Minneapolis Police Chief Apologizes Amid Community Concerns
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has issued an apology to the Somali community following a comment linking “East African kids” to crime.
During a recent news conference, Chief O’Hara expressed his appreciation for the Somali community’s warm welcome and collaborative efforts in addressing local issues over the past three years. He acknowledged the need for open discussions about problems within the community and the importance of working together to find solutions.
The apology comes after an interview where O’Hara discussed a recent shooting and broader concerns about juvenile crime in the city. He stated that the young people involved were not “poor kids from Minneapolis,” but were from out of town.
Some community members felt his remarks unfairly targeted the East African community. A petition was started, calling for an apology, stating that his comments would deepen the weight of scrutiny already felt by the East African community.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of increased national attention on the Minneapolis Somali community. Recent reports have raised concerns about potential financial schemes that may have inadvertently funneled taxpayer money to terrorist groups.
Former President Donald Trump previously ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalis in Minnesota, citing concerns about fraudulent money practices. Some officials have called for thorough reviews of asylum, refugee, and citizenship applications, alongside deportations where appropriate.
In response to these concerns, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and other Minnesota Republicans have called for a federal investigation into the alleged funneling of funds to terrorist networks. They also cited fraud in state programs as a grave threat to national security.
