Security at the State Capitol was Senate Republicans’ focus at hearings Wednesday, prompted by protesters toppling the statue of Christopher Columbus during civil unrest after the death of George Floyd. Republican Senator Jeff Howe from Rockville says many people were surprised at how easily protesters pulled down the statue, and asked state Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington, as anyone made any request to have the rest of these statues… looked at to make sure that they are… securely fastened to their bases?” Harrington responded he has not asked that question but “I have asked my staff to scour the Internet to see if any other statues are being mentioned on the Internet as being targeted.”
Democrats say instead of spending so much time on property damage, Republicans should address the root cause of the civil unrest — namely, police brutality against Minnesotans of color.