Protesters Whack Piñatas Of WCCO Reporter Liz Collins, Bob Kroll

HUGO, MN — Minneapolis police union president Bob Kroll and his wife — a television reporter for WCCO — were the subject of protests outside their home in Hugo on August 15. Piñatas of Kroll and Liz Collins were smashed during the demonstration.

Democratic candidate for the Minnesota House, John Thompson — who was friends with Philando Castile — spoke at the protest. Thompson was recorded using expletives and talking about "burning Hugo down."

"During the event, John Thompson spoke and chose divisive, hurtful and inflammatory rhetoric to include berating children who were present," Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry said in a statement Sunday.

Starry said his office received several complaints about the protest, but after an investigation, found that "the comments made by Mr. Thompson, though grossly inappropriate, do not violate any felony statute."

"We will continue further review of any other violations of state law or city ordinance, while allowing for First Amendment protected speech," the sheriff continued. "Furthermore, Mr. Thompson chose to admonish the men and women wearing the Sheriff’s Office uniform that were present to protect all citizens in this instance. We stand by the deputies that serve Washington County on a daily basis and are proud of their selfless and honorable service."

Republican Party of Minnesota Chairwoman Jennifer Carnahan also condemned the protest, calling the demonstrators "radical Democrats" who "descended on Hugo" to harass the community.

On Sunday, Thompson apologized, saying his comments Saturday "were not helpful."

"Inflammatory rhetoric is not how I want to address the important issues we're facing, and I apologize," he added. "I’m not apologizing for my passion to fight injustice."

Earlier this month, Thompson won the Democratic primary for House District 67A, which is located in St. Paul.

In a statement, Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chairman Ken Martin said "the Minnesota DFL does not condone any rhetoric which is violent, hateful, or inflammatory."

Editor's Note: Patch is a WCCO news partner.