Two separate hearings at the State Capitol today outline stark differences between Senate Republicans’ and House Democrats’ response to the police killing of George Floyd and subsequent riots in the Twin Cities. The hearing chaired by Senate Republicans focuses on government’s response to acts of lawlessness. Top Republicans have been highly critical of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz, contending they waited too long to send in the National Guard while looting and rioting continued and hundreds of buildings were damaged or destroyed in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
Meanwhile today’s House hearing focuses on, according to the agenda, “How The State of Minnesota is Failing to Hold Police Officers Accountable”, along with a comparison of House Democrats’ and Senate Republicans’ proposals. The two sides are trying to hammer out a compromise before an expected second special session probably next week.