On Sept. 13, 1971, the New York State Police retook Attica Prison after a four-day takeover by inmates. Thirty-nine inmates and hostages were killed in the operation, all victims of police bullets, some fired from close range.
STILL IMAGE FROM THE DOCUMENTARY “WILLIAM KUNTSLER: DISTURBING THE UNIVERSE”, POV ON PBS
On this, the 50th anniversary of the Attica Prison protests/uprising for human rights, we highlight that the April 23, 2021, Mellon Sawyer UC-Davis “Abolitionism and Communism” panel included urgent requests from community activists in the chat requesting support and donations to legal defense/commissaries for protesters arrested in Minneapolis in the wake of George Floyd’s execution by police. Although former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted, government, DAs, police continue highly punitive and draconian repression against protesters across the country. Please read and respond to requests from targeted activists.
Please support initiatives for amnesty and protections for protesters. We ask that those with full employment and benefits consider donating/tithing a percentage of their speaker/book fees on “abolitionism” to the bail funds or commissaries of incarcerated activists.
We note the tragic loss of Oscar Stewart Jr. in the pawn shop fire, however, we maintain that all defendants receive a credible defense and support.
Here is the link to the full statement with all photos. Below is a slightly edited version for photo content. —BIUs
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Minnesota Uprising Arrestee Support
- About MUAS
- Drop the Charges
- Who Are The Arrestees
- For Arrestees
- Events
- Accountability Statement
- Contact
Who Are The Arrestees
In the aftermath of the callous murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police, millions of people across the world took to the street. They did this not just for George Floyd, but for what his death stirred in everyone who had faced or seen systemic racism, police brutality, or abuse by the status quo; those who knew we could do better. The people were diverse, as were their actions and their visions for the future. Diverse, but united in a belief that the system of policing as it stands is not only failing to meet the needs of the people it purports to serve, but is actively harming them.
Government forces responded with overwhelming force and psychological warfare both brutalizing people in the streets and fear mongering about outsiders bent on harm. When oppression and repression surrounds you there are many fronts on which to struggle. We are meeting each and learning each other’s stories and hope to share them with you.
On May 31st Jaleel was protesting in South Minneapolis when a white unmarked van started shooting at protestors. He and many other protesters ran for cover. Police followed in a marked vehicle and arrested Jaleel and other protesters, claiming that they had been fired at. Jaleel is charged with several serious felonies.
In the process of his arrest, that he did not resist, the police beat him so badly they had to take him to the hospital. He is suffering now from a broken occipital bone (eye socket) and a scratch to his eye. He may have other head trauma that is unknown but due to his current incarceration, he cannot have his medical status checked out further.
As an African American woman, Amina needs our help to keep from falling victim to these outrageous charges from a racist system. Amina was detained for two days in Hennepin County Jail and was exposed to the Coronavirus. Because of this, she had to quarantine, which made it that much more difficult for her to maintain the income she so desperately needs to afford an attorney.
Amina was on the highway on November 4th to demand police accountability for violence against black and brown bodies. Amina wants to see an end to racism in policing and was there on behalf of others who were treated unjustly, and has now become a victim of the very thing she was protesting. Please help her. She, along with the other protestors, wanted to disperse, they wanted to leave and were not allowed to. The charges against this 19 year old woman with no priors are absurd. Help Amina get the legal help necessary to fight these unjust and unreasonable charges.
Check out Amina’s Go Fund Me here
Montez Lee
Help Montez out by contributing to his fundraiser for commissary money now and help reestablishing his life when he is eventually released (date unknown): https://fundrazr.com/freemontez
Montez is facing attempted arson charges and is in federal custody. Please write him letters and/or send him books.
Montez Lee
Sherburne County Jail
13880 Business Center Dr. NW
Suite 200
Elk River, MN 55330-1692
Books must be new, soft cover and from a publisher/vendor only. Books received from any other source will be considered contraband and will be placed in the inmate’s property. Coloring and puzzle books are not allowed.
From Montez:
My name is Montez Lee. I am a 25 year old African American male from Rochester, MN. I am a father to two kids. I am being charged by the federal government on the charges of 1st degree arson. On May 28th, I decided to go to Minneapolis and protest with my community. I have faced injustices from local police departments myself and have been subjected to racism. I wanted to be a part of something bigger. I wanted to show my kids and peers that you fight for what you believe in. I’m sick of seeing people of color murdered by the same people sworn to serve and protect. I’m tired of people turning a blind eye to what’s going on in this country. I am accused of burning down max it pawn on lake street. I did not burn that building nor did I loot or take anything that didn’t belong to me. I went to make my voice heard and my presence known. I am currently being held at the Washington county jail. Though I’ve been here for months fighting this case, I will not let it break my spirit or make me forget my principles. I stand with my community and my people. Until there is change and we are treated as equals, we will fight. No justice means no peace.
