In recent events across Minnesota, peaceful protests have been met with an unexpected and unwarranted level of force by law enforcement agencies, including the National Guard, State Police, and Minneapolis Police. The use of Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs), a tool initially designed for military operations, on peaceful civilian protestors is both alarming and dangerous.

LRADs emit powerful sound waves that can cause serious harm to individuals, including hearing loss and psychological distress. These devices were developed for use in warfare, and their deployment against civilians, exercising their constitutional right to protest, is a grossly inappropriate and heavy-handed response.

In the wake of peaceful assemblies, citizens of Minnesota are faced with the threat of military-grade technology deployed within our communities. This approach raises serious ethical and legal questions about the treatment of protestors and the balance between maintaining public order and protecting civil liberties.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have the authority and responsibility to ensure that law enforcement practices respect human rights and are proportionate to the situation at hand. By deploying LRADs, the message sent to protestors is one of intimidation rather than understanding and constructive dialogue.

We believe in the right to protest peacefully without fear of excessive and potentially harmful measures. Urgent action is needed to stop the use of LRADs on peaceful assemblies and establish protocols that ensure protestors are safeguarded against unnecessary force.

We call upon Governor Walz and Mayor Frey to immediately cease the use of LRADs and other military-grade weapons on civilians and to promote policies that respect the democratic rights of all Minnesotan citizens. By doing so, they can show their commitment to justice, liberty, and the people's right to have their voices heard safely.

Join us in demanding a halt to the militarization of Minnesota's law enforcement practices. Sign this petition to make Minnesota a beacon of peaceful protest and civil rights protection.