Activists from the violent Black Lives Matter movement took advantage of the world-wide stage presented by Super Bowl LII on Sunday to draw attention to their cause, trying their best to disrupt the orderly flow of the event.
The protesters, clad in attire emblazoned with the message, “You can’t play with Black Lives,” took to the streets in solidarity with millionaire NFL players who’ve disrespected the national anthem over the course of the season and to protest a decision by the City of Minneapolis to restrict public transit to those with a Super Bowl ticket — for the record, no players took a knee before Sunday’s game.
Nearing Minneapolis City Hall #kneelstandfightsb52 #SuperBowl2018 #SB52 pic.twitter.com/QprbEeTbJs
— ???????????????????????????? (@smilyus) February 4, 2018
The radicals formed a human chain to block the METRO Green Line tracks near U.S. Bank Stadium, where the big game was played.
About 100 protesters are blocking east and westbound light rail greenline at West Bank station. Chanting, “If you shut us out, we shut you down.” pic.twitter.com/5FCz7uOWAr
— bengarvin (@bengarvin) February 4, 2018
Some of the activists went so far as to lock themselves to the railings… in single digit temperatures.
We are locked in #SBLIIBlackout #StopPlayingStartPaying pic.twitter.com/oMxMlqJ5zx
— Black Visions Collective (@BlackLivesMpls) February 4, 2018
ABC affiliate KSTP reported that “about 30 activists walked onto the city’s Green Line at the West Bank stop shortly after 2 p.m. Sunday, stopping trains in both directions.”
#BlackLivesMatter protesters shutting down light rail traffic to #SuperBowl2018 right now pic.twitter.com/rFysRySpWV
— bengarvin (@bengarvin) February 4, 2018
A Twitter account claiming to represent the movement took to social media to boast of its success.
“Our chapter in Minneapolis has shut down the green line light rail to highlight the dark side of the Super Bowl as endangers community members and makes the city less accessible. Only Super Bowl ticket holders have access to the light rail so the team SHUT IT DOWN,” the tweet read.
They even tried to block entry gates to US Bank Stadium.
Protesters trying to block stadium entry number three outside US Bank Stadium #SuperBowl2018 pic.twitter.com/iCrlKRUxCT
— bengarvin (@bengarvin) February 4, 2018
Metro Transit Police Chief John Harrington told reporters that about 17 arrests had been made by 4:15, according to KSTP-TV.
The entire production appeared to be well-scripted, with precise choreography:
Police moved in and protesters immediately melted away except for a select few who seem prepared to be arrested. They seem well organized. pic.twitter.com/bVYOV0azRJ
— bengarvin (@bengarvin) February 4, 2018
I’ve counted 15 people that have been escorted away. Looks like they are putting them on this bus. @KSTP pic.twitter.com/BfQZCkK4L2
— Kirsten Swanson (@KirstenKSTP) February 4, 2018
The Black Lives Matters protesters were joined by an assortment of liberal activists representing a wide range of social justice “causes,” all looking to make a nuisance of themselves during the festive atmosphere.
#TakeAKnee #SuperBowlSunday #kneelstandfightsb52 pic.twitter.com/DztPAnUqra
— ???????????????????????????? (@smilyus) February 4, 2018
Hundreds and hundreds of marchers head towards U.S. Bank Stadium ahead of #SuperBowl2018 pic.twitter.com/CT8UawBeyc
— bengarvin (@bengarvin) February 4, 2018
Via BizPAC
