay.
• Rep. Hollins is carrying the bill in the House.
• Civilian Oversight Strengthened: Repeals statute that prohibits civilian oversight bodies
from making findings of fact in complaints against police.
• Carried by Rep. Gomez in the House and has a hearing in House Judiciary committee
at 1pm on 04/13. The bill is also included in the House Public Safety Omnibus Bill.
• Ending Police-Only Responses to Mental Health Crisis Calls: Requires that mental health
crisis calls must be responded to by mental health professionals and not only law
enforcement.
• Your budget proposal includes a grant program through DPS for law enforcement
agencies to establish co-responder teams.
• Ending State of Limitations for Wrongful Deaths: Eliminates the time limit that cases of
wrongful death civil suits can be filed. Currently the lookback period is 5 years.
• In 2020, DPS proposed a policy bill to extend the SOL. This approach was a
recommendation of the Deadly Force Encounters Working Group.
• Independent Investigatory and Prosecutory Body
2
4/12/2021 10:19 PM
• These demands are not currently moving in the House.
• In the 2020 Police Accountability and Reform Act, a new, independent unit was
created at the BCA to handle police-involved incidents. However, advocates want
the entity to be separate from DPS.
• End Prosecution for Reporting Police Misconduct
• Access to Body Camera Footage within 48 Hours: The bill allows families access to
unredacted footage within 48 hours.
• Rep. Thompson is the House author. The bill has a hearing in House Judiciary at 1pm
on 04/13
• End No Knock Warrants: Prohibits officers from obtaining no knock warrants except
under narrow circumstances.
• Rep. Hollins is carrying the bill in the House. It is included in the House Public Safety
Omnibus
Your budget includes:

• $3 Million a year for Innovations in Policing Grants. This new program is
through DPS and would provide grant funding that is specific to the needs of
individual police departments -- for projects such as co-responder models of
response, trauma-informed training, body camera programs, and others.
• $2.4 million a year to create the Minnesota Heals Program to provide grants for
community healing following a traumatic event, establish a Statewide Critical
Incident Stress Management Services for first responders, and grants for trauma
services and burial costs following an officer involved death
• Body cameras for all state troopers and BCA agents
PRESS
N/A
2
4/12/2021 10:19 PM
TALKING POINTS
• Thank you for meeting with me this morning.
• I know many of you were also briefed last night by Superintendent Evans.
• I am sorry that we are back here again. Both reeling from another senseless tragedy
– and also fighting a GOP Senate who refuses to hear the community.
• I want to acknowledge the trauma you and your communities are facing – with the
trial of Derek Chauvin, death of Dante Wright, and always in our systemically racist
systems of public safety.
• I want to clarify my remarks from yesterday’s press conference. It is the Senate that
must hear the community. I know you all have done enormous work on these issues.
Actions taken by your administration:

• Weeks after George Floyd was killed, I directed the Minnesota Department of Human
Rights to investigate the MPD. That work is monumental and ongoing. The report could
have binding consequences on the department. Those findings will be released later
this year.
• My budget proposal includes funding to incentivize co-responder models of community

safety and investments in community healing.
• Over the past two years, I have appointed progressive advocates to the POST Board, and
that work is ongoing, people like Justin Terrell.
• I am ready to sign more reform into law.
Meeting with Gazelka and Legislative Leaders

• Our communities are a tinder box right now, and this incident has set off a fuse.
• Minnesotans made clear their outrage around the systemic inequities and racial
injustice in our public safety system last year. The anger is also about being heard.
• This morning, I explained to Senator Gazelka that it is his responsibility as an elected

official to hear the community.
3
4/12/2021 10:19 PM
• I, once again, explained that last summer’s Police Reform and Accountability Act was
only a start and he and his caucus is not absolved from responsibility to continue to
listen and act.
If pushed on administrative POST Board reform:
• I agree that big changes need to happen at the POST Board.
• That is why I have appointed community-focused, outcome driven reformers to the

Board. Seven new members joined in February.
• And I asked the Board to perform a full audit of it’s practices and rules that are now
being implemented. As much as I wish that work happened overnight, it takes time.
• I understand from reports I hear from committee hearings and other advocates that
you are demanding additional reforms at the Board.
• We need concrete ideas to vet. My law enforcement experts at DPS and at the POST
Board do not fully understand what you are asking for.
• More importantly, we need your partnership. Not finger pointing.
• To be clear for new members, outside a peacetime emergency, I do not have

extraordinary executive powers.
• We need to do this the right way. Through rule change and legislative action. As
partners.
4
4/12/2021 10:19 PM
Event Summary
To: Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan
From: Malcolm Lawson and Emily Lefholz
Title: Meeting with Police Reform Advocates
Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Attire: Business
Your time: Your time at the event 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Microsoft Teams
Requestor: Jaylani Hussein and Toshira Garraway
#of attendees: 7
Event Purpose: To respond to the advocates demands related to police reform.
Lead Staff: Malcolm Lawson,

