Key Highlights
- Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announces investigation into 17 incidents involving potential unlawful behavior by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge.
- Moriarty creates the Transparency and Accountability Project to allow citizens to submit evidence of illegal activity by federal agents.
- The project includes an incident from Greg Bovino, who used a chemical irritant near Mueller Park in Minneapolis on January 21.
- Moriarty states there is still no response from the federal government regarding demands for investigative materials related to killings and shootings involving federal agents.
The Shadow of Operation Metro Surge: Hennepin County’s Investigation into Federal Agents’ Actions
In a move that echoes the concerns of many, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has initiated an investigation into 17 incidents involving potential unlawful behavior by federal agents during Operation Metro Surge. This decision comes in the wake of high-profile incidents and increasing calls for accountability from local communities.
A New Project for Transparency
Moriarty’s latest initiative, the Transparency and Accountability Project (TAP), aims to bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement through a direct submission portal. This project is staffed by county prosecutors and civilian investigators, with the primary goal of uncovering any illegal activity by federal agents.
Incidents Involving Greg Bovino
The case of U.S. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino stands out as a key point in this investigation. On January 21, Bovino’s actions near Mueller Park in Minneapolis garnered significant attention when he deployed a chemical irritant into the crowd.
The incident was captured on video, showing Bovino issuing multiple warnings before tossing a canister and pushing people away from the street.
The chaos that ensued saw plumes of smoke and chemicals filling the air as protesters and observers fled. Some were hit in the face with orange spray, leaving green stains in the snow. This event, among 17 others, will be thoroughly examined by Moriarty’s office to determine if any criminal charges are warranted.
Challenges and Obstacles
The path ahead is fraught with challenges. While local law enforcement lacks access to federal crime scene materials, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty remains optimistic. She has sent Touhy letters demanding investigative materials from several federal agencies in relation to the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Despite setting strict deadlines for responses, there has been no reply so far. This lack of cooperation is a significant obstacle in building a strong case against potentially responsible agents. “We hope that by tomorrow we do get a response from them,” Moriarty said, but warned that if they don’t, it will be seen as another indication of obstruction.
Moriarty also mentioned the potential for suing the federal government to obtain the necessary information, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability. “If I’m the public, if I’m the government, I would want transparency,” she stressed.
Conclusion
The ongoing investigation into Operation Metro Surge actions by federal agents is a testament to the growing demands for better oversight and accountability in law enforcement. As Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty navigates this complex landscape, her work will likely set a precedent for future investigations involving federal agencies.
