Minnesota Republicans’ annual Lincoln-Reagan Dinner in Eagan was briefly interrupted Friday when activists disrupted the event while House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth was speaking.
The dinner, held in Dakota County, drew Senate candidate Michelle Tafoya, Demuth, and former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who spoke at the event.
According to KSTP reporter Lindsey Brown, a source told her the protesters gained entry despite the presence of off-duty police and private security by purchasing tickets that cost between $200 and $250 each.
One demonstrator carried a banner reading “RepubliKKKan Party” and reached the podium while Demuth was speaking. Security moved to remove her and a male activist, and the woman could be heard screaming as she was escorted out.
Eagan police said officers told eight people to leave the event. It was not immediately clear whether any criminal charges would be pursued.
Minnesota GOP Chair Alex Plechash issued a statement Saturday condemning the protesters for directing what he called “a symbol of racial terror” at Demuth, who would be the first Black person nominated by a major party for Minnesota governor.
“[Such symbols] still have no place anywhere, least of all aimed at a Black woman seeking the highest office in our state,” Plechash said.
Minnesota House GOP Leader Harry Niska also criticized the incident.
“This kind of action is despicable, and it’s turning into a pattern of hateful rhetoric and disruption from extreme far-left Democrats,” Niska said.
No injuries were reported, and organizers said the dinner continued after the brief disruption.
