Business Owner Reflects on 2020 Riots in Minnesota
ST. PAUL, Minn. – A local entrepreneur in Minnesota expressed deep frustration regarding the lack of protection for business operators during the tumultuous events that followed George Floyd’s death in 2020, emphasizing the failure of officials led by Governor Tim Walz.
Devastation Witnessed Firsthand
“When the protestors initially arrived, they caused significant damage to a strip mall adjacent to my store while I was inside,” recounted Long Her, owner of New Fashion Tailoring and Alteration in St. Paul, when speaking with Fox News Digital. He added, “I documented everything on video as my friend and I decided to stay until nightfall; however, we ultimately chose to leave because it became too perilous.”
The Hmong immigrant recalled feeling a sense of fear about his business’s future as he returned home that night—hoping that violence would remain limited across the street.
Confronting Reality the Next Day
Upon returning early the following morning to inspect his business—a place he had proudly operated for several decades—Her confronted his worst nightmare: his establishment had been completely vandalized.
“When I walked in and saw my shop destroyed, I was overwhelmed,” he revealed through translator May Lor Xiong, who is also a Republican congressional candidate for Minnesota’s 4th District.
The Assault on His Business
Her shared how attackers forcefully breached his fortified entrance and absconded with inventory valued at an estimated $200,000. ”They dismantled my front door using metal tools before taking everything inside — clothing and merchandise alike,” he explained.
Lack of Support from Authorities
He reached out multiple times to local law enforcement but received no assistance during this critical time. Addressing Governor Walz’s delayed decision making concerning invoking National Guard support amid escalating violence, Her expressed hopes for Walz’s growth should he aspire toward national leadership roles.
A Call for Accountability
“If he secures a vice presidency position,” Her asserted emphatically, “he must develop a greater empathy towards residents especially amid destruction like this when under his governance.” He emphasized that understanding constituents’ struggles should be paramount regardless of one’s political affiliation.
The Ongoing Impact of Unrest
Citizens have noted lingering effects from unrest in Minneapolis and St. Paul which inflicted damage amounting to hundreds of millions while Her mentioned it took him two years to recuperate financially post-riots.
(According to certain financial reports released earlier this year.)
“It required nearly two years for me just to stabilize,” said Her as reflections crossed back over economic hardships faced by many small businesses throughout uncertainties stemming from pandemic-related restrictions combined with civil disruption issues.
Safety Concerns Emerge Post-Riot Era
“Before 2020 safety wasn’t an acute concern among businesspeople downtown but changes dealing with clientele preferences or happenings post-pandemic have driven stealing incidents upward.”
“The presence homeless individuals has increased dramatically here leading both vendors & buyers enduring stressful environments requiring more law enforcement measures.”
- Long Her – Economic Stability Advocate
As reported by CBS News earlier this year on policing shortages across Minneapolis….
This year’s figures revealed deficiencies with officers dropping dramatically past four years numbering downwards nearing engage disadvantage approaching dangerous situations across communities beyond simply affecting marginalized sections yet all people deserved reassurance within streets long delivered typical services regular citizens count ought yearly optimization necessitates reposition experience proper twist focusing reassessing roles upkeep adhering general public standpoint come usual settings regularly observed subsequently erect signaled needing drastic alterations guide sensitive discussing representatives all take part forthcoming Congressional sessions.
