The resolution to authorize the purchase of riot gear is officially part of the City Council Meeting agenda.
After a deep conversation about next steps and how best to engage the City of Duluth in planning a forum, the meeting attendees began drafting a letter. It was the group’s goal to have a finalized letter distributed in a few days.
The question of riot gear was on the agenda for the City Council meeting, and before the meeting even began, while Chief Tusken is giving an update on police and parking, there were protesters present who begin chanting. They held signs at the front of the room, near where councilors sit. Protesters were not entirely against the purchase, although the majority of them were. There was also at least one pro-riot gear protester in attendance. The room was full of citizens, and many had signed up to share their thoughts on the potential purchase. Presumably because the protesters were so loud, City Councilors first took a recess and then offered that if protesters would stop chanting they would allow public comment. If the room refused to stop chanting, they were going to proceed. Protesters did not stop chanting. The Duluth City Council voted to pass the approval to purchase riot gear without public comment and without hearing the results of the community forums they had requested.
After the meeting, Councilor Van Nett posted on social media that she felt the situation had been riotous, and that it justified the purchase of gear, even though the situation did not meet Chief Tusken’s previously stated requirements for the gear’s deployment (criminal property damage or physical harm).
Councilor Hobbs responded to the meeting by pushing for protester restrictions. He said, “To stand in the front row is an act of intimidation, and blocking the view of other participants in democracy will not be allowed.”
After the meeting, Councilor Sipress addressed the crowd, stating in part, “…it is so important for us to listen, really listen to each other.”
The City of Duluth had called police who were standing ready in rooms nearby City Council Chambers, but were not deployed. People in attendance were aware of their presence.
IMPACT: Community members felt silenced and disregarded. They also questioned the city’s intentions, considering they rushed to the public forums, refused to review the collected data before making important governmental decisions, and refused to honor the community’s rights to peacefully assemble and participate in the democratic process.
Photo Credit: file/Duluth News Tribune