5 Face Riot Charges After NYE Street Violence In Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Five people face charges of second-degree riot - armed with a dangerous weapon after street violence broke out on New Year’s Eve in downtown Minneapolis. Those charged were:

• Jordan Abhold, 26, of Minneapolis
• Nelson Mendez, 31, of Minneapolis
• Thomas Moseley, 29, of Blaine
• Marc Holley, 32, of St. Louis Park
• Laura Galaviz, 29 of St. Cloud

On Dec. 31, Minneapolis police said they learned of a planned demonstration in downtown Minneapolis starting at 11 p.m. According to the criminal complaint, an online post promoting the protest read, "BURN THE PRECINCTS & THE PRISONS!"

Police said about 75 people gathered at Commons Park downtown, wearing black and chanting "A-C-A-B, all cops are bastards." The group then marched toward the Hennepin County Juvenile Detention Center.

Some people lit fireworks at cars and spray-painted graffiti on buildings in the area, including the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office and the detention center.

According to the complaint, the messages included "ACAB," "DOWN W AMERICA," "Kill all Kops," "Crimewave 2021," "AMERICA’S LAST YEAR?" and "DEATH TO AMERICA."

Just after 11:30 p.m., officers were ordered to make arrests. The group scattered, but police were able to detain about half of the group, the complaint states.

According to police, officers recovered a handgun, knives, three cans containing a suspected wax and fuel substance, a green laser, mace, improvised spike balls, a taser, fireworks, gas masks, body armor, helmets, and two-way radios.

Of the group arrested, only five people face charges. Authorities said the five people charged with riot were found with "dangerous" weapons:

Abhold was carrying a loaded .38 special revolver, for which he had a permit to carry. He also had two speed loaders with ammunition and a device that appeared to be scanning police radio communications. Prosecutors are asking for bail of $100,000.

Moseley was carrying a knife. He already is charged in earlier incidents with felony damage to property at the Minneapolis Fifth Precinct station and possession of a dangerous weapon in a courthouse. Prosecutors are seeking bail of $100,000.

Holley was carrying a knife in a sheath on his waistband, a gas mask, zip ties, body armor and a two-way radio. Prosecutors are seeking bail of $20,000.

Galaviz was carrying two knives. Prosecutors are seeking bail of $20,000.

Mendez had fireworks, a green laser, a taser and a gas mask in the backpack he was carrying. Prosecutors are seeking bail of $20,000.