Pro-Trump Capitol rally in St. Paul yields low turnout amid heavy security

[brooklynite]

Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune

About 20 supporters of President Donald Trump who ventured out in icy conditions for "Freedom Fest" at the Minnesota State Capitol on Saturday were met by a massive security presence that mobilized in response to the violent insurrection in Washington, D.C., earlier in January.

The event lasted about two hours and drew far fewer than the 150 participants allowed under the state permit. Organizer Becky Strohmeier of Bloomington got the permit on behalf of Hold the Line MN, a group that describes its role as "rallying behind our president."

Some carried U.S. flags and strapped on firearms. One held a "Stop the Steal" sign. The group spent much of their time on folding chairs chatting among themselves. Strohmeier said fears of a counterprotest by "antifa," a loose-knit group of far-left demonstrators, kept turnout low. On Sunday at 11 a.m., she planned to return to the Capitol to lead a four-hour, invite-only prayer service for 20 people.

Leading into the weekend, Gov. Tim Walz and Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington warned agitators away from the Capitol.

Read more: https://www.startribune.com/pro-trump-capitol-rally-in-st-paul-yields-low-turnout-amid-heavy-security/600011500/

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. LOL.

[BlueTsunami2018]

2. I think there will be little to no turnout at the capitals because of the presence.

But what about next week when they go away or any time in the future? They can do this at any time.

[reACTIONary]

4. I think they need a permit....

... they did for this one. So the authorities have advanced notice and can prepare.

[BlueTsunami2018]

11. Well, if their intentions are to storm the capital...

And to kidnap or kill politicians, I don’t think they’d be all that concerned with permits.

[reACTIONary]

18. Eternal vigilance...

... is the price of liberty.

[Lasher]

3. Organizer Becky Strohmeier blamed low turnout on ANTIFA

Might as well, these knuckleheads blame everything else on them.

[iluvtennis]

5. A fkn joke to blame on anti-fascist. nt

[torius]

8. lol. That makes no sense.

Of course, that's Antifa's fault too!

[Akacia]

12. I remember when they blamed everything on Obama. nt.

[SergeStorms]

13. I've been at Antifa headquarters all day....

and no one from our office was anywhere near St. Paul all day. So put that it your lawn chair and sit on it, lady!

[rgbecker]

16. We sent 60 Antifa members from Massachusetts in a bus...

But after a stop at the Waffle House, they voted to turn around and spend the day with their cats at home.

[SergeStorms]

17. Sounds like a typical Antifa outing.

Trying to get a cadre of Antifa soldiers organized is like trying to herd those 60+ cats.

[rpannier]

15. They're cowards

Real patriots wouldn't have been frightened away

[dalton99a]

6. What happened to their Trump flags?

[CountAllVotes]

7. They fell into a dumpster

And with those went those Made in China MAGAt hats!

[SergeStorms]

14. They stuffed them...

into their nether-regions to keep warm. Nothing warms the family jewels like a Trump flag.

[tanyev]

9. Several items in my last grocery order were out of stock. I BLAME ANTIFA!

[Stuart G]

10. No matter how many OR..few show up....stupid is still stupid is still ..."STUPID"

[apnu]

19. "Strohmeier maintained that fears of a counterprotest by 'antifa' ... kept turnout low."

So both scared shitless with a side of "our base is fascist, and we fear the anti-fascists will show up"

[Noodleboy13]

20. It was a bit chilly and drizzling as well.

Unpleasant weather for fighting the B-B-B-Bogeyman.
Shame really, I bet some of those National Guard kids were looking forward to playing with their toys again after the summer here in Mpls.

peace,
Noodleboy