Emily Lefholz,
Event contact: event contact
DETAILS
Meet with advocates who are pushing for additional legislative police reform this year and set
expectations about what is possible through your role.
WHAT IS THE ASK

The Governor’s support for nine bills surrounding police reform and resources for the families
and survivors of police involved deaths and encounters. Specifically:
1) To participate in a press event with the advocates calling for passage of police reform.
2) To convene DFL leaders and advocate that the group’s priority bills are passed in the
House.
3) To deliver the message to legislative leaders that you are willing to end budget
negotiations if they do not agree to passage of the bills.
1
4/12/2021 9:42 PM
AGENDA / PROGRAM
4:30 PM YOU arrive and welcome the advocates.
Acknowledge the trauma of the current moment and the need for more change.
Speak to the importance of their work and advocacy.
Outline the work your administration has done over the past 2 years around
police accountability and reform.
Explain your efforts to push the Senate to hear the bills.
4:40 PM Provide space for the advocates to be heard – Malcolm will moderate
4:55 PM Closing remarks
5:00 PM Meeting ends
KEY ATTENDEES
• Jaylani Hussein, CAIR
• Toshira Garraway, Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence
• Johnathon McClellan, Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence
• Michelle Gross, Citizens United Against Police Brutality
• Jess Sundin, Justice 4 Jamar
• Zaynab Mohamed, CAIR
• Mohamed Ibrahim
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Individuals from CAIR, Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence, Justice for Jamar
Clark, and others requested a meeting with you through Malcolm Lawson, Emily Lefholz, and
Chris Schmitter.
POLICY INFORMATION
Bills that the advocates are demanding action on:
• Qualified Immunity: The proposal would end qualified immunity as a defense in civil
bases for police officers in misconduct matters.
- Carried by Rep. John Thompson in the House, it has a hearing in House Judiciary at
1pm on 04/13
• Police Professional Liability Insurance: Creates a requirement for law enforcement
officers to carry professional liability insurance as a condition of employment.
Employing agencies may pay the base but any additional premiums based on an
officer’s conduct would be the officer’s responsibility to pay.
- Rep. Hollins is carrying the bill in the House.
• Civilian Oversight Strengthened: Repeals statute that prohibits civilian oversight bodies
from making findings of fact in complaints against police.
- Carried by Rep. Gomez in the House and has a hearing in House Judiciary committee
at 1pm on 04/13. The bill is also included in the House Public Safety Omnibus Bill.
2
4/12/2021 9:42 PM
• Ending Police-Only Responses to Mental Health Crisis Calls: Requires that mental health
crisis calls must be responded to by mental health professionals and not only law
enforcement.
- Your budget proposal includes a grant program through DPS for law enforcement
agencies to establish co-responder teams.
• Ending State of Limitations for Wrongful Deaths: Eliminates the time limit that cases of
wrongful death civil suits can be filed. Currently the lookback period is 5 years.
- In 2020, DPS proposed a policy bill to extend the SOL. This approach was a
recommendation of the Deadly Force Encounters Working Group.
• Independent Investigatory and Prosecutory Body
- These demands are not currently moving in the House.
- In the 2020 Police Accountability and Reform Act, a new, independent unit was
created at the BCA to handle police-involved incidents. However, advocates want
the entity to be separate from DPS.
• End Prosecution for Reporting Police Misconduct
• Access to Body Camera Footage within 48 Hours: The bill allows families access to
unredacted footage within 48 hours.
- Rep. Thompson is the House author. The bill has a hearing in House Judiciary at 1pm
on 04/13
• End No Knock Warrants: Prohibits officers from obtaining no knock warrants except
under narrow circumstances.
- Rep. Hollins is carrying the bill in the House. It is included in the House Public Safety
Omnibus
Police Reform and Accountability Act

