Minneapolis church shooter’s mom hires criminal defense attorney, refuses to speak to police



As the investigation continues into the atrocious shooting at a church in Minneapolis on Wednesday, authorities have reported that they have been unable to contact the suspect’s mother.

'There is a connection between the shooter and this particular parish.'

Mary Grace Westman, the mother of the trans-identifying 23-year-old male who opened fire on Annunciation Catholic Church during Mass, has retained criminal defense attorney Ryan Garry, according to Fox News Digital.

Westman is reportedly not cooperating with investigators.

β€œI know there were dozens of interviews that have been conducted with relatives, friends, associates of the shooter, as well as people β€” obviously, individuals, witnesses β€” that were present at the scene yesterday,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated during a Thursday press conference.

β€œI know we have not been successful in talking to the shooter’s mother yet at this time,” he remarked. β€œBut there continue to be efforts made to get that done.”

O’Hara confirmed that authorities have been in touch with the shooter’s father.

RELATED: RFK Jr. investigating whether Minneapolis church shooting may have been sparked by gender transition drugs

Photo by TOM BAKER/AFP via Getty Images

When asked why Westman hired a criminal defense attorney, Garry told Fox News Digital, β€œShe is completely distraught about the situation and has no culpability but is seeking an attorney to deal with calls like this.”

Westman is a former parish employee, and her son previously attended the school.

β€œSo, obviously, there is a connection between the shooter and this particular parish,” O’Hara stated.

RELATED: Attacks against American Catholics and churches are out of control

Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images

Westman applied for her son to legally change his name in 2019 while he was still a minor, claiming that he β€œidentifies as female and wants her name to reflect the identification.”

FBI agents reportedly attempted to make contact with Westman at her apartment in East Naples, Florida, on Wednesday, following the horrific shooting that killed two children and injured 18 others. Westman did not answer the door.

At least nine victims remain in the hospital as of Friday, the New York Post reported.

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Gunman opens fire at Catholic church; police say there are about 20 victims



Minneapolis police confirmed there are approximately 20 victims after a shooter opened fire at a church Wednesday morning, KARE-TV reported.

Police and paramedics arrived at Annunciation Church around 8:30 a.m., where police reported a man dressed in black and armed with a rifle was spotted on the scene, KARE said.

'Please join me in praying for everyone involved!'

Annunciation Church and Catholic School began the new school semester Monday, the station reported, adding that it serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The city said that there is no longer a threat to the community.

The shooting reportedly occurred while students were attending Mass at 8:15 a.m. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the suspect was dead at 9:31 a.m.

"I'm monitoring reports of horrific violence in South Minneapolis. I'm in touch with Chief O'Hara and our emergency response team has been activated. We will share more information as soon as we can. Please give our officers the space they need to respond to the situation," Mayor Jacob Frey stated.

The Minneapolis Police Department, the FBI, and the ATF responded to the scene.

President Donald Trump stated that he has been "fully briefed on the tragic shooting."

"The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!" Trump wrote in a post on social media.

This is a developing, breaking news story that will be updated.

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Minneapolis mayhem: Leftist mob hurls objects, shoves federal agents amid growing anti-ICE violence



Assaults against Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have skyrocketed 413% since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, a Department of Homeland Security official told Blaze News.

The anti-ICE and "abolish the police" movement among leftist groups continues to grow exponentially as the new administration ramps up on-the-ground efforts to detain illegal immigrants, particularly from sanctuary jurisdictions.

A clash in Minnesota on Tuesday reflected this disturbing nationwide trend.

The left's anti-ICE sentiment boiled over when Minneapolis locals assumed that federal agents were there for an immigration enforcement raid, ultimately leading to violence.

The operation centered around a Mexican restaurant near Bloomington Avenue and Lake Street.

As federal authorities arrived at the location, an angry mob of protesters gathered to thwart their enforcement efforts. The tense encounter quickly devolved into mayhem that took over several blocks.