Matthew White
My name is Matthew White, I am 32 years old and a father of 4 boys. I am an enrolled member of a MN Chippewa tribe and was born and raised in the St. Paul Midway. I am not an out of town white man who come to destroy ethnic neighborhoods as the media has been portrayed me to be.
Upon my federal arrest for arson in the wake of the George Floyd protests I was a union carpenter. Previous to that I was a resident manager at the Salvation Army Treatment Center a position I obtained after completing the program myself, this is where I met George Floyd while doing community outreach. During my time at the Salvation Army I got interested and involved in advocating for others. In my free time I dabbled in art and am a graffiti artist.
I headed out that day with the intention of adding my voice to hundreds of others to call for change and spread a little loving artwork for George and now I am facing up to 20 years in federal prison and because of my past record I will realistically be sentenced to 10 years. My oldest children most likely will be adults or pretty near by the time I am released.
Any support and correspondence is much loved and appreciated. I have sentencing in March and am hoping to gather as large of crowd as I can for support in the courtroom.
Thank you all.
Please write him letters and/or send him books.
Matthew White
Sherburne County Jail
13880 Business Center Dr. NW
Suite 200
Elk River, MN 55330-1692
Books must be new, soft cover and from a publisher/vendor only. Books received from any other source will be considered contraband and will be placed in the inmate’s property. Coloring and puzzle books are not allowed.
Brianna Thomas
First off the officers were extremely disrespectful to the trans people out there with one in particular saying “what do you identify as today, tomorrow, yesterday?” When asked why he was being an ass he replied “I’m just trying to be politically correct.” That is how the officers who WORK FOR US treat it’s citizens. Their giddiness throughout the entire ordeal, especially upon booking us, was sickening. They acted as if they had just got rapists and murderers off of the streets when they simply arrested protesters while actual crime was being committed throughout the city.
Officers inside the facility are equally as evil with their “I’m in charge” attitude. The biggest disturbance to me was the “Blue Lives Matter” flag in the garage facility upon entering. That really solidified the idea that they in fact do have the “us vs them” mentality, which is very disturbing considering a blue life doesn’t exist and that basic fact alone really made me question their competence level. Once again YOU OFFICERS WHO SWORE TO PROTECT US NEED TO DO YOUR JOB and leave the “I’m in charge I call the shots” attitude at home. If you don’t like the job then LEAVE!
Matthew Rupert
Matthew Rupert grew up in Galesburg Illinois with his loving parents Linda and Michael, his oldest sister Kristy, Middle sister Kari, youngest sister Karen, and brother Christopher. His father became sick when Matthew was young. Michael had several medical conditions including bipolar disorder, manic depression, and had suffered several strokes. He passed away December 6, 2012 leaving Linda a widow.
Matthew’s mother was a CNA and is now on disability due to medical conditions, she had a full knee replacement, and major surgery on her back due to a pinched nerve. Matthew has been financially and physically supporting his mother.
Matthew worked at Raffs Powerwash and worked at his sister’s bar doing inventory. Matthew paid bills for his mother monthly. Their family home caught fire this year and he relocated his mother into a new home. Matthew and his partner have been engaged for 2 years and planned to get married very soon, they have been together for 3 years. Matthew is a great father figure to his partner’s 2 children Kamille and Isiaha. They look up to Matthew and he sets a great example. Matthew’s father Michael taught him to stand for what he believes in and Matthew talks very highly of him.
Matthew has several African-American friends. Tyler smith was murdered in his hometown by police and no one was arrested, Matthew went to protest over Police killings, not to “riot” and loot! Matthew is facing 9-11 years in prison, which is well above the statutory presumption.
You can write him letters and/or send him books at:
Matthew Rupert
Sherburne County Jail
13880 Business Center Dr. NW
Suite 200
Elk River, MN 55330-1692
Books must be new, soft cover and from a publisher/vendor only. Books received from any other source will be considered contraband and will be placed in the inmate’s property. Coloring and puzzle books are not allowed.
Dylan Robinson is being charged with the federal crimes of aiding and abetting arson at the 3rd precinct during the George Floyd uprising in Minneapolis.
Friends of Dylan know him as a very kind-hearted and loving guy.