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MN @GovTimWalz speaking now. Thanks those who abides by curfew, responders, including some who took incoming fire.
Walz says after days of legit protests, last night was "mockery of pretending this is about George Floyd's death or inequities or historical traumas to our communities of color."
"The situation in Minneapolis is no longer" about death of Floyd. It is about groups intentionally creating fear and destruction.
Walz says there is now organized attempt to tear down civil society, cause destruction.
Walz on upping presence: "By this afternoon, our hope is to exponentially have that force out there." He's asking governors of neighboring states to provide support through their Natl Guards, too.
Walz says throughout the day today the *peaceful* protests WILL continue. "Today will be an expression of that loss of George Floyd. There will be legitimate exercising of 1st amendment rights." He will work to protect that right to do that.
Walz says agitators not involved with initial protests now causing mayhem "are adapting, are receiving information together" and being fed info from professionals on tactics for urban warfare.
Walz: "Minnesotans: This is a challenging times. Our great cities... are under assault from people who do not share our values... and certainly are not here to honor George Floyd." Says that will stop today and order must be destroyed.
Frey: If you have family of friends who are considering protesting... This is no longer about protesting. Says violence caused by outsiders must stop. He echoes Walz in citing concerns about pandemic still happening.
Mayor Carter echoes others saying these outside agitators are taking advantage of legit protesters sadness to destroy the city. Says arrests made last night in St. Paul were from out-of-state.
Pub Safety Commissioner Harrington now providing an update. Says never a time in his 40-year career that so many law enforcement came together for single, unified mission. Repeats others that change has occurred over recent days from peaceful to last night violence.
Harrington says last night saw a change in tone and approach by "riotists," bent on destroying property and hurting people. Says multiple shots fired in both cities. IED were also used to injure State Troopers and others.
Harrington confirms what anyone watching on Twitter (or IRL) saw last night: both public and private property set on fire, destroying businesses and homes.
Harrington said there were 10Ks of rioters out last night.
Harrington: "We are adapting to their tactics." Making more arrests.
Lt. Gen. Jensen of MN National Guard says 24 hours ago had 400 guardsman, reached a peak of 700 soldiers mobilized. While it was largest mobilization in state history, "it was not enough."
Jensen of MN National Guard says by noon there will be 2500 soldiers and airmen here.
Walz: For those who are wondering if we were timid or something happened, even last night was largest and most exhaustive force they had. "Professionalism and tactics were by the book" re: state response.
Walz says he knows calling up the guard will only make things more difficult tonight. Says he expects those bent on destruction to call for more to join their forces. "I'm not trying to make this any lighter. This is going to be very difficult."
Walz says he plans to start releasing ID of some of the leaders causing mayhem and instigating. Best estimate is 20% of demonstrators are Minnesotans and 80% outside.
Harrington says dept is following social posts organizing unrest. Also working with federal partners on is this organized crime, terror? Building info and intel network now, he says.
Walz asked why folks didn't see active presence of law enforcement out last night. Walz says reflection of "sheer numbers."
Frey: "We did not have the numbers early on. This was about math." Says challenge is getting control without inciting more violence.
