3,000 Protesters Seeking Justice Shut Down Mall Of America For Hours

Thousands gathered at the Mall of America to protest police brutality against Afro-Americans and Latinos.

By H. Nelson Goodson

December 20, 2014

Bloomington, Minnesota - More than 3,000 people gathered at the Mall of America (MOA) to disrupt one of the busiest shopping days before Christmas. Part of the Mall of America was shut down for hours after protesters chanted for justice against police brutality and mocked dead bodies of Afro-Americans killed by police.

At least 20 protesters were arrested, according to Black Lives Matter in Minneapolis (BLMM), one of the organizers. BLMM in a press release stated that it was one of their most successful peaceful protests. Some of the organizers say, that they were disappointed that riot police and MOA security locked down some of the doors and exists at the mall. BLMM alleged that most of those arrested were targeted by police as they were leaving peacefully from the mall.

The MOA received $250M in taxpayer funds last year and they wouldn't allow a peaceful protest at the mall.

Two Blue Sombrero Restaurant Bandits Charged

Armed robbery and Instagram posting of loot led to arrest of several teens.

By H. Nelson Goodson

December 3, 2014

Mount Pleasant, WI - On Monday, both Jorge M. Martínez, 17, and José A. Mendoza, 18, were charged each with two felony counts, armed robbery, including party to a crime and 2nd-degree reckless endangering safety, including party to a crime and using a dangerous weapon for the November 22 robbery of José's Blue Sombrero Restaurant at 6430 Washington Ave. A $100,000  cash bail each was set for Martínez and Mendoza.

According to the criminal complaint, both suspects went to the restaurant around 11:49 p.m. and entered the manager's office and stole money from a sage and then fired several shotgun rounds inside. No one was reported injured.

Mendoza then posted a photo on his Instagram account of the loot and an expensive watch. Police then received a tip and arrested both teens for the armed robbery. A backpack with Mendoza's name written on it and other items were left in a roadway near the crime scene. Mendoza's parents recognized the backpack and other items, including a white mask used in the robbery belonging to their son, according to the criminal complaint.

Several shot guns were later recovered from under Martínez's bed, according to police. Martínez told police Mendoza had paid him $100 to hide the weapons.