Minnesota State Patrol uses long range acoustic device, first used by military, to disperse Maple Grove protesters

[sl8]

https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-state-patrol-long-range-acoustic-device/

Minnesota State Patrol uses long range acoustic device, first used by military, to disperse Maple Grove protesters

By Derek James
January 27, 2026 / 5:42 PM CST / CBS Minnesota

Dozens of protesters were detained Monday night after making a lot of noise outside a hotel where they believed the Border Patrol commander was staying.

Something troopers threatened to use to clear the crowd made a lot of ears perk up. It's called a "long range acoustic device," or LRAD.

Minnesota State Patrol troopers used a powerful sound system first used by the military in Maple Grove, Minnesota, to communicate and disperse noisy protesters.

[...]

Police say they arrested 26 people for unlawful assembly and misdemeanor riot charges.

[Lonestarblue]

1. Why are Minnesota State Patrol cooperating with ICE to disperse protesters?

People have a right to protest without being attacked.

[sl8]

2. Blurb from Maple Grove PD about why they deemed the protest not peaceful:

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1314613007370960&set=a.244681351030803

City of Maple Grove Police Department PRESS RELEASE

Contact information:
Maple Grove Police Department
Commander Jon Wetternach
763-494-6199
[e-mail]

Release date:
January 26, 2026

Maple Grove Police respond to protest at hotel
(Maple Grove, MN) - On January 26, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the Maple Grove Police Department responded to reports of a protest at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, located in the 11600 block of Arbor Lakes Parkway in Maple Grove.

The Maple Grove Police Department respects and upholds the First Amendment rights of individuals to peacefully assemble and express their views. Our priority remains the safety and security of all residents, visitors, and property within our community.

During the event, the situation escalated when individuals in the crowd engaged in unlawful behavior. Property damage occurred, and objects were thrown at officers. At that point, the activity was no longer considered peaceful. Individuals participating in criminal acts are not protected under the First Amendment and were subject to arrest.

To prevent further criminal conduct and maintain safety, a dispersal order was issued. Those who failed to comply with lawful orders or committed crimes were arrested. The Maple Grove Police Department will not tolerate illegal conduct. Several individuals were taken into custody. As of approximately 10:00 p.m., the crowd has dispersed, and officers are monitoring activity in the area.

The Maple Grove Police Department works in close partnership with local, county, and state law enforcement agencies to maintain a safe environment for everyone. The Maple Grove Police Department would like to thank the Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, and Hennepin Public Order Group for their assistance. Further information will be provided as it becomes available..

[bluestarone]

3. Well isn't this great? If true this is

BULLSHIT!! Bigtime BULLSHIT!!

[AZJonnie]

4. People should read the whole article so as not to get the wrong idea about what happened in this case

It ain't great, but it's not quite what one might glean from the limited excerpt.

Just saying

[bluestarone]

5. You see, here's my problem.

Where were these police when Minnesotans were being pepper sprayed and murdered?

[yaesu]

6. I don't want to see any law enforcement cooperating with the Nazi mercenaries for any reason

The state police lost all credibility, protect we the people or your a Nazi, it's that simple.

[2naSalit]

7. I'm against use of...

Military grade weapons used on civilians, US citizens in their own country.