The full text of Carnahan’s tweet reads as follows:
“Was it necessary for Minneapolis to close the beaches for the summer in early Apr? Much can unfold, change & transpire between now/then. The Democrats have turned Coronavirus into an excuse for extreme communist control. Wake up people!”
Ken Martin, Chairman of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party issued the following statement in response:
“I am shocked that the Chair of the Minnesota Republican Party would undermine important social distancing measures to score cheap political points. Jennifer Carnahan’s allegation that Democrats are using COVID-19 to push ‘extreme communist control’ is as ignorant as it is dangerous.
“Political leaders from both parties agree that the COVID-19 outbreak is the worst public health crisis our nation has seen in a century. New York City is converting convention centers to field hospitals and the Pentagon is preparing to distribute 100,000 body bags for the people this virus kills. In the midst of so much tragedy, uncertainty, and chaos, it is astonishing that the head of the Minnesota Republican Party felt it was appropriate to launch a hackneyed political attack because Minneapolis city officials are trying to keep Minnesotans safe.
“Giving up swimming in our beautiful Minneapolis beaches this summer is the least we can do to protect the lives of Minnesotans and prevent this scourge from spreading even further. Thousands of people are dying and will die because of the cavalier attitude of people who are putting their own privilege ahead of our community. I sincerely hope this outbreak comes to a swift end. However, until it does, it is vital that we adhere to strict social distancing guidelines in order to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.”