Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria), issued the following statement responding to Tuesday’s protest blocking the LRT Blue Line at Fort Snelling which denied commuters access to the MSP Airport:

“Less than two days ago Governor Mark Dayton vetoed important legislation that would have increased penalties for those who jeopardized Minnesotans public safety by blocking access to highways, airports, and public transit. His actions allow, if not encourage, this unsafe and criminal behavior to continue with little to no consequence. Today’s protest is just another example of how the current penalty does not do enough to discourage activists from taking part in these highly dangerous activities. While I respect people’s right to protest and encourage Minnesotans to exercise their first amendment rights, our state has already determined that these methods and locations are not the proper platforms. So far, we have been lucky that there have not been larger consequences from these criminal behaviors. Unfortunately, when the day comes, that someone can’t get to the hospital on time or put their foot on the brakes fast enough, we will know who will solely carry the blame.”