Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) is firing back at President Donald Trump’s tweets amid the violent protests over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died while in police custody.
Late Thursday evening, Trump sounded off about the protests as he described Frey as a “very weak radical left” mayor.
During a press conference held in the very early hours of Friday morning, Frey pushed back against Trump’s claims.
“Weakness is refusing to take responsibility for your own actions. Weakness is pointing your finger at somebody else during a time of crisis. Donald Trump knows nothing about the strength of Minneapolis,” Frey said during the 1 a.m. press conference.
He added, “We are strong as hell. Is this a difficult time period? Yes. But you better be damn sure that we’re going to get through this.”
See Frey’s remarks below:
"Weakness is pointing your finger at somebody else, during a time of crisis. Donald Trump knows nothing about the strength of Minneapolis."
— CNN (@CNN) May 29, 2020
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey responded to a tweet from President Trump accusing him of weak leadership: https://t.co/MTJZiUsWH8 pic.twitter.com/vkJ8P9Jj80
Frey’s remarks follow Trump’s tweets about his leadership and the protests that have erupted in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The president tweeted, “I can’t stand back [and] watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis. A total lack of leadership. Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right.”
I can’t stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis. A total lack of leadership. Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
He followed up with a tweet that was flagged by Twitter for “glorifying violence.”
….These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
Frey and Trump’s exchange come after days of unrest in Minneapolis. On Monday, Floyd died while in police custody after a now-former officer pinned his knee into the back of his neck for several minutes.
On Tuesday, protests erupted in the streets of Minneapolis and soon escalated to violence. Amid peaceful protests, groups of violent protesters also emerged, torching vehicles and buildings. Stores have also been looted, as previously reported on IJR.
As of Friday morning, the four officers involved have not been arrested and no criminal charges have been filed.
