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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsUPDATE: Driver of tanker truck that drove through crowd of protesters on the I-35W bridge identified
It is unclear if any demonstrator was hit.
Protesters then began to approach to get into the semi.
Unconfirmed reports the driver was dragged from the truck, beaten and some attempted to throw him over the bridge.
Had been a peaceful march, probably 10k people.
Truck drove towards the crowd doing probably 40 mph. Freeway was supposed to be closed. It has not been determined how he got to that point.
Police disbursing crowd with gas and flashbangs
Link to coverage and possible video https://kstp.com/news/marchers-on-the-move-after-peaceful-justice-for-george-floyd-rally-at-capitol-in-st-paul/5747223/?cat=1
Authorities have identified a truck driver who was arrested after he drove through a crowd protesting on I-35W in Minneapolis as Bogdan Vechirko.
Vechirko has been booked in the Hennepin County Jail.
rockfordfile
(8,682 posts)LisaL
(44,962 posts)The question is, why are the people protesting on a highway.
And no doubt working, probably with a deadline.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,268 posts)and probably had to go around barriers. According to an eyewitness he was leaning on his horn, driving fast and went right into the crowd on the bridge.
pecosbob
(7,502 posts)Okay...
sarisataka
(18,202 posts)because of the protest. This occurred at least 45 minutes later.
The protest was given at least tacit permission to march on the interstate
LisaL
(44,962 posts)I don't know if the truck got on the freeway on purpose.
sarisataka
(18,202 posts)I do not know how they were related to the march or if they were media
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,268 posts)said he was among the protesters who pulled the driver out of the cab and helped get him to police, who arrested him. According to this guy, the driver said he was intending to intimidate the crowd but was not trying to hurt anyone. Ch. 11 is trying to confirm the story.
mnmoderatedem
(3,706 posts)I'm in Mpls, have seen the footage repeatedly on local TV. The tanker truck was barreling down the interstate, at first it looked like he was hellbent on plowing into protesters, then near the last minute, sort of looked like he thought the better of it and let up, and came to a standstill. Then protesters who had scattered in panic regrouped and converged on the driver's cab. Unclear what happened after that, but a bizarre and scary moment.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,145 posts)mshasta
(2,108 posts)Answer
sarisataka
(18,202 posts)and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries
mnmoderatedem
(3,706 posts)The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,268 posts)as people climbed onto the cab, then the truck sped up again with people on the hood.
sarisataka
(18,202 posts)Sapient Donkey
(1,568 posts)protesters who likely would have hurt him really bad if they were not there. I hope he apologizes and then thanks those dudes (who he could have killed himself) that likely saved his life.
Link to tweet
sarisataka
(18,202 posts)and even Minneapolis PD tweeted about those who prevented violence here and at other protests.
I recognized a couple of them as organizers I have had some contact with- they are very good people and are dedicated to both justice and peace