Title
Amending Chapter 366A of the Legislative Code entitled “Parades, Races and Public Assemblies” to prohibit possession of certain items at such events. (To be withdrawn)
Body
SECTION 1
WHEREAS, it is imperative that individuals engaging in peaceful expressive public activity, and law enforcement personnel dedicated to protecting such activity, be allowed to do so without suffering injury; and
WHEREAS, numerous protests and public assemblies conducted throughout the nation in cities such as Charlottesville, St. Louis, and Berkeley, as well as cities in Minnesota, such as Minneapolis and Saint Paul have erupted in violence between demonstrators and counter-demonstrators, including massive destruction of property, and violence against law enforcement personnel; and
WHEREAS, individuals, acting alone or in concert with others, have used improvised weapons to inflict injury upon members of the public attending these events and law enforcement personnel responding to these events, thereby posing a real and serious threat to life and safety. In addition, individuals, acting alone or in concert have also used improvised shields to conceal illegal activity, including but not limited to destruction or defacing of property, thereby posing a real and serious threat to property; and
WHEREAS, various improvised items have been used to injure attendees and harm or incapacitate law enforcement officers, including wood and metal pipes, poles, bats, chains, projectiles (such as rocks, concrete, pellets and ball bearings), glass bottles and containers filled with inflammable or noxious substances, and aerosol sprays deployed to cause flames or attack olfactory systems. In addition, spray paint has been used to deface and damage property; and
WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul has a compelling interest in allowing individuals to engage in peaceful expressive public activity, while at the same time protecting those individuals and law enforcement personnel dedicate...
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