Minneapolis Protest Escalates as Federal Officers Detain Man Amid Distress
A Minneapolis protest on Saturday descended into chaos as federal officers detained a man, prompting his wife to scream in distress while watching the incident unfold. The couple was attempting to escape tear gas deployed by law enforcement when the man was surrounded and pinned to the ground by multiple officers.
Protester's Pleas for Justice Echo Through the Crowd
In a video captured during the protest, the man can be heard yelling, "You're gonna have to kill me! I've done nothing wrong! My name is Matthew James! I'm a US citizen!" His wife's screams are audible in the background, adding to the tense atmosphere. The incident occurred as law enforcement and protesters swarmed a nearby intersection following the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident earlier that day.
Conflicting Accounts of the Initial Shooting
The Department of Homeland Security alleged that the man who was shot was armed and "violently resisted" officers. However, Minnesota officials have stated that the individual was a legal gun owner with a valid permit to carry. This discrepancy has fueled further outrage among protesters and local authorities.
Video Evidence Shows Use of Chemical Irritants
Footage from MS NOW reveals federal officers deploying chemical irritants at the crowd of protesters in the aftermath of the shooting. The officers are seen walking towards the fleeing crowd with weapons drawn, leading to the detainment of the man identified as Matthew James. Another video from Fox News shows a woman, who identified herself as the man's wife, crying and being comforted by a bystander.
"We were just running away from the gas. That's all we were doing," the woman said. "He's being arrested by ICE." This statement raises questions about the involvement of immigration enforcement in the protest response.
Mayor Frey Calls for Removal of Federal Forces
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey responded to the incident by urging President Donald Trump to remove federal forces from the city. "The mass militarized force, unidentified agents, that is what weakens our country," Frey stated on Saturday. This protest comes just weeks after another incident where Renee Nicole Good was gunned down by a federal immigration officer, highlighting ongoing tensions between local communities and federal law enforcement.
The events in Minneapolis underscore the volatile nature of protests in the city, with citizens expressing fear and frustration over the use of force by federal officers. As investigations continue, the community remains on edge, calling for transparency and accountability in law enforcement actions.
