A leading protest-organizing firm has distanced itself from the recent Minneapolis unrest, citing concerns over public safety and the rule of law. Crowds on Demand CEO Adam Swart stated that his company "would not touch the Minneapolis protests with a 10-foot pole," due to the chaos and violence that erupted after a fatal shooting during an ICE enforcement operation.
Swart warned that blocking roads and obstructing federal agents can put people's lives at risk, particularly during active law enforcement operations. He also pointed out that winter conditions only compound the danger, making it even more hazardous for vehicles to navigate through blocked roadways.
Moreover, Swart expressed concerns over the impact of such tactics on the broader community, including emergency services like ambulances and fire trucks. He stated that protesters' actions can undermine their message and strip them of credibility when they resort to illegal activity.
Swart rejected claims that blocking roads or confronting officers amounts to "nonviolent resistance," calling those actions inherently dangerous. He emphasized that the ability for federal agents to enter and exit a scene safely is fundamental to law enforcement, and that road blockages can put these agents at risk from violent mobs.
The CEO's firm has offered Minneapolis leaders and stakeholders an opportunity to run lawful campaigns aimed at improving safety and restoring order, but fear and intimidation have stalled those efforts. Swart blamed the city's continued decline on reduced police presence, shuttered businesses, and the recent loss of a commuter rail line.
However, he remained optimistic that Minneapolis can still recover if residents reject intimidation and lawlessness. Swart emphasized the importance of finding courage to stand up for their city, rather than adding to the chaos unfolding. His company is committed to making Minneapolis a better place through peaceful, lawful, and persuasive methods.
Swart warned that blocking roads and obstructing federal agents can put people's lives at risk, particularly during active law enforcement operations. He also pointed out that winter conditions only compound the danger, making it even more hazardous for vehicles to navigate through blocked roadways.
Moreover, Swart expressed concerns over the impact of such tactics on the broader community, including emergency services like ambulances and fire trucks. He stated that protesters' actions can undermine their message and strip them of credibility when they resort to illegal activity.
Swart rejected claims that blocking roads or confronting officers amounts to "nonviolent resistance," calling those actions inherently dangerous. He emphasized that the ability for federal agents to enter and exit a scene safely is fundamental to law enforcement, and that road blockages can put these agents at risk from violent mobs.
The CEO's firm has offered Minneapolis leaders and stakeholders an opportunity to run lawful campaigns aimed at improving safety and restoring order, but fear and intimidation have stalled those efforts. Swart blamed the city's continued decline on reduced police presence, shuttered businesses, and the recent loss of a commuter rail line.
However, he remained optimistic that Minneapolis can still recover if residents reject intimidation and lawlessness. Swart emphasized the importance of finding courage to stand up for their city, rather than adding to the chaos unfolding. His company is committed to making Minneapolis a better place through peaceful, lawful, and persuasive methods.