Itasca County Attorney’s Office Refuses Data Request | Staff Abandon Counter, Deputies Summoned.

Описание: On September 30, 2025, Travis Martin Larson entered the Itasca County Attorney’s Office during posted business hours to submit a written request under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

What followed was not service — it was avoidance.

After a brief interaction, the front-desk employee left the counter while the office remained open to the public. Larson attempted to use the posted assistance phone approximately ten times and left voicemail messages requesting intake of his written request. Video captured staff instructing others not to answer the phone because he was present in the corridor.

No one accepted the written request.

Deputies from the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office appeared outside the office door while Larson was attempting to obtain service. They monitored the situation and later followed him toward the elevator area. On information and belief, law enforcement was summoned in response to Larson’s lawful activity — including recording in a public space and attempting to submit a written data request.

Later that afternoon, Larson returned to attempt submission again. The same staff member again abandoned the counter upon his approach. The request was still not accepted.

The issues raised include:

• Statutory duties under Minn. Stat. § 13.03 to accept and process public data requests
• First Amendment protections for recording and petitioning government
• Potential retaliatory use of law enforcement presence in response to protected activity

All events were contemporaneously recorded.

This video presents what occurred inside the Attorney’s Office that day.

Public offices are not permitted to ignore citizens, disable intake procedures, or condition access to services on silence or compliance.

We stand for justice and accountability.

#Minnesota #FirstAmendment #MGDPA #GovernmentTransparency #CivilRights