Immigrant Shop Owner's Struggle After Riot

Long Her, the owner of New Fashion Tailoring and Alteration in St. Paul, Minnesota, recounted the harrowing experience of the 2020 riots that devastated his business. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Her described how he and a friend stayed in their shop until nightfall, only to return the next day to find their livelihood destroyed. "As a man, I couldn't do anything but cry," he expressed, highlighting the emotional toll of witnessing the destruction of his store and the loss of all his merchandise. Her criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for his delayed response in calling in the National Guard during the riots, suggesting that if Walz aspires to become vice president, he must learn from his past mistakes. Many residents and business owners in the Twin Cities, including Her, feel that the area has yet to fully recover from the riots, which caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Her noted that it took nearly two years for his business to regain financial stability, during which time customer fear significantly impacted sales. The aftermath of the riots has altered the perception of safety for business owners in the region. Her pointed out that prior to 2020, safety was not a major concern, but the pandemic has led to increased incidents of shoplifting and theft, creating an unsafe environment for both business owners and shoppers. He emphasized the need for a stronger police presence to protect the community. When asked about the possibility of future riots, Her expressed uncertainty, acknowledging the potential for further danger. "We have already witnessed devastation in 2020," he said, reflecting the lingering anxiety among business owners in the area.