National Guard mobilized to communities throughout the Twin Cities

Riot Roads Closed
Photo credit MN DOT

It was announced early this morning that Governor Tim Walz is activating and mobilizing the National Guard. This is the largest such mobilization in Minnesota since World War II. All of this in an effort to protect different communities in Minnesota and deter activists from spreading violence

With news that the activists are looking to spread rioting and looting to suburbs that have not yet been touched by the violence from the last 48 hours, Walz is looking to keep things contained. It is estimated that up to 13,000 soldiers and airmen could be activated. Nearly 2500 of them will be ready by tonight to help support evening missions.

The @MNNationalGuard continues to maintain a presence in the Twin Cities in support of local civil authorities. Our citizen-soldiers and airmen prepared to support missions throughout the Minneapolis, Saint Paul and its surrounding communities.

— MN National Guard (@MNNationalGuard) May 30, 2020

A remarkable MN National Guard convoy just now entering Minneapolis via Interstate 394 coming from the west. Part of a historic full mobilization of up to 13,000 MN National Guard troops. #kstp #5eyewitnessnews pic.twitter.com/LTCEQJX9JO

— Tom Hauser (@thauserkstp) May 30, 2020

Along with the mobilization of the National Guard and the already imposed 8 p.m. curfew it was announced this evening that several highways going in and out of Minneapolis will be shut down to limited traffic. “In coordination with efforts to protect public safety and restore order to the Twin Cities metro area, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced that the following highway closures will be in effect beginning at 7 p.m. tonight through 6 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday, May 31,” MnDot announced in a press release.

HIGHWAY CLOSURES in effect beginning at 7PM tonight:• I-35W north/south btwn I-694 & Hwy 62• I-35E north/south btwn Hwy 36 & Hwy 62• I-94 east/west btwn I-694 & the I-694/I-494 interchange• I-394 east btwn Hwy 100 & I-94• Hwy 55 north/south btwn Hwy 62 & I-94 pic.twitter.com/TZKPsMHiel

— Minnesota Department of Transportation (@MnDOT) May 30, 2020

These closures include;  I-35W northbound and southbound between I-694 and Hwy 62, I-35E northbound and southbound between Hwy 36 and Hwy 62, I-94 eastbound and westbound between I-694 and the I-694/I-494 interchange, I-394 eastbound between Hwy 100 and I-94 andHwy 55 northbound and southbound between Hwy 62 and I-94. 

Highways will continue to be open for motorists to exit downtown areas and have prohibited travel on city streets and in public places. 

Walz is set to have a 6:30 p.m. press conference to explain his plans for this evening more so