Recently, a number of individuals outside a hotel in Minnesota, where Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was allegedly staying, were arrested. It turns out some of them had prior criminal records. One person even posted the phrase “obstruction and resistance” on Instagram.
The arrests happened at the SpringHill Suites in Maple Grove on a Monday night. Authorities had to step in after declaring that the protests had shifted from peaceful to an unlawful assembly.
According to the Maple Grove police, they received reports about the protest and quickly found that tensions escalated, leading to property damage and objects being thrown at officers.
Officials indicated that multiple individuals were taken into custody for unlawful assembly after they ignored dispersal orders.
The police noted their commitment to upholding the First Amendment rights of peaceful assembly while also prioritizing safety in the community. However, they clarified that individuals engaging in criminal acts would not be shielded by the First Amendment and could be arrested.
Thirteen people were arrested following the protest outside the hotel. Here are a few details:
Justin Neil Shelton
Justin Neil Shelton was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a legal proceeding. Back in 2007, he had pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated robbery for violently attempting to steal a car from a pregnant woman. He was sentenced to nearly five years in prison, where he expressed remorse for his actions.
Abraham Nelson Coleman
Abraham Nelson Coleman, age 45, faces charges of criminal damage. His criminal history includes multiple theft convictions and property damage offenses since 2003.
Jaylin Marie Rodriguez
At 24, Jaylin Marie Rodriguez was arrested on suspicion of rioting. She’s a first-year student at the University of Minnesota School of Law, with previous experience serving as a coordinator for Latino students.
Rayna Michelle Alston
Rayna Michelle Alston, 21, was also arrested on suspicion of rioting. Active on social media, she’d previously advertised a “nationwide shutdown” on January 30.
Josephine Jay Guilbeault
Josephine Jay Guilbeault, 37, was taken into custody on suspicion of rioting and had previously disrupted a U.S. Senate hearing, accusing senators of complicity in genocide.
Freya Ebbesen
Freya Ebbesen, 23, a nurse, was arrested on similar charges. Her background reflects her educational pursuits in nursing.
Cashmere Hamilton Grunau
Cashmere Hamilton Grunau, a 19-year-old attending Morehouse College, was also arrested on suspicion of rioting.
John Linden Gribble
John Linden Gribble, 40, has a history of DUI convictions and was arrested as well on suspicion of rioting.
Samantha Faye Muchowski
24-year-old Samantha Faye Muchowski now faces charges related to rioting.
Bailey Ray Schlosser
Bailey Ray Schlosser, at 26, was arrested on the same charge.
Sarah Nicole Workman
Finally, Sarah Nicole Workman, 28, was also arrested on suspicion of rioting.
As this situation continues to develop, it certainly raises questions about law enforcement’s handling of protests and the balance of rights in such scenarios.
