Rumors swirl around Minnesota state rep taking part in citizen patrol during Floyd protest in Bemidji

BEMIDJI, Minn. - A Minnesota state representative may have taken part in a citizen's patrol soon after a protest this past weekend in Bemidji in response to the killing of George Floyd.

Social media has been swirling with questions and rumors regarding curfews in Bemidji, potential dumpster fires and what the mayor described as "vigilantes" since Saturday's protest. An evening curfew was enacted for Bemidji on Saturday and Sunday following a "specific series of credible threats to property and people," and not in response to the peaceful protest, according to a statement from Mayor Rita Albrecht.

Various speculations and questions have since been raised via social media and residents have sent in screenshots to the Bemidji Pioneer of since-deleted posts, including mention of state Rep. Matt Grossell, R-Clearbrook, participating in patrolling the city with the owner of Off Grid Armory, a business located near Itasca State Park.

https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/crime-and-courts/6517751-Rumors-swirl-around-Minnesota-state-rep-taking-part-in-citizen-patrol-during-Floyd-protest-in-Bemidji