Some Context from the 3rd precinct, (A hopeful update.)
Last edited Sun May 31, 2020, 03:19 PM - Edit history (1)
Because I live pretty close to the sacred ground of 38th and Chicago we have felt relatively safe. Yesterday things began to change.
First the police informed the neighborhood captain that they had information that minority owned businesses would be targeted and prudence suggested that they remove those indications.
Next word filtered out that residential neighborhoods could be targeted. I have no idea of the source of the information but it was widespread. Block meetings emphasized the need to stay indoors and if you see anything suspicious or worrying to bang pots and pans to alert the block.
While that was happening the few open stores got information that there would be some level of protection and that authorities would be attempting to protect "Sacred Ground" from infiltration.
Having said that, that in no way prevented many of the neighborhood groups and business owner from arming.
Throughout the afternoon reports were coming in of cars without license plates cruising the alleys. I myself witnessed one in my own alley and saw at least two others as I moved throughout the neighborhood.
Now I want to talk about two incidents that sort of bookend the night. First I have very little direct knowledge as I was staying close to home on watch on my own block. However what I am going to say comes from at the very least family or friends I know.
First the Ali Velshi gassing at the 5th:
Lets be clear Ali reported what he saw from near the back of the group. What he didn't see was at the front of the group people were starting to throw debris and at least on business owner inside his shop reports that he thought people were trying to pull down the boards and get in. At that point the state police moved. This was after a half hour of warnings they were in violation of curfew.
Next the clearing of 38th and Chicago:
I can ear witness a group marching down Bloomington from Lake Street, turning onto 38th and moving to Chicago. I can now report from people who were guarding the gas station at 38th and Bloomington that the group was led by a vehicle with Alabama plates and that they were trailed by three Minneapolis cruisers. As they passed 15th they started moving much faster as at least 3 Humvees were parked there and had been for some time. There was some individual movement headed in that direction throughout the evening after curfew. I have no idea of what the triggering event there was as I haven't been up there this morning yet and the people who I have talked to from the immediate area were inside. I may have more information later as we know he owner of the BBQ place.
One last thing, as I was checking in at the gas station this morning six cruisers blazed down Bloomington headed south past us. Everyone in sight either waved or saluted as they passed.
From what I can tell is there is no loss of support for the cause, but there is a widespread belief that Mpls should not allow the cause to be highjacked.
Update:
Mail delivery has restarted. Package delivery trucks are out in force also (post office at least).
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