Plymouth Lawmakers Recount Experiences of June 14 Shootings
At this week’s Plymouth City Council meeting, local members of the Minnesota Legislature planned to update council members on this year’s legislative session.
However, that routine update turned into anything but.
“My primary focus for being here this evening is to really talk to the council and to express my profound gratitude to our public safety director, Erik Fadden, and to our entire Plymouth Police Department,” said Rep. Ginny Klevorn, DFL-Plymouth.
When word spread that lawmakers were under attack, Plymouth police sprang into action to ensure the safety of the local delegation.
Tuesday night, those legislators wanted to publicly acknowledge their work at the council meeting.
“To Chief Fadden, your voice is ever in my head,” said Klevorn. “What was evident to me throughout the capture of this alleged gunman and murderer is how well-prepared, professional, and genuinely kind our officers are to show up and protect and to serve under these chaotic and most unpredictable circumstances.”
DFL Representative Ned Carroll was also present at Tuesday’s meeting. He told the council that he was out of town on June 14, but police escorted his wife to safety in his absence.
“It is very traumatic. It is still traumatic, and it will be traumatic,” Carroll said, addressing Chief Fadden. “And I’ve shed a lot of tears. We’ve all shed a lot of tears, and we owe you a debt of gratitude as well as your fellow officers.”
Plymouth Public Safety Director Erik Fadden provided protection for Plymouth lawmakers on June 14.
DFL Senator Bonnie Westlin also appeared at the meeting. She told the council that she had slept through the night.
“While I was sleeping, Chief Fadden and our wonderful police department were at my house and they were making sure I was safe,” said Westlin. “When I woke up, they made sure I got the information that I needed, to be in that moment, and make some decisions about where I needed to go and where I needed to be.”It was a coordinated effort by law enforcement to provide some calm on a day filled with chaos and fear.
“You stayed in communication and I really, really appreciate that, and so does my wife,” said Carroll.
“We were all kept safe, and I just want you to know how much I appreciate that,” said Westlin.
“The incredible kindness that was shown to me and to our delegation will never leave me,” said Klevorn.
Related: Melissa Hortman Assassination Coverage
