Anarchists make threats to burn down Fargo City Hall; mayor activates National Guard for protection

June 4, 2020

FARGO,N.D. (KFGO) – Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney says the North Dakota National Guard will be stationed at City hall Friday.

He says the emergency declaration he issued Saturday night during the downtown riot remains in effect which will allow the national guard to return, as a precaution.

Mahoney says threats have been found on social media, made by anarchists called Antifa, a loose knit group known to create violence during demonstrations.

He says authorities are well aware of the Facebook posts that threaten to burn city hall but it’s not known if it’s credible.

The mayor says Fargo will take the measures needed to protect the city. He says “we will be prepared.”

Mahoney and others had lengthy, positive talks Wednesday with the organizers of Friday afternoon’s peacefull rally at Island Park who also plan a sit-down protest outside city hall. He says talks will continue today with the organizers. Mahoney says “nobody wants to be harmed.”

Meanwhile, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has activated the National Guard to provide protection and security in Moorhead and the surrounding area, based on what he calls, “credible threats” of violence in Fargo that could involve Moorhead.