ST. PAUL, Minn. — Events at the Minnesota State Capitol became a reminder for some supporters of President Donald Trump of the violence they have encountered at the hands of Antifa protesters.
Throughout the Spring and Summer, protesters identified as Antifa have sought to disrupt or shut down rallies celebrating conservative causes and the presidency of Trump. In the process, Trump supporters, who the Antifa calls Nazis and fascists, have become the victims of physical and verbal attacks. As reported by Alpha News, throughout various events, Trump supporters and others have been maced, tasered, and beaten with objects or fists.
St. Paul and Ramsey County authorities have only announced charges regarding one of three pro-Trump rallies where people have been attacked. However, the process has remained a slow one.
It took Ramsey County attorney John Choi and St. Paul City Attorney Sam Clark months to announce charges for the March 4 Trump rally. At the end of May, Alpha News reported the charges of nine individuals, including Linwood “Woody” Kaine – the son of former vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA).
Trials for the accused have taken even longer with only one of the nine pleading guilty. Seven others are still subject to the legal process, while Anton Bueckert, a Canadian national, has seemingly fled the country.
Francis Thomas Sagermerek, 29, pled guilty in August to third degree riot, a gross misdemeanor, Alpha News reports. Sagermerek, who was expected to appear in court Thursday morning before Ramsey County District Judge Richard H. Kyle was not present in court.
As several victims of Sagermerek and the other eight sat in the courtroom, his attorney explained that he received a faxed letter from a nearby hospital late Wednesday evening stating his client was a patient.
Before Judge Kyle, the attorney explained Sagermerek had been checked into the hospital on October 2 for mental health reasons and asked for a continuance until his client had been evaluated and given the appropriate medications.
Judge Kyle granted the attorney’s request while denying St. Paul Assistant City Attorney Hassan Taheri’s request for an arrest warrant. Kyle also mentioned Sagermerek had been involved in a few bumps, but had not received a request to revoke his conditional release.
While the remaining accused, are scheduled to appear in court on October 11 and October 16, Sagermerek’s sentencing was postponed until November 9.
Preya Samsundar
Preya Samsundar was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. She graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities this Spring with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Strategic Communications. Preya has previously worked on several State Campaign Races.
