CBS News Minnesota Reports on Josh Liljenquist’s St. Paul Parks Restriction

CBS News Minnesota initial-report transcript

Transcript note: This transcript has been lightly edited for readability by correcting obvious transcription errors, removing non-substantive fillers and adding punctuation. The meaning and sequence of the original broadcast have not been changed. Allegations are attributed to the city or quoted sources and are not presented as findings by joshliljenquist.com.

00:00 — CBS News Minnesota introduces the St. Paul restriction

FRANK VASCELLARO: A viral TikTok creator known for giving away food and cash is banned from all St. Paul city parks. City officials say the social-media influencer crossed the line. He says he is being punished for helping people. Ubah Ali sat down with him and has reaction from advocates on both sides of the issue.

00:29 — Ubah Ali describes the debate around the videos

UBAH ALI: Josh has built a massive following by recording interactions with strangers, often people experiencing homelessness. Some say he is giving back. Others say it is a content strategy.

00:50 — Examples of Josh Liljenquist’s outreach videos

UBAH ALI: Video after video, Josh Liljenquist can be seen approaching people—many experiencing homelessness—and offering help. Other videos show him portraying himself as needing help before assisting people who respond with kindness.

01:07 — The city’s allegations and Josh’s response

JOSH LILJENQUIST: It was never brought to my attention by anybody that I was breaking rules.

UBAH ALI: In an April 6 letter, the city accused Liljenquist of going to Pig’s Eye Park to “harass, record and profit from vulnerable adults residing there without said individual’s permission.”

JOSH LILJENQUIST: Me and my videographer both check for consent before they do it.

UBAH ALI: The letter also accused him of planning an unlicensed event at the park on April 11. Liljenquist pushed back, saying he was in Florida and was not planning the event.

01:37 — Why film acts of help?

UBAH ALI: You can help people in private. Why record it and post it to the world? Is it content strategy?

JOSH LILJENQUIST: One, hopefully inspiring other people to do it, showing that it doesn’t take a lot of money. It doesn’t take a lot of resources to go out there and do something for somebody.

01:53 — Advocates offer different perspectives

UBAH ALI: The Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing in the Twin Cities said it agreed with the restriction and described the videos as exploiting people experiencing homelessness. Feeding St. Paul offered a different view.

MICHAEL BRENDALE, FEEDING ST. PAUL: Josh has changed many lives. He’s taken people off the street.

02:16 — “I just want answers”

JOSH LILJENQUIST: I just want answers. That’s really all I want.

UBAH ALI: Liljenquist planned to appeal the restriction in a meeting with St. Paul officials.