"This is exactly why I'm running for governor as a Libertarian," Holbrook said in the statement. "Police shouldn't be harassing citizens while they're engaged in protected political activity."

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Minneapolis Park Police apologize for detaining Libertarian candidate

Minneapolis Park Police have apologized for detaining and citing a Libertarian gubernatorial candidate who had gone to Lake Calhoun to gather petition signatures to get on the ballot.

An officer accused Chris Holbrook of violating an ordinance against using park land for commercial purposes. A video posted on his campaign website shows him being handcuffed and placed in the back of a Park Police squad car Thursday afternoon.

Park Police Chief Jason Ohotto apologized to Holbrook on Thursday night, saying the arresting officer erred and misapplied the ordinance. He said Friday that the department has launched an internal investigation. The citation has been dismissed.

"The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the Park Police Department understands and upholds the First Amendment and freedom of speech in the parks," Park Board spokeswoman Dawn Sommers said in a statement.

The Libertarians have until June 3 to gather 2,000 signatures to get their candidates on the ballot for this fall's elections. The party said in a statement that the police action shut down the actions of four volunteers, costing it about 600 signatures.