National Guard troops INJURED after being SHOT AT while providing security in Minneapolis ahead of Chauvin verdict

The Minnesota National Guard are in Minneapolis as part of Operation Safety Net, which is “the public safety effort to protect lives and property and ensure the ability for people to peacefully protest before, during and after the trial for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.”

As part of that operation, the National Guard has people providing security, along with law enforcement, in neighborhoods around the city. And last night, before the verdict was even rendered, they were already under fire.

It was a drive-by shooting, which luckily only resulted in minor injuries. TAuthorities are clear that the shots were deliberately targeting the members of law enforcement and National Guard.

“This event highlights the volatility and tension in our communities right now,” said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke.

Here’s the statement released by the National Guard and Operation Safety Net.

A Minnesota National Guard and Minneapolis Police Department neighborhood security team was fired upon early Sunday morning in a drive by shooting near Penn Avenue and Broadway.

The shooting occurred on or about 4:19 a.m., as a light colored SUV fired several shots at an Operation Safety Net security team providing neighborhood security. No team members were seriously injured. Two National Guard members did sustain minor injuries from the incident. One Guardsman sustain an injury from shattered glass requiring additional care and was taken to a local hospital to receive treatment for injuries sustained. The other Guardsman received only superficial injuries. No further information is available at this time.

“I am relieved to know none of our Guardsmen were seriously injured,” said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General. “This event highlights the volatility and tension in our communities right now. I ask for peace as we work through this difficult time.”

The Minnesota National Guard is activated as part of Operation Safety Net, a joint effort among the Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the State of Minnesota and local jurisdictions. The Minnesota National Guard was activated as part of the effort to protect people, freedom of speech and property during the Derek Chauvin trial as well as the aftermath of the police involved shooting of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center.

Let’s just repeat that last line, huh? “The Minnesota National Guard was activated as part of the effort to protect people, freedom of speech and property during the Derek Chauvin trial as well as the aftermath of the police involved shooting of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center.” Really says it all don’t ya think?

Expect more, by the way.

It’s going to be an ugly week in Minnesota, no matter WHAT the jury decides.


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