Saint Paul Cyberattack Cripples City Systems, Forces Minnesota National Guard Deployment
The authorities of Minnesota have enacted unprecedented measures following a devastating cyberattack that crippled the digital infrastructure of Saint Paul—the state’s capital and its second-largest city. Amid widespread disruptions triggered by an unidentified group of threat actors, Governor Tim Walz ordered the deployment of the National Guard to provide cyber assistance and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of essential municipal services.
The incident occurred on Friday, July 25, and rapidly escalated in severity, affecting critical systems and numerous public online services. Although emergency responders remained operational, residents of Saint Paul experienced temporary outages in online payment systems as well as service interruptions across libraries and recreational centers. City officials noted that while certain functions remain accessible, delays and disruptions are expected due to limited access to internal systems.
In response, city leadership immediately launched a coordinated effort involving state officials, federal agencies, and third-party cybersecurity contractors. However, the scope of the attack proved so extensive that existing internal and commercial response capacities were overwhelmed. Consequently, an official request was made to activate the Minnesota National Guard’s cyber unit, renowned for its specialized capabilities in digital defense.
An executive emergency order, signed on Tuesday, formalized this deployment, emphasizing that the protection of the public and the maintenance of essential city operations remain paramount. According to city administrators, cybersecurity teams are working around the clock, yet the assault has persisted for several consecutive days, severely compromising the stability of Saint Paul’s digital infrastructure.
Governor Walz stated that the National Guard’s cyber division will collaborate closely with municipal, state, and federal entities—not only to restore affected systems but also to forestall potential long-term ramifications. He stressed the critical need for coordinated efforts and reaffirmed the state’s unwavering support.
Home to over 311,000 residents, Saint Paul now finds itself at the epicenter of a cyber incident that eclipses typical localized attacks on municipal networks. While the authorities have not disclosed technical specifics, available indicators point to a highly sophisticated and deliberate operation.
For now, citizens are left to place their trust in the resilience of the deployed teams and the hope that these combined resources and expertise will soon restore the city’s infrastructure to full functionality without further losses.
