Minneapolis Doesn’t Need More Chaos—Here’s What It Needs Instead

Accountability Must Apply to the DHS and Citizens Alike

There is a lyric in Hamilton that is haunting right now. A loyalist to the King of England warns, “Chaos and bloodshed are not a solution. Don’t let them lead you astray.” Following the tragic killing of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis by federal law enforcement, words like insurrection, civil war, massacre, and madness are trending on social media. The emotions are raw, the distrust is deep, and any attempt at nuance is often met with anger.

Fear is justified. Anger is understandable. But when emotions are high, clarity is low. As Builders, we must hold fast to something more fundamental than our feelings: the rule of law.

The rule of law is the bedrock of a civilized society. It is the bare minimum standard for government and citizens. As Movement Partner Sharon McMahon posted, “You don’t have to break the law to uphold the law.”

Right now, we are witnessing disregard of constitutional protections by I.C.E., Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security. The 1st Amendment protects peaceful protest. The 2nd Amendment protects the right to bear arms. Due process is not optional. These protections exist for everyone, or they exist for no one.

Citizens must also respect the law. Violence is not protected speech. Assaulting law enforcement is a crime. Threatening death or doxxing families has consequences. These actions cannot be excused by righteous anger.

The antidote to chaos is consistent and rigorous upholding of the law—from elected officials, law enforcement, and citizens alike. We cannot abandon, “innocent until proven guilty.” We cannot make determinations without facts, investigations, and accountability. Justice demands it.

A recent poll by CBS found 59% support for deporting illegal aliens, though approval for the handling of these deportations was significantly lower at 37%. That gap tells the story: Americans want secure borders and lawful process. When enforcement runs afoul of immigration law and basic human rights, we all lose. The Minnesota tragedy highlights what happens when any level of government abandons the rule of law. 

When we adopt a “if you can’t join them, beat them” approach, we get exactly what the loyalist in Hamilton warned against: chaos and bloodshed. The irony of that lyric is that Hamilton pushed back against the farmer calling for revolution, but if you think America has descended into tyranny that calls for violent revolution, talk to someone in Iran. 

Being a Builder isn’t just about finding common ground. It is about holding fast to common law, common decency, and constitutional rights. 

 —Stacy Blakeley, Executive Director