Remarks delivered on the Vermont Senate floor on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
I stand today to speak out about what is happening in Minneapolis, a city that might feel far from Vermont but is personally close for me. I lived in Minneapolis for two years, and my daughter lived in Minnesota for five years. I have close family, including my brother and sister-in-law, and many friends who live in Minnesota. Vermont shares a lot with Minnesota—long winters, for sure, but more importantly a commitment to community, empathy for our neighbors, and a belief in the ability of government to help improve people’s lives.
Alas, this winter we have seen our federal government work to destroy people’s lives and communities in Minnesota. Under false pretenses, the federal administration has waged a war against Minnesota residents in the name of retribution, causing fear, violence, disinformation, and turmoil across the state. They have kidnapped black and brown Minnesotans without due cause or process, breaking into homes without warrants and leaving their cars running in the streets. Most prominently, we have witnessed federal agents murder two Minnesotans who showed up for their communities. We have then watched politicians assassinate the characters of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in a futile attempt to excuse the unprovoked, illegal violence carried out by masked marauders wearing badges.
As elected officials, we dedicate our time to serve our community, work hard to improve our state, and help establish the laws that keep Vermonters safe. Our positions also come with the responsibility to speak out publicly on matters that we cannot directly legislate. So when an authoritarian federal government has murdered, kidnapped, and terrorized the residents of another state, including abducting children, and denying medical care to prisoners, including pregnant women, staying silent in the face of these atrocities is not acceptable.
Thus, I am speaking up to say that Vermonters stand with Minnesotans in the face of this federal terrorism. To the People of Minnesota, I admire your courage, your incredible grassroots organizing, and your commitment to democracy and community. And I stand with people in other states, from Maine to California, who are facing similar acts of federal aggression and violence. Together, we are stronger than the hate and cruelty being directed their way, and I feel confident that we will prevail through our shared commitment to justice, truth, community, and democracy.
I invite you to join me in supporting Minnesota – talk with me if you would like recommendations for avenues to provide direct support. Thank you.
For resources on how to help Minnesotans from afar see https://www.standwithminnesota.com/
Ruth for Vermont 