In an evening of chaos and disturbance, Dinkytown witnessed dozens of arrests as individuals shot off fireworks on the streets. The incident caused a chaotic scene, with the police taking prompt action to curb the situation.
As captured in the video on-site, a chaotic situation unfolded as young individuals recklessly aimed fireworks at others, streets, and cars. Fortunately, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara’s statement during a press conference on Friday afternoon, no severe injuries were reported.
Emily Schoon, an employee at Mesa Pizza, shared that although she has witnessed some crazy incidents during her couple of months working there, she has yet to see anyone attempt to harm another person using fireworks.
Amidst all the chaos, Schoon found herself working late on Thursday night at Mesa Pizza.
According to O’Hara, while most people aren’t actively shooting fireworks at others, their presence at these events only perpetuates the problem. He explains that social media plays a large role in encouraging these gatherings, as people are drawn to the attention and excitement surrounding them. By participating in these events, they inadvertently provide an audience for these dangerous activities to continue.
O’Hara expressed his frustration with the unacceptable behavior that residents and visitors to their town have had to endure. He emphasized that their law enforcement response this year was distinct in order to address this issue.
More than 200 additional officers from the Minneapolis police department were deployed to work alongside other law enforcement agencies such as Ramsey County deputies, Minneapolis Park Police, University of Minnesota Police, and State Patrol, to maintain law and order in the city.
Erin Brumm, a board member of the non-profit organization Campus Safety Coalition, expressed her concern about the chaos and harm caused by a group of 100 individuals who entered Dinkytown. “It’s a real problem,” she stated firmly.
A few years back, the group came into existence due to the constant crime issues in the vicinity of the University of Minnesota.
Brumm expressed her frustration, stating, “These conversations are predictable and I simply don’t understand why we have to keep having them.”
According to the Minneapolis police, they have made 30 arrests and issued 5 citations overnight.
O’Hara stated that the numbers are expected to rise as multiple agencies were involved in the operation and reports are still being received.
Out of the individuals who were arrested and issued citations, 27 were adults and eight were juveniles, with ages spanning from mid-teens to early twenties.
According to O’Hara, just like last year, several participants were from outside Minneapolis.
According to O’Hara, 28 people among them are not from Minneapolis, while five of the individuals are from outside Minnesota. Surprisingly, these individuals came from Maine, Kansas, and Massachusetts.
Ben Lefebvre, who witnessed the chaos from his apartment window on the sixth floor, expressed his concern about the fireworks reaching such heights. He recounted how one firework came dangerously close to his window, causing discomfort. Additionally, he described how the loud mortars felt like grenades, and their impact was strong enough to shake the building.
Authorities are currently investigating and preparing charges for those involved in rioting. According to O’Hara, individuals who were specifically identified as throwing mortars will be charged with assault.
Brumm emphasized the need for laws that could effectively prosecute individuals involved in such activities and put them behind bars. “Prosecutors should also take the responsibility to ensure that these laws are implemented and enforced,” he added.
This weekend, park and public space closures during the night will persist.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has announced that a stronger police presence will be deployed ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. He also warned that officers will take action against anyone who poses a threat to the safety or property of others.
