Internet blasts Kristi Noem as her book depiction of George Floyd protests challenged by critics

SOUTH DAKOTA: Accounts of two protests in South Dakota, as described in Republican Gov Kristi Noem's new book, seem to conflict with reality, according to a state lawmaker, a political expert, and a Sioux Falls community advocate.

They are questioning Noem's portrayal of two Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, one in Sioux Falls and the other in Washington, DC, featured in her recent book, 'No Going Back: The Truth on What's Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward.'

Kristi Noem's book sparks controversy

The book, which was released on May 7 with the help of a ghostwriter, has already sparked controversy, including widespread criticism for a section where she discusses the killing of a 14-month-old hunting dog. 

The publishers have had to correct the book at least twice. In one instance, Noem incorrectly stated she had met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

In another, she wrongly asserted that South Dakota GOP Senator Mike Rounds had urged Donald Trump to withdraw from the presidential race in late 2016.

Noem, South Dakota's highest-ranking official, is considered a vice-presidential candidate for former President Donald Trump.

South Dakota State Representative Linda Duba (D-Sioux Falls), together with Julian Beaudion, a Black activist involved in organizing the May 2020 Sioux Falls protest, assert that the governor's second term memoirs depict an overstated scenario.

They claim she wrote that "hundreds of Second Amendment-supporting bikers" were standing with and defending the police during the protest, as reported by USA Today.

They also express doubts about the accuracy of Noem's account regarding a subsequent civil rights protest near the White House.

What did Julian Beaudion say about Kristi Neom's book?

Beaudion, who also serves as the director of the South Dakota African American History Museum and is a former officer of the South Dakota Highway Patrol, stated, "This book is just more proof that she is directly trying to negatively impact the progress that Black and brown folks are making."

Beaudion considers Noem's portrayals of the Black-led protests to be "clearly racist" in his view.

"It's not an undertone for me," Beaudion said. "It's a clearly defined effort by Kristi to place Black, brown and Indigenous folks in the category to where she looks superior and in a place of power over us."

Beaudion, a lead organizer of the Sioux Falls protest, began his day at 7 a.m. by reviewing the demonstration plans, marched in the evening, and continued responding to the violent incidents at the Empire Mall until around 4 a.m.

As for the "hundreds of Second Amendment-loving bikers" Noem stated she oversaw Sioux Falls during the events of the May 31, 2020, "March for George Floyd" protest, she wrote.

She added, "[T]here was a large Black Lives Matter protest in Sioux Falls, which grew to thousands of people at our local shopping mall," where "[s]parks of violence erupted but never got out of control."

She depicted a scenario in which "hundreds" of bikers reportedly stood alongside the police, openly displaying their Second Amendment rights.

Beaudion noted that during this entire period, he "did not see a single biker."

"There were no bikers that were there," Beaudion said. "Her language is a clear threat to Black folks everywhere because the Black community has historically been unwelcome in spaces of bikers."

Kristi Noem's social media shows no references to any bikers present in Sioux Falls

The Argus Leader, a USA Today Network partner, reported that a crowd exceeding a thousand peaceful protesters marched through downtown Sioux Falls that afternoon and evening, USA Today stated.

Following the march, a distinct group of approximately 700 individuals proceeded to the Empire Mall, where violence broke out, as stated by Mayor Paul TenHaken during a press conference held that night.

In Sioux Falls protesters vandalized stores and hurled rocks at police officers. Multiple adults and juveniles were apprehended and charged, with 13 individuals being specifically named by the authorities.

An examination of archival photos, videos, and local media reports by the Argus Leader revealed no evidence of "hundreds" of potentially armed bikers supporting the police during the peaceful protest or subsequent unrest.

Additionally, a review of Noem's social media profiles on various platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, showed no references to any bikers present in Sioux Falls during the time of the protests.

The Sioux Falls Police Department has neither confirmed nor denied any large biker presence during the protest, stating that it is unusual for police to see anyone wielding weapons.

Internet criticizes Kristi Noem

As soon as the news went viral on social media, the internet started criticizing Kristi Noem. One wrote, "Fascist Noem is a racist bigot."

Another user added, "Clearly racist and bigoted at most things she does looking at it from outside SD. Always were in the underbelly until Trump gave permission to come out in force. Shucks."

A third commentator added, "Holy hell, when are our friends across the isle going to stop with the racist bullshit. Quit already! MAGA"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.