After long negotiation with the Senate, you signed the bill into law in July. It included the
following provisions:
• Use of force statutory changes: Instructing officers to preserve the sanctity of life above
all else and raising the bar of when deadly force is justified in statute.
o This is a significant reform in limiting when officers are allowed to use deadly
force. BCA officials believe that the trial against the officer who shot Philando
Castile likely would have been decided differently under this new language.
• POST Board Citizen Engagement
o Added 2 public members to the POST Board composition
o Created a 15-member Community Advisory Council with a duty to protect
human and civil rights and with the authority to add items to the agenda for
POST Board meetings
o Created a database of police officer public data, including all public complaints
and discipline
o NOTE: you appointed 7 members of the POST Board before January. This put a
majority of Walz appointee on the board.
3
4/12/2021 9:42 PM
• Changed the binding arbitration process – (often officers re-instated due to slanted
arbitration process) by creating a pool of trained, rotating arbitrators without the
ability of a party to strike an individual arbitrator.
• Created an independent investigatory unit in BCA that will review all cases against
officers, including use of force and sexual assault
• Required enhanced training for law enforcement officers in crisis intervention, cultural
diversity, mental illness, and autism awareness
o Some of the circumstances that led to the deaths of the family members of those
you are meeting with were a result of a mental health crisis.
• Created peer counseling opportunities for law enforcement and critical incident
management training to help officers deal with stress and trauma
• Prohibits the use of “Warrior Training” for licensed peace officers in Minnesota
• Allows cities and counties to offer incentives to encourage officers to reside within
them
• Banned chokeholds and neck restraints
• Requires a policy on a duty to intervene and report for officers on the scene of an
excessive force incident
PRESS
N/A but may be recorded by attendees
4
4/12/2021 9:42 PM
TALKING POINTS
Tone: Serious, empathetic
- Thank you for your advocacy. It is making a difference.
- But as we know, our systemically racists institutions are moving far too slow in
relation to the critical need for the transformational change.
- I know you all are experiencing trauma within your families and your
communities right now. The death of George Floyd, and now the trial of Derek
Chauvin – while also now learning of the death of Daunte Wright – it all opens up
wounds that have not yet healed.
- I am with you. I hear you. I want to see our systems change. I want all
Minnesotans to feel safe, respected, and supported by their communities.
- Weeks after George Floyd was killed, I directed the Minnesota Department of
Human Rights to investigate the MPD. That work is monumental and ongoing.
The report could have binding consequences on the department. Those findings will
be released later this year.
- My budget proposal includes funding to incentivize co-responder models of

community safety and investments in community healing.
- Over the past two years, I have appointed progressive advocates to the POST Board,
and that work is ongoing, people like Justin Terrell.
- I am ready to sign more reform into law.
- But I cannot do it alone. I cannot make statutory changes alone. I cannot appropriate
needed investments in reform alone. The Legislature must send me a bill.
- I have called on Senate and House leadership to meet with me to discuss how
we get these bills passed. To emphasize that they must hear the community
firsthand.
- As you know, the Senate has not held a single hearing on the bills you are trying to
move. Not one chance for the public to be heard in that body.
- I cannot do this work alone. The Senate must be a partner. I stand with you in
demanding that they listen and do their jobs.
5
4/12/2021 9:42 PM
- Let’s partner. I ask that we work together. I cannot do this work in a vacuum, we
must push the Senate.
- Thank you for your advocacy.
6
4/12/2021 9:42 PM
From: Nguyen, Hue (GOV)
To: Walz, Tim (GOV)
Cc: Schmitter, Chris ( L (GOV)
Subject: Questions in Advance of Meeting Sunday Meeting with Legislators
Date: Saturday, April 17, 2021 10:08:48 PM
Attachments: Sunday Meeting Questions.docx
Governor
Attached are the questions we received from legislators in preparation for tomorrow’s meeting. We
received them at 10pm. We will work with DPS to try to get as many answers as possible and will
walk through what we can discuss at the prep meeting.
Hue

Hue Nguyen | Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Legislative Affairs
Ste. 130

One Minnesota

November 18, 2021
Governor Tim Walz

St. Paul, MN
Thank you for meeting with the members of the Minneapolis Delegation and other legislators on
Saturday, April 17. As we had to continue our conversation, please find below the following questions
we would like to discuss on Sunday morning:
1. How will arrested protesters be treated differently than last summer and this last week?
2. Will the state commit to releasing protesters in a timelier fashion, such as less than 24 hours?
3. How many people have been arrested in Brooklyn Center from the protests, on what charges, and
how many are still detained?
4. What steps are being taken to ensure that law enforcement agencies end all use of tear gas and
less lethal munitions in their response? Under what circumstances, if any, will tear gas and less
lethal munitions be used going forward, and who will be responsible for approval?
5. What lessons have we learned from the Brooklyn Center experience to better de-escalate
interactions with protestors going into next week? What specific things will you do differently
when coordinating across law enforcement agencies in the response?
6. What steps are being taken to implement a people-centered response with communities to both
de-escalate and address the impact of police violence? Who is coordinating that response?
7. What are the specific “rules of engagement” for interacting with protestors? What specific steps
are being taken to avoid engagement and escalation with protestors?
8. What investment in community engagement is being made? Which community groups are at the
table? Do they have decision making power?
9. Who should community members contact to voice questions and concerns about OSN?
10. There is a significant amount of military personnel with tanks and guns stationed in front of
businesses across the Twin Cities. What is the plan if a crowd were to approach a business? Will
National Guard open fire? What is the military protocol on displaying a weapon not meant to be
used?
11. What is the chain of command for OSN? What steps will you commit to make this clearer to
police departments and the public?
12. In addition to conversations with the large media outlets, how are actions going to change to
ensure that media, both traditional and non-traditional, is not targeted, particularly under the TRO,
but also as a protection to the freedom of the press?
We anticipate that our discussion tomorrow morning will put us on a path to meeting the needs of
our communities in the wake of the killing of Duante Wright and as we prepare for the verdict in the trial
of Derek Chauvin.
Subject: RE: Evening Update - Thursday, April 8, 2021
Date: Thursday, April 8, 2021 8:23:20 PM
Attachments: 2021 04 08 BCA Trial Update.pdf
BCA trial update is attached.

