Fresno City Council President Miguel Arias released this statement Wednesday evening about the Tuesday night confrontation at his downtown condominium with conservative activist Ben Bergquam:
The short video that has been released only depicts a small fraction of a much longer incident. Indeed, the entire initial sequence of events, including the group members’ attempts to force their way into my residence, is not depicted at all.
“Yesterday afternoon, as my two kids slept, the safety of our home was violated by a dozen out-of-town individuals led by Sanger resident Ben Bergquam, a self-identified member of the Proud Boys, which the Southern Poverty Law Center classifies as a racist hate group.
“Bergquam and his companions bypassed security to reach my private condominium residence unannounced. The short video that has been released only depicts a small fraction of a much longer incident. Indeed, the entire initial sequence of events, including the group members’ attempts to force their way into my residence, is not depicted at all.
“I asked him to leave my home, emphasizing my kids were home and that I would not allow them to be placed in danger. I took precautions to ensure the safety of my family and protect them from individuals known to be armed and dangerous.
Since this incident, I have received numerous calls from outside the city and state, making additional threats against my family and I, requiring me to take additional precautions for our safety.
“Since this incident, I have received numerous calls from outside the city and state, making additional threats against my family and I, requiring me to take additional precautions for our safety.
“At the same time, I have received overwhelming support from hundreds of city residents and community leaders from all political ideologies expressing support and concern for our family.
“In the coming days, I will explore all options to ensure that this does not occur again to my family nor anyone else’s family.
“I want to thank all those who have reached out and shown that our city will not allow a handful of outsiders to tear us apart.”
Andyfab
May 13, 2020 at 10:25 pm
I support you in your trying to protect your family from rebel rousing thugs whose only purpose was to instill fear in a man’s family. I can’t understand why Berqguam and his thugs weren’t cited by the Fresno Police for trespassing and disturbing the peace and violating the emergency ordinance of no groups larger than 6 people and all must wear masks for safety. Just the lazy Fresno Police Department neither serving or protecting.
Paul
May 14, 2020 at 9:23 am
I too support Councilman Arias advocacy for data driven decion making during this national crisis. But, how shameless and stupid can humanity get? Those protesters/thugs are only doing this as a politcal stage for trump reactionary , limp-noodle leadership Americans witness everyday. Home intrusion and armed public protesters should not be allowed during these troubling times. You are a greater part of the problem/crisis, grow up and be a part of the solution.
America
May 14, 2020 at 10:40 am
They were mad cause they didn’t get their waffles.. They thought Miguel Arias had waffles in his apartment so makes perfect sense.
Phil
May 14, 2020 at 11:28 am
I don’t care what side of the issue you’re on, the fact that Arias was cited for this and not these idiots is absolutely shameful.
Bill
May 15, 2020 at 6:15 pm
Scandals, anger and hostility have followed Miguel Arias at his last 2 positions and currently at Fresno City Hall where City Manager Wilma Quan has threatened to sue Miguel Arias for defamaton and creating a hostile environment. None of his issues the last 10 years are hard to find.
Miguel is unprofessional he has no self control or communication skills. With Arias its always about attacking people in the NE and NW and calling everyone supremacist while his insecurity manifests into rage . Miguels supporters are the street dwellers, the druggies and crazies who he and his buddy developers have promised low income housing for. Watch Miguels slip into paranoia and fall out of local politics.
Benjamin Locke
May 16, 2020 at 2:10 pm
Dear Mr. Arias,
You have been a voice of reason and sanity at the Council and I think what you endured is deplorable. I also feel it is wrong that you should be charged with any infraction. My best wishes for your safety and gratitude for your public service.
Bill
June 5, 2020 at 11:20 pm
Voice of reason ? LMAO that is a first you need to read the Arax files and also drive around District 3 and see the sad shape his district is in economically . Families want to go back to work but only half have been called back the others await anxiously they don’t want Miguel’s government handouts they want to work. The businesses in District 3 have contempt for Arias and simply don’t bother calling him for support as he offers nothing to them except broken promises. Fires break out, theft, vandalism, and destruction of neighborhoods.
Arias we want to go back to work and you cannot stop us you control freak.
This is our neighborhoods not yours.