Tag: Minnesota State Capitol

Protesters topple Columbus statue on Minnesota Capitol grounds

The State Patrol was warned in advance. Protesters say it was a step toward healing for Native American communities. Charges could follow.

Protesters lassoed a statue of Christopher Columbus outside the State Capitol Wednesday afternoon and pulled it to the ground, saying their action was a step toward healing for Indian communities.

Dozens of people gathered by the statue on the grounds outside the Capitol before pulling it down. American Indian Movement activist Mike Forcia talked to a State Patrol captain sent to the scene to encourage protesters to follow a legal process for removing the statue, which has stood on the Capitol grounds since 1931. Forcia said they had tried that route many times and it had not worked.

The protesters then looped a rope around the statue and quickly pulled it off the stone pedestal and to the ground. The patrol officer watched from a distance as protesters sang and took photos with the statue for about half an hour. Continue reading.

Former Gov. Mark Dayton’s portrait links him to the State Capitol he helped restore

Former Gov. Mark Dayton returned to the Minnesota State Capitol Thursday for the unveiling of his official portrait in which the Capitol itself glows behind him.

The painting by Minnesota artist Paul Oxborough depicts the state’s 40th governor in dark suit, standing outside the Capitol on a sunny, winter day. It will remain on permanent display along with the 39 governors who preceded Dayton.

During a ceremony, Dayton said he was a reluctant to have his portrait painted until he met Oxborough.

View the complete October 17 article by Tim Pugmire on the MPR News website here.

Supporter of anti-Muslim policies Raheel Raza speaks at Minnesota State Capitol

The following article by the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Hatewatch staff was posted on their website January 29, 2018:

Raheel Raza

Last Wednesday, controversial Pakistani-Canadian activist Raheel Raza visited the Minnesota State Capitol to meet with Republican state lawmakers.

Raza’s appearance was met with vocal resistance from Democratic lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman, who penned a letter to Rep. Roz Peterson asking her to rescind Raza’s invitation. Hortman’s office provided a copy of the letter to Hatewatch. Continue reading “Supporter of anti-Muslim policies Raheel Raza speaks at Minnesota State Capitol”