On Wednesday, Senator Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) presented legislation in the Senate’s State Government and Finance Committee that would restore and repatriate the Christopher Columbus statue to the Capitol grounds. The statue was torn down on June 10during a wave of unrest across the Twin Cities. “Rioters do not dictate the policies of our state, nor do their opinions and beliefs represent the views of every Minnesotan,” Senator Ingebrigtsen said.

“This is public property, and it belongs to everyone. Minnesota has clear procedures that everyone in this state needs to abide by, whether you’re on the right or the left. This legislation sends a message to those who want to do damage and cause harm that we’re not going to stand for that, and we’re not going to allow mob rule.”