A protester in Minneapolis was sprayed in the face with a chemical irritant by a federal agent Wednesday, an incident captured in a photograph by the Minnesota Star Tribune. The image shows an agent spraying the substance at close range while the protester was pinned to the ground by at least two other agents.
Escalating Tensions in Minneapolis
The incident occurred during a protest where, according to photographer Rich Tsong-Taatarii, at least two teenagers had already been taken into custody by federal agents. Tsong-Taatarii described a scene of escalating tension as Border Patrol agents attempted to move through a crowd of protesters who were “in their face yelling at them,” near the intersection of 28th and 29th Streets.
The situation further deteriorated when a Border Patrol agent reportedly shoved a woman on a bicycle to the ground, according to the Star Tribune. Following this, agents began deploying tear gas and other chemical irritants, Tsong-Taatarii said.
Tsong-Taatarii stated he did not observe the protester who was sprayed make any physical contact with the agents prior to the use of force.
DHS Response
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a statement claiming Border Patrol agents were “repeatedly harassed and blocked by hostile crowds while simply trying to take bathroom breaks.” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin detailed instances of agents being yelled at, stalked, and prevented from leaving gas stations.
According to McLaughlin, at one stop, agents were thrown food, and at another, an agent was spat upon. When an agent attempted to detain the individual who spat on him, McLaughlin stated the crowd “tackled and attacked the agents while surrounding them,” leading agents to use “crowd control measures” to disperse the crowd.
READ MORE: Blood. Pain. Disorientation. Here’s what protesters say “less-lethal” weapons feel like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the protester who was sprayed?
A protester was pinned to the ground by federal agents and sprayed directly in the face with a chemical irritant, as documented by a photograph from the Minnesota Star Tribune.
What did the Department of Homeland Security say about the incident?
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Border Patrol agents were “repeatedly harassed and blocked by hostile crowds” while attempting to use restroom facilities.
Did the photographer witness any actions by the protester before the spraying occurred?
Photographer Rich Tsong-Taatarii stated he did not see the man who was pinned to the ground put his hands on agents.
As investigations continue, it remains to be seen whether further details will emerge regarding the events of Wednesday. It is possible that additional reports and statements will be released by both law enforcement and protest organizers, potentially leading to further demonstrations or legal challenges.
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