Pronouns:
Ste. 130
Cell:

One Minnesota


Sent: Thursday, April 8, 2021 7:17 PM
To: Walz, Tim (GOV) < Flanagan, Peggy ( (GOV)
< Walz, Gwen (GOV) <
Cc: #GOV_Gov_Evening_Update <
Subject: Evening Update - Thursday, April 8, 2021


1. MDH – Responded to inquiries from Strib, KARE 11, WCCO, NBC, and the New York Times. Topics
included increasing case numbers, variant cases, breakthrough cases, geographic distribution of
vaccine, and vaccine cards.

2. MDH/COMM – Both agencies provided statements to MPR regarding provider payer rates with
Vault for COVID testing. Story is expected to run tonight or tomorrow.


Omnibus Bills
State Government
Attached are summaries of the Senate and House’s respective State Government omnibus bills.

Taxes
Attached is a summary of the House’s Tax omnibus bill.

Senate Omnibus Bills
Senator Gazelka announced today that they will start hearing omnibus bills on the Senate floor
on Wednesday, April 13.

Senator Benson
Senator Benson asked MDH for an update on the Vault vaccine and testing contracts and MDH
is working on a response. Chair Benson also requested a meeting with MDH to discuss.

The omnibus bonding bill will be released on April 11. The committee will walk through the bill
on Monday, take public testimony on Wednesday, and consider amendments and pass the bill
out of committee on Friday.

the Ways and Means Committee where it will be split up between the HHS and Education
Finance omnibus bills. The most contentious areas of discussion were regarding licensure
requirements for early childhood educators and the Pathway II Scholarships cap.

the Taxes Committee on a vote of 10-7 along party lines. Kresha claimed that the bill will give
bureaucrats more power, give students and teachers less freedom, and will push teachers of
color out of the classroom.

House State Government Finance
The committee included Representative Vang’s racial equity impact note working group in their
omnibus bill. The working group appoints the MDHR commissioner to the working group and
has MDHR appoint three additional members from the public.

MDVA Daily Update


HF718: Termite treatment amendment affecting the Real Estate
0 36 36
Market
Achieving 100% clean energy by 2040 31 0 31
SF 960 School Choice Bill 30 0 30
HF 1691/SF2003 Combatting Hate Crimes Bill 29 0 29
Mask Mandate: Outdoor Youth Sports 0 24 24


Operations Update
State Capitol MNNG
MSP OSN Coordination Team was advised by National Guard Command that their units assigned
to the State Capitol and attached to MSP field force teams will conduct their weekend drill from
April 16-18 and go on state active duty on Monday, April 19. The will be staged and able to
respond from that date forward.

State Capitol Contingency Plans
Preliminary contingency plans were developed internally and forwarded to outline the process
of assisting agency requests at the State Capitol if they are needed. The reallocation of
resources and span of control along with logistical support needed were reviewed. This is a
close hold plan to increase mobility of State Troopers. For example, MSP requests mutual aid to
provide law enforcement assistance at the State Capitol which could free up State Trooper
resources as a contingency plan.

Service Members. Elements of the MNNG continue to conduct activities to set conditions for
wider MNNG support to the mission.

MNNG is closely monitoring trial progress to inform decision making. The week of April 12 the
MNNG will begin establishing support areas and command and control functions to ensure full
readiness as the end of the trial approaches.

MNNG participated in the Capital Security WG, as well as impromptu meetings in Saint Paul to
discuss mission timing relative to the evolving trial timeline. The Region V Defense Coordinating
Officer (DCO) will receive an OSN update brief on April 9 in the MNNG JOC.

5.

--
Pronouns:
Ste. 130
Cell:

One Minnesota



o Back Row
o Front Row
From: Bergman, Sasha (GOV)
To: Hormann, Madeline L (GOV); Walz, Tim (GOV); Flanagan, Peggy ( (GOV); Walz, Gwen (GOV)
Subject: RE: Evening Update - Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Attachments: BCA 2020-338 Trial Update (Testimony) 7.pdf
Governor, Lt. Governor and all-

Please see attached BCA update for today.

From: Hormann, Madeline L (GOV) <
Sent: Tuesday, April 6, 2021 7:18 PM





amendments.


testify.

testify.

provision.


on Wednesday.

· Senate Taxes


tomorrow.



House Judiciary



Federal Update
Administration:
the Federal level.


elements.
requirements.






Operations Update

trial approaches.


