It’s been exactly a week since George Floyd was murdered on a Minneapolis street. His death has sparked a powder keg of pent up frustrations and emotions all across this country. A faltering economy + COVID-19 + extreme political divisiveness + racial inequality + police corruption = the perfect storm. 

After having a front-row seat to the peaceful protests, violent riots, and everything in between this past week I’ve learned a few things. There are clearly outside influences that will stop at nothing to insure they reap chaos and keep Americans divided as a people. Local law enforcement has reported that approximately eighty percent of people being arrested for arson, looting, and inciting violence are from out-of-state (this was later proven to be an exaggeration). 

We’ve witnessed a cycle of peaceful protests and the Twin Cities community coming out and supporting one another during the day and outside agitators from various groups (Bugaloo Bois, KKK, Antifa, etc.) joining in to try to ramp up the violence and destruction at night. 

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Social media continues to prove that it’s a double-edged sword. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter allow the extremist groups to efficiently recruit and organize but they also serve as an effective tool for peaceful community members to spread the news of these groups’ tactics. 

## Agent Provocateur Tactics ##

Members of these extremist groups are removing the license plates on their vehicles so they can’t be identified by police. This normally warrants an instant traffic stop but police are consumed with more important things in the midst of riots. 

Many of these plateless vehicles have been found to be carrying around cans of gasoline or kerosine in their trunks. Occupants have simply been ditching the vehicles and fleeing on foot if they’re stopped by police or confronted by groups of citizens questioning them. 

It’s reported that these groups are sending members to any city in the country that protests are happening in so it’s a good idea for all of us to be vigilant and aware. They destroy, move on, then leave the community to clean up the carnage.

# What You Can Do To Protect Your Community ##
Don't allow yourselves to be used by groups who don't have the best interest of you or your community in mind. Their goal has been to simply to incite violence and destruction amongst the locals. If you see a car in your community without license plates take a picture if you can and call the local police to report the make/model of their vehicle. This simple act might help to prevent destruction of property and/or death and injury of someone in your community. 

Also, the pattern in the Twin Cities has been that a majority of the violence happens after the sun goes down so if protests are happening in your city feel free to join during the day but during the evening it’s best to stay indoors. 

## There Is A Bright Side ##
People are becoming much more aware and better informed and aren't allowing themselves to become puppets of the agent provocateurs. Our community is cohesive and strong. The Twin Cities’ community continues to greatly support one another during this time of tragedy. 

My wife and I participated in one of the community’s many food drives yesterday and witnessed people of all races and backgrounds working together. We shot this footage of a peaceful protest on highway 94 on our way home last night.  

As you're watching the carnage on the nightly news please remind yourselves that things aren't always as they seem. There are many groups who are competing for not only our attention but our hearts and minds as well. It's very important to not allow yourself to be manipulated, to stay as informed as possible, and make smart and conscious choices. 

The Twin Cities' community is very strong.  Now is a time to rebuild, to heal, and to try to fix a system long-broken. 


https://youtu.be/sLUiutkAAlY
 


Stay safe and vigilant. 

With Gratitude, 














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*I am an American novelist, poet, traveler, and crypto-enthusiast. If you’ve enjoyed my work please sign up for my author newsletter at [my website.](http://www.ericvancewalton.net) Newsletter subscribers will receive exclusive updates and special offers and your information will never be sold or shared. 

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