Minneapolis-based rapper Nur-D says he feared for his life throughout a protest last weekend following the deadly capturing of Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol brokers, an incident that sparked demonstrations and renewed scrutiny of federal regulation enforcement exercise within the metropolis.

Nur-D, whose actual identify is Matthew James Obidiah Allen, mentioned he attended the Jan. 24 protest to specific opposition to the killing and to train his First Amendment rights. Known primarily for his work as a recording artist, Nur-D mentioned the circumstances compelled him to depart the studio and enter a unstable public house.

“This is life or death,” Nur-D mentioned in an interview. “You can die for saying you disagree.” He mentioned his presence on the protest was motivated by grief and anger and a perception that remaining silent was not an possibility.

According to Nur-D, circumstances on the protest deteriorated shortly. He described flash-bang units detonating and tear gasoline filling the world. He mentioned he tried to maneuver calmly by means of the group along with his palms raised to sign compliance.

Nur-D alleged that he was grabbed from behind by an unknown particular person and started working. He mentioned federal brokers then compelled him to the bottom and knowledgeable him that he was underneath arrest for assaulting a federal officer.

Minneapolis Rapper Nur-D Speaks On Protest Arrest

He additional alleged that he was struck within the again by a projectile through the takedown. While on the bottom, Nur-D mentioned he believed he is likely to be killed and started repeating his full authorized identify and citizenship standing.

“I said my name is Matthew James Obidiah Allen. I am a United States citizen. Did nothing wrong,” he mentioned.

Nur-D mentioned he was finally launched and didn’t present particulars on whether or not formal prices had been filed. He described the encounter as traumatic and mentioned it bolstered his considerations concerning the presence of federal brokers in Minnesota.

“I’m grateful I’m alive,” Nur-D mentioned. “I can hug my wife. I can see my friends. That wasn’t guaranteed in that moment.”

Nur-D confirmed that he has retained authorized counsel and intends to pursue potential authorized motion in opposition to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol. He didn’t specify the claims into consideration.

The companies concerned didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.

Nur-D mentioned the expertise will inform his future work as an artist and storyteller. He described the protest as a turning level and mentioned he plans to make use of his platform to doc what he views as systemic hurt.

“I get to use my voice,” he mentioned. “We are done with this.”