Protesters interrupted the Minnesota Republican Party’s Lincoln Reagan Dinner in Eagan on Friday, including during remarks by state House Speaker and Republican gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth. Demonstrators displayed a sign spelling “RepubliKKKan Party,” with the KKK letters emphasized, according to the source report.
Minnesota GOP Chairman Alex Plechash condemned the demonstration, saying it targeted Demuth, who is Black, with a symbol associated with racial terror. The Sunrise Movement Twin Cities, a progressive activist group, claimed responsibility and said it was protesting Republican policies it views as harmful to immigrants and marginalized communities. The group also said it was not affiliated with the state Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
The source report said video showed protesters moving toward the front of the room with signs. One demonstrator shouted at Demuth, and attendees chanted her name and “USA” as security escorted the protesters out. Plechash said demonstrators had entered by purchasing tickets and passing through security. He described two interruptions during the dinner, one during remarks by Senate candidate Michele Tafoya and another during Demuth’s speech. He estimated the latter lasted about 30 seconds and said he did not believe protesters posed a physical threat.
Plechash said Eagan police issued trespass orders and that potential charges remained under investigation. His criticism also extended to Minnesota Democrats, whom he faulted for not responding to the incident.
The source reported that Demuth won the Republican gubernatorial primary in August and was scheduled to face Democratic nominee Amy Klobuchar in November. The event and allegations are described through statements and reporting cited by the source; the available material does not establish whether any charges were ultimately filed.