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ground, and the condition of Mr. Floyd prior to police contact and during, etc. Prosecution argued that
Mr. Hall should not be able to testify, unless very specific guidelines are set. Judge Cahill told
his attorneys prior to testifying. Mr. Hall is currently in-custody in Hennepin County. Unknown when
Mr. Hall would testify.
Ø A motion regarding the Milestone cameras - Motion will be heard on 4.7.21

Ø BCA SSA Reyerson (Wednesday)
Ø BCA Scientist McKenzie Anderson (Wednesday)
Ø BCA Scientist Breahna Giles (Wednesday)
Ø Susan Neith (NMS Labs) (Wednesday)
Ø Dr. Martin Tobin (Pulmonology) (Thursday)
Ø Dr. Daniel Isenschmid (Forensic Toxicologist) (Thursday)
Ø Dr. William Smock (Emergency Medicine) (Thursday)
Ø Dr. Lindsey Thomas (Forensic Pathology) (Friday)
Ø Dr. Andrew Baker (Forensic Pathology) (Friday)
Ø Dr. Jonathan Rich (medical expert?) (Friday)
Ø Philonise Floyd (Spark of Life) (Monday)
Ø Seth Stoughton (Use of Force Expert) (Monday)
o Back Row
o Front Row
From: Bergman, Sasha (GOV)
To: Hormann, Madeline L (GOV); Walz, Tim (GOV); Flanagan, Peggy ( (GOV); Walz, Gwen (GOV)
Attachments: BCA 2020-338 Trial Update (Testimony) 7.pdf
Governor, Lt. Governor and all-

Please see attached BCA update for today.

From: Hormann, Madeline L (GOV) <





amendments.


testify.

testify.

provision.


on Wednesday.

· Senate Taxes


tomorrow.



House Judiciary



Federal Update
Administration:
the Federal level.


elements.
requirements.






Operations Update

trial approaches.


--
Pronouns:
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Cell:

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ground, and the condition of Mr. Floyd prior to police contact and during, etc. Prosecution argued that
Mr. Hall should not be able to testify, unless very specific guidelines are set. Judge Cahill told
his attorneys prior to testifying. Mr. Hall is currently in-custody in Hennepin County. Unknown when
Mr. Hall would testify.
Ø A motion regarding the Milestone cameras - Motion will be heard on 4.7.21

Ø BCA SSA Reyerson (Wednesday)
Ø BCA Scientist McKenzie Anderson (Wednesday)
Ø BCA Scientist Breahna Giles (Wednesday)
Ø Susan Neith (NMS Labs) (Wednesday)
Ø Dr. Martin Tobin (Pulmonology) (Thursday)
Ø Dr. Daniel Isenschmid (Forensic Toxicologist) (Thursday)
Ø Dr. William Smock (Emergency Medicine) (Thursday)
Ø Dr. Lindsey Thomas (Forensic Pathology) (Friday)
Ø Dr. Andrew Baker (Forensic Pathology) (Friday)
Ø Dr. Jonathan Rich (medical expert?) (Friday)
Ø Philonise Floyd (Spark of Life) (Monday)
Ø Seth Stoughton (Use of Force Expert) (Monday)
o Back Row
o Front Row
Attachments: 2021 04 13 BCA Trial Update.pdf
Today’s trial update is attached.

Pronouns:
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1. MDH – Responded to inquiries from Strib, MPR, WCCO, KSTP, MinnPost, and the New York
Times. Topics included J&J pause, vaccine supply, hospitalizations, school outbreaks, and youth
cases.

2. DPS – Continue to field numerous press requests from local, national, and international media
outlets regarding the situation in Brooklyn Center.

3. METC – Janet Moore, Strib, inquired about shifting maintenance and operating costs to the
counties. Chair Zelle testified last week that he opposes this, obviously the counties were
opposed, as well. The Council position on the guideway operating and capital maintenance
provision in the Senate bill: The Metropolitan Council does not support the Senate position on
guideway operating and capital maintenance. We believe continuing conversations between
the counties and the Council is the best approach going forward on this issue. This is consistent
with Chair Zelle’s comments to the Senate Transportation Finance Committee last Tuesday
afternoon. Counties do not pay for capital maintenance today. While operations are split
between the state and counties, and state law says that the state will pay for half of the net
operating costs to run light rail, there is no law or agreement that stipulates who pays for
capital maintenance needs.


Omnibus Bills
· Jobs & Labor
Attached is a summary of the Senate Jobs & Labor Omnibus Bill.

Senator Benson
This afternoon MDH met with Chair Benson to discuss the Vault contract.

Senate Finance
Today, Senator Westrom presented the Agriculture and Rural Development Omnibus Bill.
There was a discussion on broadband. Senator Marty asked Senator Westrom about the trigger
language in the bill for using federal funds. Senator Westrom wants to ensure that available
federal funds are able to be spent on broadband. There is no guidance from the federal
government on the money yet.

The committee then heard the Workforce and Development Omnibus Bill. Commissioner
Grove testified. Senator Franzen thanked the Commissioner for the agency’s work during
this past
year. She also shared her interest in a second round of sorts of the COVID-19 relief payments
for businesses that had the incorrect NACIS code.

Senator Pratt shared that his administrative cuts are intended to reflect those proposed in the
Governor’s budget. The Senator also explained his enthusiasm for his loan guarantee program.
He also shared that he did not fund Launch MN because the intention was to spin the program
outside of Government.

