Walz Requests Federal Aid After Violent Protests In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS — Gov. Tim Walz Thursday requested financial support from FEMA to help Minnesota rebuild after violent protests damaged public infrastructure and caused extensive fire damage in the wake of George Floyd’s death.

More than 10,000 public safety officials contributed to the effort to restore peace and safety, including the first full mobilization of the Minnesota National Guard since World War II. However, nearly 1,500 Twin Cities businesses were damaged by vandalism, thefts, and fire.

Current estimates of the damage exceed $500,000,000.

"We’re asking our federal partners to step up and help our communities recover," Walz said in a news release.

"We need to come together to ensure Minnesotans who were victims of this destruction have access to critical infrastructure they need so they can go to the grocery store, pick up their medication, and live their lives. Together, we will rebuild."

The governor is requesting that President Donald Trump "declare a major disaster for the State of Minnesota because of extensive fire damage to public infrastructure caused by civil unrest."

A preliminary damage assessment found more than $15 million of eligible damages directly related to the fires. Federal assistance would reimburse local governments for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and damage to public buildings and equipment.