Minnesota Sheriff Demands Regional Crackdown on Somali Gang Violence

2 min read

A Minnesota sheriff has called for a regional crackdown on Somali gang violence after a shooting during a homecoming game disrupted the event. Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher urged collaboration among agencies to tackle the issue, as the incident sparked discussions about gang activity in the Twin Cities.

Shooting Disrupts Homecoming Game

The shooting occurred during a homecoming game in Eden Prairie on Friday night, causing the stands to empty and prompting the cancellation of the following day’s homecoming dance. Two people were injured, though their wounds were not life-threatening. The victims were not students at either school, and the shooting appeared to be targeted.

According to law enforcement sources, the gunfire was tied to Somali gang activity. The two wounded were identified as Somali teens. Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case called for a regional effort against what he described as ‘gang activity among East African youth.’

Regional Task Force Called for

Fletcher, the sheriff of Ramsey County, emphasized the need for a regional task force, citing the movement of criminal crews across jurisdictions. He requested the involvement of Hennepin County officials, including Sheriff Dawanna Witt and County Attorney Mary Moriarty, to share intelligence and increase arrests.

County Officials Respond

Witt, however, dismissed Fletcher’s comments, stating that he often speaks about matters he doesn’t understand. She highlighted her office’s existing focus on gang work and noted that tips are already being shared with other departments.

Arrests and Community Response

Fletcher estimated that around 300 youths are involved in gang activity, with a call for 50 arrests to deter further violence. Meanwhile, Eden Prairie held a public meeting where concerns about gang activity were raised, with some residents attributing the issue to ‘spillover’ from Minneapolis and criticizing sanctuary policies.

Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher threw his support behind a regional task force to tackle Somali gang violence while blaming weak prosecution of crime for letting the issue fester, specifically calling out Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty. https://t.co/JsdnHJ91du

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Eden Prairie police confirmed a separate shooting at a Speedway convenience store near the high school, with four people detained and no injuries reported. Sources indicated that Somalis were involved in the incident.

WATCH: Edina residents speak out amid recent Somali gang violence

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Additional shootings were reported in Bloomington and Edina, all linked to Somali gangs. Fletcher’s calls for action have drawn criticism, including from a local Islamic center leader who urged him to view crime without ethnic bias.

Source: The Gateway Pundit

Written by

Connor Davis