Long Her, the owner of New Fashion Tailoring and Alteration in St. Paul, Minnesota, recounted the devastating impact of the 2020 George Floyd riots on his business. He described how rioters destroyed the strip mall where his shop was located, resulting in the loss of $200,000 worth of inventory. Despite trying to contact the police for help, he received no response. Her expressed his frustration with Governor Tim Walz for failing to protect business owners like him during the riots, and urged Walz to understand the suffering of the people in Minnesota. He also highlighted the lack of police presence and increased crime in the twin cities following the riots, emphasizing the need for more law enforcement to ensure safety for businesses and shoppers.
According to Her, it took about two years for his business to financially recover from the damage inflicted during the riots. He mentioned that many customers were scared to go out following the unrest, resulting in a loss of revenue. Her expressed concerns about the safety of business owners and shoppers in the twin cities, particularly due to the presence of homeless individuals and an increase in theft. He emphasized the importance of having a strong police force to protect the community and prevent further incidents of violence or destruction.
Minneapolis has been at the center of the defund the police movement, with the city’s police force experiencing a significant decrease in staffing over the past four years. Her stressed the nonpartisan nature of ensuring public safety and called for more officers to be deployed to the streets to assist citizens. He expressed uncertainty about the potential for future riots or lawlessness like those experienced in 2020 but emphasized the need for preparedness and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring again in the future.
Despite the challenges faced by small business owners in the aftermath of the riots, Her remained hopeful for the future and stressed the importance of community support and resilience. He highlighted the significance of having political leaders who prioritize the protection of citizens and businesses, particularly during times of crisis. Her acknowledged the pain and devastation caused by the events of 2020 but expressed a desire to move forward and ensure that adequate measures are in place to prevent such destructive situations in the future.
As a Hmong immigrant and small business owner, Her’s story sheds light on the struggles faced by individuals who have been impacted by civil unrest and lack of adequate protection from authorities. His calls for stronger law enforcement, community support, and political leadership resonate with many others who have endured similar challenges in the wake of the 2020 riots. By sharing his experience and advocating for change, Her exemplifies the resilience and determination of those who seek to rebuild and create a safer environment for themselves and their communities. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, preparedness, and proactive measures in the face of adversity.
