- Minnesota AG Keith Ellison sued rodeo owner North Star Ranch, LLC over allegations that it intentionally drew large crowds to an event in violation of Executive Order 20-74, which restricts outdoor entertainment venues to 25% of their normal capacity, up to a maximum of 250 people, to mitigate the community spread of COVID-19.
- The complaint alleges that North Star Ranch used the guise of political protest to allow thousands of people to attend its three-day rodeo where North Star Ranch solicited “donations” and sold event programs, and attendees watched the rodeo events, cheered rodeo participants, and were entertained by a rodeo clown.
- The complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, as well as restitution, disgorgement, damages, civil penalties, and attorneys’ fees and costs.