The Minnesota DFL Party is criticizing Republican Representative Matt Grossell in what they call an “unhinged social media tirade… in which he attacks the protests calling for justice and reform… and appears to call for violence to be used against protesters.”
According to the post, Grossell described the protests as “a coordinated attack on our God given freedom,” “a springboard for an alter agenda to destroy this republic and any other free nation around the world,” and implored the public to“stand ready to face this evil,” “stop it dead in its tracks,” and “be prepared to defend this republic.”
Screenshot of Rep. Grossell’s Facebook post. Submitted.
“Representative Grossell’s unhinged rant is racist and an embarrassment to Minnesota. I am truly stunned that anyone, let alone a Republican State Representative, would think to describe protesters demanding racial justice and equity as ‘evil.’ These protesters are not trying to hurt our nation, they are simply demanding America live up to the ideals set forward in our Declaration of Independence: that all are equal and have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” said DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin.
“By calling on the public to stop protesters dead in their tracks, Representative Grossell appears to be encouraging the use of violence against those protesting the death of George Floyd. I’m calling on Republican House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt to denounce these deeply disturbing comments from one of his Republican colleagues. This kind of violent rhetoric has no place in our politics.”
This is not the first time the DFL has criticized the actions of Rep. Grossell. In July 2019, Grossell was arrested for trespassing and disorderly conduct after a physical altercation with a hotel security guard. He was then taken to the hospital and called his nurse a “sick bitch” and caused such a disturbance he was moved to a local jail. During this move, Grossell accused the arresting officer of “police brutality,” according to the original report from the Pioneer Press.