Lastly, the committee heard the Judiciary & Public Safety Omnibus. Commissioner Lucero
testified on the areas of SF 970 where there is shared alignment between the Senate and
Governor’s version. After Commissioner Lucero’s testimony, Chair Rosen stated she thinks
Commissioner Lucero and MDHR are doing a great job. DFL members did not support the bill
because of its lack of police reform. All DFLers voted for the bill in committee last week.

Senate Taxes
The committee heard SF 960 (Chamberlain) Education Omnibus Bill. The bill was laid over at the
request of the Chair for further analysis. Senator Dziedzic questioned why there are not stricter
parameters around the vouchers provision, as the way they are currently written would not
have any income limitations as to who can receive the vouchers. Senator Chamberlain objected
to the germaneness of the question. Senator Nelson asked about the impact of the bill on the
Tax committee’s budget and asked nonpartisan staff to do some analysis. Senator Chamberlain
was visibly upset by the decision to hold the bill over for further analysis.

House Judiciary
Wednesday, April 14, the committee will hear the following:
HF 1103 (Thompson) Duties imposed on peace officers and law enforcement agencies
regarding video and audio recordings of deadly use of force and civil remedy provided.
HF 1104 (Thompson) Peace officer civil and criminal liability immunity prohibited.
HF 640 (Gomez) Citizen oversight council established.
HF XXXX (Frazier) Limiting the authority for peace officers to stop or detain drivers for
certain motor vehicle equipment violations.
HF 600 (Winkler) Legalizing adult-use cannabis.

Senate Finance
Thursday, April 15, the committee will hear SF 1831 (Kiffmeyer), the State Government
Omnibus Policy and Funding bill. MNIT Deputy Commissioner Jon Eichten will join the Zoom
meeting and be available for questions. Commissioner Doty will testify on budget cuts to the
department.

House Ways and Means
Thursday, April 15, the committee will hear the following omnibus bills: HF 2110 (Long) Climate
and Energy; HF1031 (Stephenson) Commerce; HF 2230 (Pinto) Early Childhood; HF 1065
(Davnie) E12 Education; HF 2128 (Liebling) Health; HF 2127 (Schultz) Human Services; HF 1030
(Becker-Finn) Judiciary and Civil Law; and HF 1078 (Mariani) Public Safety and Criminal Justice
Reform.

Federal Update
Administration:
national, regional, state, and local levels. Data at the state level may differ from data available
at the Federal level.


Safety Network (NHSN) file as of April 7.
elements.
requirements.
week, which means that the numbers from slide 2 and 3 will be different. This is due to
the changes in the data reported in the last reporting week that affect trend lines.

COVID-19 Childcare Support
The COVID-19 Public Health Support Funds for Child Care were extended for the months of
March to May using federal childcare stimulus funds signed into law in the December federal
stimulus package. Due to limited funding, providers will receive the full payments in March of
$8,500 for licensed childcare centers, $1,200 for licensed family childcare providers, and $3,000
for certified centers. However, due to limited funds, providers were notified that payments for
the months of April and May would be reduced. DHS and the Children’s Cabinet determined
that April and May monthly payments would be 50% of the previous monthly payments for
licensed family childcare providers, certified centers and licensed childcare centers with
licensed capacity of less than 75 children. To accommodate increased costs for larger childcare
centers, the center payments will be scaled based on licensed capacity and centers with a
licensed capacity of 75+ will receive 65% of the previous monthly payment of $8,500. The
Administration is still awaiting guidance and engaging with childcare providers, legislators and
stakeholders to determine the use of federal American Rescue Plan Act childcare funds,
including the $325 million the state is expected to receive for Child Care Stabilization Grants.

· Minnesota Rural Electric Association
Attached is a letter from the Minnesota Rural Electric Association regarding load control
receiver inspection issue

· Revenue and Economic Update
Attached is the Revenue and Economic Update from MMB for April 2021.

· Sioux Nation of Indians
Attached is a letter from the Sioux Nation of Indians regarding cannabis and hemp
opportunities.


Police reform and Accountability 467 4 471
Justice for Daunte Wright 291 124 415
Curfew in Hennepin, Ramsey and Anoka County 4.12.21 20 210 230
Governors tweet 2 177 179
Enforce Law and Order/ Public Safety concerns 141 11 152

