Minneapolis, Hennepin County (trfnews.i234.me) — A protest near Minneapolis City Hall turned tense Saturday. Two rival groups faced off downtown.
Jake Lang, 29, led a small rally called “March Against Fraud.” Reuters reports he was pardoned for Jan. 6-related convictions. Reuters also reports he is running for U.S. Senate in Florida.
Hundreds of anti-ICE protesters gathered nearby. They chanted for federal agents to leave Minneapolis. The crowd quickly outnumbered Lang’s group, Reuters reported.
Videos posted on social media showed shoving and punches. Lang later posted on X that someone tried to stab him. He said a protective vest blocked the blade. Reuters said it could not verify his claim.
Minneapolis police told Reuters they were aware of Lang’s post. Police said no official report was filed. Police also said they received no injury reports from victims.
It was bitterly cold downtown. Reuters reported wind chills near minus 20 Celsius. Some people threw water balloons and snowballs during the clash.
What happened outside City Hall
The gatherings took place near Minneapolis City Hall. City Hall also serves Hennepin County.
Video showed Lang trying to leave in a car. A group of counterprotesters pulled at the door. Others shouted and surrounded the vehicle.
Reuters reported police kept their distance for much of the event. The smaller group later moved toward a hotel. A large crowd followed and shouted at them.
Why tensions are high
Saturday’s rally came during weeks of protests over immigration enforcement. Reuters reported about 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents have deployed to the area. ICE posts updates and contacts at ice.gov.
Tension rose after the Jan. 7 death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. ABC News published a timeline review of the encounter. MPR News reported on Good’s life and family statements.
Reuters reported the anti-ICE gathering was organized by the People’s Action Coalition Against Trump. Reporters described the crowd as much larger than Lang’s group.
What officials said
Police did not release a public injury total from the City Hall clashes. The city lists options for police reports and data requests.
Multiple outlets reported the Minnesota National Guard was on alert this week. Officials have urged calm as crowds continue to gather.
Related coverage
See the AP photo gallery from Saturday.
Read an AP report republished by The Guardian.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
That’s how Democrats peacefully protest. It’s called rioting.