By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Founded in 1846, the Associated Press is a global news organization committed to unbiased reporting. AP is a trusted source of fast and accurate news across all formats, and a crucial provider of technology and services for the news industry. The organization’s journalism reaches over half the world’s population daily.
Read the original article here
Federal agents deploy tear gas at crowd gathered at scene of deadly shooting in Minneapolis, and the reports are disturbing, to say the least. It seems like the situation on the ground quickly escalated from a protest against a shooting to a full-blown confrontation, with tear gas being used to disperse the crowd. The images and accounts coming out paint a picture of aggressive tactics, including the deployment of pepperball and 40mm rounds, followed by the apparent targeting and brutalizing of individuals. Accounts describe a pattern of law enforcement advancing into the crowd, initiating confrontations, and then retreating, only to repeat the cycle. This isn’t just about crowd control; it appears to be a deliberate attempt to suppress dissent and create an atmosphere of fear.
The accounts liken the actions to an attempt to cover up a previous action, potentially implying some sort of injustice or wrongdoing. The narrative evokes the chilling comparison to events from Nazi Germany. The involvement of the National Guard adds another layer of complexity, indicating a significant escalation of force. Reports of an “execution” and the need for ICE to “GTFO” underscore the intensity of the feelings and the urgency of the situation. Some opinions expressed suggest a broader context, pointing to a potential failure of immigration policies and the perception that the government is failing to uphold the values of democracy. The feeling that these are not just isolated incidents but signs of a deeper erosion of rights and freedoms is also made.
The anger is palpable, and the focus is clearly on the immediate events. The use of the word “murdered” to describe what happened is not a subtle hint; it is a direct accusation. The accounts also highlight the presence of armored vehicles and the potential use of equipment like LRADs, which are typically used for crowd control but can also be seen as a tool of intimidation. The assertion is that these tactics are not merely responses to the situation, but that they are part of a deliberate strategy. There is the suggestion of a desire to create a situation so dire that it would allow the implementation of martial law and the suspension of democratic processes.
There is a sense that the events are part of a larger, more ominous trend, and that the authorities are intent on silencing opposition and consolidating power. This is not simply about managing a protest; it is about suppressing dissent and creating an environment where individuals are afraid to speak out. The people have been subjected to tear gas and other weapons for no particular reason other than simply showing up.
The accounts also make the case that even legal actions may not offer protection, creating a climate of fear and helplessness. The anger, then, is directed not just at the immediate actors on the ground but at a perceived systemic failure of justice and a betrayal of democratic principles. Calls for a general strike and the impeachment of those responsible reflect a growing frustration with the current state of affairs and the perceived failure of existing channels of redress. The fact that the victims include an ICU nurse only fuels the outrage.
Furthermore, there is a clear sentiment that there is an existing cover up in progress, and the actions of the authorities are to provide time and space for this. The actions are seen as a continuation of policies, with specific criticisms leveled at the actions of ICE. There are calls for action, including the defunding of ICE, and a general strike. There is the view that the situation is a result of a government that has become authoritarian, and is acting against the interests of its citizens. The language used reflects the high stakes and the deep sense of betrayal felt by those witnessing these events.