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delirium on May 25, 2020. Officer McKenzie testified to what she trains as excited delirium. Officer
Mackenzie said that excited delirium has been taught to veteran officers in other areas not under the
medical support area.
➢ Witness #6: Barry Brodd (Use of Force Expert) testified to his training and experience, as well as
different use of force concepts as it relates to how Mr. Chauvin used force during the incident. Mr.
Brodd stated that Mr. Chauvin’s use of force were justified as he was threatened and worried for his
and other officers safety due to the agitated crowd. The prosecution worked to walk back the testimony
of Mr. Chauvin using appropriate force.
➢
Motions:
➢ Judge Cahill stated that motions will be made from 9-9:30 daily, with testimony starting at 9:30.
➢ Judge Cahill told jury that the case will be turned over to the defense on 4-13-21. Also that the case
will be complete by the end of the week and to pack a bag, expecting closing arguments possibly on
Monday. Also, possibly no court on Friday of this week.
➢ State motioned to limit Minneapolis Park Police Officer Peter Chang’s Body-Worn Camera Video. The
State argued that Mr. Floyd’s information should be redacted from the video as it can be seen on the
MDC within Ofc. Chang’s squad car, as well as the video is cumulative in nature and there is hearsay
contained within the video. The defense argued that the video is a 3 part series, and it is relevant and
not cumulative. Judge Cahill ordered the redaction of Mr. Floyd’s name from the video, but would allow
the video in its entirety up until the Minneapolis Fire engine left the scene.
➢ At the end of the day Judge Cahill and the prosecution and defense worked administratively on different
pieces of video and training power point evidence.

➢ Morries Hall (Passenger in Mr. Floyd’s vehicle during the incident) (Mr. Hall has not testified)
➢ Unknown for defense.
o Back Row
o Front Row
From: Walz, Tim (GOV)
Subject: Re: FOR APPROVAL: EMAC Release
Good
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Griffin, Holland ( (GOV) <

Sent: Monday, April 19, 2021 1:25:32 PM
To: Walz, Tim (GOV) <
Cc: #GOV_Gov Communications < Schmitter, Chris ( L
(GOV) < Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV) <
Carlson, Charlie ( B (GOV) < Leininger, Sophie ( (GOV)
< Procaccini, Karl ( C (GOV)
< Rumicho, Kaleb ( (GOV) <
Hugel, Arielle (GOV) < Bergman, Sasha (GOV)
< Nguyen, Hue (GOV) < Hormann,
Madeline L (GOV) <
Subject: FOR APPROVAL: EMAC Release

Governor,

Please see below a release announcing your request for assistance ahead of the Chauvin trial verdict.
Here is your quote for edits or approval:



April 19, 2021
651-402-8841

Governor Walz Requests Assistance from Additional States in Advance
of Chauvin Trial Verdict

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today issued a request under the federal Emergency
Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) to bring assistance from Ohio and Nebraska to
Minnesota in advance of the Derek Chauvin trial verdict. The EMAC support is part of the
state’s response to requests for public safety assistance from local governments.


The Governor has requested that the Minnesota Legislature provide funding to support this
additional assistance.

State troopers from the supporting states will report to the Minnesota State Patrol and will be
assigned to security missions at key state facilities, allowing Minnesota State Patrol Troopers
and Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers to support Operation Safety Net in
the metro area.

emergency to receive assistance. Executive Order 21-20, declaring a peacetime emergency the
seven-county metropolitan area, is effective immediately.

EMAC is a mutual aid agreement and partnership between states. More information about
EMAC can be found here:
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/emergency-response/Pages/emergency-management-
assistance-compact.aspx.

###

Holland Griffin | Communications Coordinator
Ste. 130

One Minnesota


To: Walz, Tim (GOV)
Cc: Sidley, Jane ( (GOV); Brigit Helgen; Tschann, Teddy (GOV); Bauer, Emmalynn (GOV); Lancaster, Claire
(GOV); Schmitter, Chris ( L (GOV); Beckmann, Kristin L (GOV); Procaccini, Karl ( C (GOV);
Bergman, Sasha (GOV)
Subject: TALKING POINTS
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2021 8:55:11 AM
Attachments: 04 18 21 Talking Points.docx
Governor,

Per our discussion, attached are talking points for today.

Jane, please print.

Ste. 130

One Minnesota


TALKING POINTS
• Thank you for joining me today, Minnesota.
• As the world watches, Minnesota finds itself in a defining moment. Not just for our
state, but for our entire country.
• Tomorrow morning, the prosecution and defense in the trial of Derek Chauvin will make
their closing arguments. Then the world will wait with bated breath for the jury to
announce their verdict.
• During this time, we must hold two truths.
• The first is that Minnesota is in pain and our communities deserve a place to
peacefully grieve.
• For many Minnesotans, especially Black Minnesotans, this time is unbearably emotional.
They’ve been forced to relive the trauma of that day again and again. They’ve had
painful memories of their own encounters play over and over in their mind.
• Black mothers and fathers see a terrifying future for their child in George—and now in
young Daunte just 12 miles down the road.
• Our communities need and deserve space to grieve and to heal. They need and deserve
space to demand change and fight for a better future.
• You have my promise that I will protect your First Amendment right to peacefully
protest and express yourselves during this painful time.
• The second truth is that the volatility of this situation demands that we take action to
protect public safety.
• Last summer, thousands of Minnesotans peacefully took to the street to demand

