Governor Walz Activates Guard for St. Paul Cyberattack

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Governor Tim Walz has activated the Minnesota National Guard in response to a cyberattack.

He issued an executive order today that activates the National Guard's cyber protection assets because the "magnitude and complexity of the cybersecurity incident" exceeded the capacity of the City of St. Paul to respond. Walz says the support is aimed at ensuring the "continuity of vital services."

“We are committed to working alongside the City of Saint Paul to restore cybersecurity as quickly as possible,” said Governor Walz. “The Minnesota National Guard’s cyber forces will collaborate with city, state, and federal officials to resolve the situation and mitigate lasting impacts. Above all, we are committed to protecting the safety and security of the people of Saint Paul.”

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter held a news conference today to discuss the cyberattack. He indicated that suspicious activity was detected last Friday. He called it a "deliberate, coordinated digital attack carried out by a sophisticated external actor."

Mayor Carter also announced that the St. Paul Emergency Operations Center has been activated and that a local State of Emergency is now in effect. A notice on the City of St. Paul website indicates the 911 system for emergency responses remains fully operational, but many city services are being temporarily delayed or disrupted.

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The notice goes on to say St. Paul officials are working closely with local, state, and federal partners to resolve the situation and restore full functionality.

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