Minnesota National Guard Deployment Cost Estimated at $5.2 Million

The activation of the Minnesota National Guard during protests in the Twin Cities area following a fatal shooting cost an estimated $5.2 million.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:51pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting depicting a Minnesota National Guard soldier in motion, their uniform and equipment fractured and repeated in overlapping geometric shapes, conveying a sense of urgency and the financial impact of the deployment.The high costs of deploying the National Guard during protests in the Twin Cities underscore the financial strain on local law enforcement agencies.Minneapolis Today

The Minnesota National Guard was activated by Governor Tim Walz from January 8 to February 25 'out of an abundance of caution' during the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Renee Good. The initial cost estimate for the National Guard deployment is $5.2 million, with the final figure still being tabulated. The activation came as the Minneapolis Police Department saw overtime costs reach about $3 million over five days in January, surpassing the $2.3 million budgeted for the entire year, and the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office quickly overran its overtime budget in January with $1.3 million in costs.

Why it matters

The high costs of the National Guard deployment and associated law enforcement overtime highlight the financial strain that can be placed on local governments during periods of civil unrest and protests. These expenses come at a time when many municipalities are already facing budget constraints, potentially diverting resources from other important public services.

The details

Governor Tim Walz activated the Minnesota National Guard from January 8 to February 25 to serve in a supportive role 'to protect life, preserve property and support the rights of all Minnesotans to assemble peacefully' following the fatal shooting of Renee Good. The initial cost estimate for the National Guard deployment is $5.2 million, with the final figure still being tabulated. During the first five days of the operation in January, the Minneapolis Police Department saw overtime costs reach about $3 million, surpassing the $2.3 million budgeted for all of 2026. In February, Minneapolis estimated the operation cost the city's economy more than $200 million. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office also quickly overran its overtime budget in January with $1.3 million in costs, leading the Hennepin County Commission to pass a resolution requiring the sheriff's office to delay most external hiring.

  • The Minnesota National Guard was activated by Governor Tim Walz from January 8 to February 25, 2026.
  • Over five days in January, the Minneapolis Police Department saw overtime costs reach about $3 million.

The players

Governor Tim Walz

The Governor of Minnesota who activated the Minnesota National Guard during the protests.

Renee Good

The individual whose fatal shooting prompted the protests and National Guard deployment.

Scott Rohweder

The executive director of the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs who provided details on the National Guard deployment.

Hennepin County Commission

The county commission that passed a resolution requiring the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office to delay most external hiring due to the overtime costs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The National Guard members were asked to serve in a supportive role to 'protect life, preserve property and support the rights of all Minnesotans to assemble peacefully'.”

— Scott Rohweder, Executive Director, Minnesota Department of Military Affairs

The takeaway

The high costs associated with the National Guard deployment and law enforcement overtime during the protests in the Twin Cities area highlight the significant financial burden that can be placed on local governments during periods of civil unrest. These expenses come at a time when many municipalities are already facing budget constraints, potentially diverting resources from other important public services.