change.
• Hiding within those thousands of people who had all the right intentions were a much
smaller group of people who wished to wage destruction on our communities.
• They exploited the movement—burning vibrant neighborhoods and looting businesses
that Minnesotans put their life’s work in to build.
• Feeding off the instability, members of extremist groups descended upon our cities.
They even attempted to stage a coup of our State Capitol.
• We have neighborhoods, predominately made up of communities of color and

immigrant communities, who are still doing their best to recover.
• And unfortunately, a year later, we’ve already seen some of these bad actors loot
businesses and start fires in the wake of Daunte Wright’s tragic death.
• Last night, someone shot at a National Guard vehicle, shattering the window and
narrowly missing a soldier.
• My duty is to preserve the First Amendment right of peaceful protests while protecting
public safety.
• If anyone tries to take advantage of this moment to harm our communities, they will be
arrested.
• While we have a robust public safety response, the call for peace from our community is
much more impactful. Thank you to the community leaders who have already taken
action to keep protests peaceful.
• I also want to take this time to speak directly to our reporters. A free press is
foundational to our democracy—and you work tirelessly everyday to keep Minnesotans
informed.
• I am concerned about the stories I’ve heard of how you have been treated during the
unrest. That is why I met with media leaders yesterday to determine a better way
forward and gave specific directives to ensure your right to report is protected.
• At the end of the day, Minnesotans, we cannot lose sight of why our state finds itself
• George and Daunte’s lives mattered.
• George Floyd called out for his mother. Daunte called his mother
• The grief is raw, and it is deep.

• I spoke to Daunte Wright’s mother this week. Her strength and resolve is unimaginable.
• Daunte’s mom—and all the other mothers who have lost loved ones to police—do not
need our sympathy. They need our action.
• While we cannot control what the verdict says, we can control how we respond.
Peacefully, and with resolve that no matter what happens, we have work to do.

Public Record Media 331-Page Response From Gov. Tim Walz Office

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Public Record Media 331-Page Response From Gov. Tim Walz Office

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From: Long, Nate (GOV)

To: Walz, Tim (GOV)

Call to Ben Crump, Lawyer to Floyd Family

Top Agency Media Hits

Top Agency Media Hits

Top Legislative & Policy Issues

Legislator Contact of Significance

Commissioner Tim Walz

Dear Governor Walz:

Representative Fue Lee, 59A Representative Ray Dehn, 59B

Representative Sydney Jordan, 60A Representative Mohamud Noor, 60B

Representative Frank Hornstein, 61A Representative Jamie Long, 61B

Representative Hodan Hassan, 62A Representative Aisha Gomez, 62B

Representative Jim Davnie, 63A Representative Jean Wagenius, 63B

CC: Lieutenant Governor Flanagan

The Honorable William P. Barr

Dear Attorney General Barr:

/s/ Charles E. Schumer /s/ Patrick Leahy

/s/ Edward J. Markey /s/ Thomas R. Carper

/s/ Chris Van Hollen /s/ Mazie K. Hirono

/s/ Sherrod Brown /s/ Christopher A. Coons

/s/ Jack Reed /s/ Sheldon Whitehouse

/s/ Benjamin L. Cardin /s/ Jon Tester

/s/ Richard J. Durbin /s/ Tammy Baldwin

/s/ Tammy Duckworth /s/ Robert P. Casey, Jr.

/s/ Catherine Cortez Masto /s/ Brian Schatz

/s/ Debbie Stabenow /s/ Richard Blumenthal

/s/ Michael F. Bennet /s/ Jeanne Shaheen

/s/ Gary C. Peters /s/ Christopher S. Murphy

Top Agency Media Hits

Top Agency Media Hits

Top Legislative & Policy Issues

Top Agency Media Hits

Minnesota Senate Building, Room 3109

Honorable Governor Tim Walz

Dear Honorable Governor,

My office is ready to be a partner and assist in whatever manner possible.

Senator Michelle Benson

cc: Commissioner Jan Malcolm, Minnesota Department of Health

Top Agency Media Hits

May 28, 2020

Governor Tim Walz Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman

Commissioner John Harrington Attorney General Keith Ellison

Sent via electronic mail

To the above named officials,

Representative Rena Moran (65A) Senator Foung Hawj (67)

Representative Jamie Becker-Finn (42B) Senator Melisa Franzen (49)

Representative Ruth Richardson (52B) Representative Tou Xiong (53A)

Representative Alice Mann (56B) Senator Bobby Joe Champion (59)

Representative Fue Lee (59A) Representative Mohamud Noor (60B)

Senator Jeff Hayden (62) Representative Hodan Hassan (62A)

Representative Aisha Gomez (62B) Senator Patricia Torres Ray (63)

Representative Kaohly Her (64A) Representative Carlos Mariani (65B)

Representative Jay Xiong (67B)

Top Agency Media Hits

To: State-Federal Representatives

The Insurrection Act – 10 United States Code, Chapter 13

Invoking the Act

Top Agency Media Hits

Governor and Lt. Governor,

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: