DULUTH, MN (Northern News Now) – A Pro-Palestine march of about 30 people through downtown Duluth on Wednesday ended with encampments being set up in two areas of the city.
The Duluth activists joined a nationwide movement protesting the war in Gaza and set up tents in the Priley Circle area near City Hall and the Rose Garden at Leif Erickson Park.
Those taking part in the encampments say they’ll be staying there indefinitely and welcome others from the community to join them as they send a message to the city and state.
Rachel Steinberg, the encampment media spokesperson, says it is a local issue since our tax money is going into the genocide that is happening in Palestine.
Participants said the quick march was to catch the public’s attention and the encampments show they are in it for the long haul.
In a statement released Wednesday night, Duluth Police say they are monitoring the situation. Since the demonstrations remain peaceful and are a respectful expression of the group’s first amendment rights, there is no concern at this time for public safety.
UPDATE
Duluth Police issued a new statement regarding the encampments in Duluth on Thursday morning:
“The City of Duluth respects the rights of persons to lawfully and peacefully exercise their Constitutional rights. As a reminder, city parks are closed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Further, camping, setting up any tent, or making use of any sleeping equipment at any time of day or night in city parks is prohibited. Individuals who are found in the parks during prohibited hours, engaging in camping, placing tents, or engaging in other prohibited conduct will be cited or directed to leave. Individuals who persist in unlawful behavior after being cited may be subject to removal.”
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