ST. PAUL, Minn. – The state’s public safety commissioner called in legislators to guard their rhetoric so as not to incite radical violence like showed itself at the U.S. Capitol siege and muted form at the state Capitol. In a letter to legislators, John Harrington said dangers lie ahead. Some organizers of the St. Paul rally plan events that would focus on judges and state constitutional officers. Harington did not name legislators whose rhetoric most concerned him. Speaking at the St. Paul rally, however, were state Representatives Steve Drazkowski and Eric Kucero, whose language sometimes is unbridled by conventional social filters.
Verbatim
Harrington: “We all play a critical role in ensuring the continuation of safety at the Capitol and I encourage you to carefully consider the effect of our rhetoric. As leaders in our state, I think it is up to all of us to call out language or activity that endorses or encourages illegal or destructive behavior. We simply cannot stand by — and certainly not participate — while some choose to instigate violence or ignore law and order in our state and nation.”
Drazkowski. Mazeppa Republican.
Lucero. Dayton Republican.