Gaza Protesters Interrupt St. Paul City Council Meeting

The St. Paul City Council was forced to call a recess Wednesday after protesters supporting a ceasefire in Gaza interrupted the proceedings. The disruption began when protesters spoke at a hearing that was intended to seek public opinion on a grant to the Como Zoo. Instead, the protesters used the opportunity to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The first speaker argued that the ceasefire is a local issue because our tax dollars are being used to fund the Israeli military offensive against Gaza and Lockheed Martin operates in St. Paul. Council President Mitra Jalali interrupted to point out that the speaker was not discussing the zoo grant. The speaker closed by asking the council to propose a ceasefire resolution even if they ultimately vote not to adopt it. She exited to the podium to cheers from the other protesters in the audience and clapping from Council Member Nelsie Yang.

After being told by Council President Jalali that she would be permitted to speak only if she limited her comments to the zoo grant, the second speaker began her comments by stating that she finds Como Zoo depressing and that it looks like a prison. However, she quickly pivoted to the war in the Middle East by stating that “the place I actually think is a prison is what’s going on in Gaza.”

Over Jalali’s attempts to intervene, the speaker admonished the council that “this is a serious issue that you are neglecting.” She pointed out that 1,500 Palestinians have lost their lives since the new city council was inaugurated, local activists have emailed and called city council offices and haven’t received a response, and activists have obtained over 500 signatures on a petition calling for a ceasefire resolution.

Jalali responded that the council would no longer take comments unrelated to the topic at hand, to which the speaker responded, “that says something about you and your ability to do your job.” Jalali replied that “this is our job and we are doing it,” which was met with a retort from a protestor that “no you’re not, you’re ignoring us!”

Jalali attempted to continue the meeting, but was met with chants of, “There is only one solution! Ceasefire resolution!” and “St. Paul Council you can’t hide! Help us stop this genocide!”

After consulting with staff, Jalali announced that the council was in recess.

During the recess, several protesters continued to hold signs in the chamber and have tense exchanges with the council members. The council members slowly left the chambers, until only Yang was left at the council table talking to the few protesters that remained.

Over 40 minutes later, City Council Vice President Hwa Jeong Kim,and Council Members Anika Bowie and Saura Jost came back to join Yang. They remained standing while Kim moved to approve the balance of the agenda. After a 4-0 vote the meeting was adjourned.