Governor Dayton Requests Meeting With Protestors

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Gov. Mark Dayton is pleading with Black Lives Matter protesters to meet with him before "disrupting" Sunday's Twin Cities Marathon.

The St. Paul chapter of the group has planned a massive protest to raise awareness about incidents between local police and people of color. Their plans have sparked division and anger among an estimated 11,000 runners and even some of the group's supporters.

Dayton said Wednesday he supports the group's aims but asked them to reconsider their plans. He says he's asked to meet with organizers to discuss their concerns.

Spokesman Rashad Turner says the group would welcome a meeting with Dayton. Turner denied the group plans to block the finish line but says runners will be forced to see their signs and hear chants as the race ends.