Walz authorizes MN Natl Guard to assist with public safety during upcoming Floyd officer trials

Governor Tim Walz by executive order is authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to assist with public safety efforts in Minneapolis and Saint Paul during the upcoming trials of the former officers charged in the death of George Floyd. But Walz says 35-million-dollars he’s requested from the legislature is also a “critical tool” to ensure there are enough sworn law enforcement officers available — a requirement to deploy the National Guard. Republicans say Minneapolis must reimburse law enforcement agencies elsewhere in Minnesota for assistance they provided during last summer’s riots. The governor says a 35-million-dollar appropriation would ensure that happens. And Republicans say Minneapolis needs to be responsible to have an adequate police force, but instead cut over a hundred officers.