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Minneapolis Protests: Why are mass arrests happening on I-94? Internet says 'Stop Trump from stealing election'

'More mass arrests happening in Minneapolis. No dispersal orders were given this time. Just kettle and arrest without warning,' a user commented

Hundreds of protesters were arrested on Wednesday night on November 4, shortly after they marched onto Interstate 94 in Minneapolis. The protests took place after President Donald Trump threatened to challenge Tuesday's unsettled election results and declared victory for the Republican party. The protest, that started from Cedar and Riverside avenues and looped through downtown, was organized by "Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar" in coordination with the National Alliance Against Racist & Political Regression. The latter soon merged with the first group of protesters, endorsed by 30 organizations, whose agendas ranged from anti-police fervor to calling for action on climate change. 

Protesters began assembling at the demonstration sites at about 6 pm and then began marching at about 7:15 pm. At about 7:40 pm, hundreds began to walk out onto eastbound Interstate 94 at Cedar Avenue, leading to traffic being backed up for miles.

According to a CBS Local report, "police announced on loudspeakers that everyone on the interstate needs to sit down and prepare to be arrested. Drivers were also told to turn their vehicles off. Westbound I-94 was then shut down as well." The report also stated that "At about 8:25 p.m., Minnesota State Patrol troopers began to make arrests on the eastbound side of the interstate, near the Riverside Avenue exit. State patrol officials estimated, at about 8:40 p.m., that 200 protesters were on the interstate."

Organizers stated they want to see Biden win, but that it won’t immediately change the lives of oppressed people and all the problems they face. On top of the election, the group said it’s fighting a trifecta of pandemic, racism and the recession. 

Sharing the video of the protests, one Internet user said, "East 94 in Minneapolis is taken over by protesters @WCCO" while Journalist Liz Sawyer said, "Live streams from I-94 show officers encircling dozens of well-known social justice activists, like @nvlevy, Monique Cullars-Doty, aunt of Marcus Golden, and Noah McCourt. Everyone on the freeway is expected to be arrested, including at least 6 journalists covering the protest."

Sharing the video from the protest site, Journalist Jeff Wagner said, "Law enforcement in their riot gear marching behind the protest but keeping their distance. @WCCO." Another one said, "Police in Minneapolis have kettled upwards of a thousand people on the freeway, and have begun making arrests of trapped protesters. They’ve stated that everyone attending the protest is under arrest for unlawful assembly and public nuisance."

"More mass arrests happening in Minneapolis. No dispersal orders were given this time. Just kettle and arrest without warning. I have friends at that protest. I hope they’re alright," said another Netizen. Another one claimed that the protest was allegedly peaceful as he wrote, "I know I shouldn't be surprised but jfc a spontaneous peaceful protest and Minneapolis responds like, well, they expect violence. There are dozens of cop cars."

Another one informed, "@GovTimWalz THERE ARE CHILDREN ON THE HIGHWAY AND PARENTS ARE BEING ARRESTED" Another one joked, "Wtf? How do they expect to get them all home? Dallas county had to hire buses!" Another user commented, "Live in Minneapolis for  ‘Stop Trump From Stealing The Election: Fight-Back For A People’s Agenda! National Day of Protest’"