October 8, 2019 (MINNEAPOLIS) – When our Nation’s President arrives in our city this Thursday, the men and women of the Minneapolis Police Department along with our local, county, state and federal law enforcement partners will be focused on our primary responsibility to ensure the public safety of ALL who will participate in practicing their first amendment rights which include Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, and Peaceable Assembly.

The MPD will administrate a comprehensive, operational public safety plan which includes a highly visible and robust police presence in and around Target Center on Thursday.

Because we expect larger than normal crowds for this Thursday’s events, both vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be significantly reduced around the Target Center in order to increase the public safety for all. These areas will be clearly marked. I am strongly urging all those who attend not to bring items such as:

– Back Packs

– Strollers

– Firearms, knives, weapons, sharp objects, shields, or fireworks

– Popup tents or canopies

– Cans, glass containers, pre-mixed beverages, or alcoholic beverages

– Wagons or pull carts

– Coolers

– Drones

– Pets (excluding certified service animals)

– Grills, propane tanks, or open flames

– Bicycles

– Flag poles, bats, clubs, sticks (including signs attached to sticks)

– Any athletic equipment or other item that could be used as a weapon

As peace officers everyone’s safety and security is of our utmost importance. The Minneapolis Police Department intends to provide a safe and peaceful opportunity for people to exercise their Constitutional rights. As such, I must emphasize that criminal conduct by anyone, including property damage, will not be tolerated. Those individuals choosing to engage in such illegal behavior will be arrested and we will work with our criminal justice agencies to ensure they are properly charged to the full extent of the law.

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