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I am proud to be married to Jacob Frey and of his work as mayor of Minneapolis. But, as anyone might imagine, it comes with its challenges. One of the most difficult parts? The threats, harassment and even vandalism that my family endures when people feel entitled to target our family and home for perceived political gain.
We’ve recently learned that several organizations are planning to stage a protest outside our apartment this Thursday. Their grievances range from Jacob’s stance on ICE — despite his very public opposition to President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement and his continued advocacy for immigrants — to the Roof Depot project, because proponents cannot meet their contractual obligations under the agreement with the city. This is the same agreement they previously celebrated.
Whatever the merits — or absurdities — of these complaints, I support the right to peaceful protest. But there is a profound difference between voicing dissent in public spaces and bringing that dissent to the doorstep of an elected official’s family home. Our 4-year-old and newborn live here.
Our address has been widely shared on social media. When demonstrators choose our residence as their stage, they do more than make a point — they create real safety risks for our children, for us and for our neighbors.
This isn’t abstract. Our home has been surveilled, with photos and videos taken through our windows. It has been vandalized. The words “Kill the Mayor” have been scrawled across our front door — repeatedly.
Violence against public officials and their families is no longer hypothetical — it has happened here in Minnesota.