Videos shared on social media by independent journalist Nick Shirley showed masked protesters shouting expletives and hurling objects at officers and their enforcement vehicles. Groups locked arms to block the agents, while others taunted and shoved authorities.

Protesters also appeared to tag law enforcement vehicles with various messages. One vehicle read, "Don't come back," and another, "Bitch Nazi."

Amid the melee, Shirley noted that Tuesday's violent clash between officers and protesters occurred in the same Minneapolis area where mobs rioted in 2020 over George Floyd's death.

RELATED: Minneapolis police explain why they still do the job despite challenges after BLM riots

Riot on May 28, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during a protest over the death of George Floyd. Photo by KEREM YUCEL/AFP via Getty Images

After federal authorities left and most of the crowd dispersed, a police officer at the scene told Shirley that from his observations, the operation was not just an ICE raid. He noted the presence of multiple federal agencies, including the DEA and FBI.

"I know a lot of owners here are involved in shady stuff," the officer said.

He speculated that the raid may have concerned drug trafficking or money laundering.

Mayor Jacob Frey (D) claimed the operation was not related to immigration enforcement.

"While we are still gathering details, this incident was related to a criminal search warrant for drugs and money laundering and was not related to immigration enforcement. No arrests were made," Frey stated. "The Minneapolis Police Department's only role was helping with crowd control and keeping the community safe as a large number of residents and bystanders had gathered at the scene."

The Minneapolis Police Department also stated that the operation was "a federal criminal search warrant for drugs and money laundering" and that "there were no arrests at the scene by federal law enforcement."

The police department insisted it did not participate in immigration enforcement.

RELATED: Hakeem Jeffries makes worrying threat against ICE agents as protesters interfere with operations

Photographer: Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via Getty Images

ICE also released a statement about the operation, confirming that its agents were a part of the effort.

A comment from Jamie Holt, special agent in charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations St. Paul, provided to Blaze News read, "Federal investigators conducted a groundbreaking criminal operation today β€” Minnesota's first under the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) umbrella, marking a new chapter in how we confront complex, multidimensional threats. From drug smuggling to criminal labor trafficking, this operation showcases the breadth of our collective missions and the strength of a united front."

"This HSI-led investigation wouldn't have been possible without the extraordinary collaboration of our state partners and federal HSTF partners, including the U.S. Attorney's Office, FBI, [IRS Criminal Investigation], DEA, [Enforcement and Removal Operations], ATF, [U.S. Marshals Service], [Diplomatic Security Service], U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, TSA, and local law enforcement," the statement continued. "Together, we are safeguarding communities, protecting national security, and setting a new standard of joint enforcement efforts."

ICE did not respond to any specific questions regarding the operation's purpose, whether any arrests were made, or whether any protesters would face charges for assaulting officers.

Border czar Tom Homan confirmed last week that assaults on ICE officers remain "high."

"The assaults are up, but it won't be tolerated," Homan told reporters. "You put hands on an ICE officer, you can be prosecuted to the highest extent of the law."

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Former officer convicted in George Floyd's death released from prison



One of the four former Minneapolis police officers who were convicted in connection with the death of George Floyd has been released from prison.

On Wednesday, J. Alexander Kueng, 31, walked out of FCI Elkton a free man. FCI Elkton is a low-security federal prison in Lisbon, Ohio.

In October 2022, Kueng pled guilty to aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter for his alleged role in the death of Floyd. Kueng was then sentenced to three and a half years in prison, a term that he has now officially served.

Like the other former officers imprisoned for the Floyd incident β€” Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao β€” Kueng was also convicted in federal court of depriving Floyd of his civil rights. Kueng was sentenced to three years in the federal case.

Kueng was allowed to serve his state and federal sentences concurrently.

'There were no medical findings that showed any injury to the vital structures of Mr. Floyd's neck. There were no medical indications of asphyxia or strangulation.'

On May 25, 2020, the officers arrested Floyd after he was accused of using a counterfeit bill. Bodycam and other footage showed that Floyd was behaving erratically, and the officers attempted to restrain him during the arrest.

Chauvin infamously knelt on what appeared to be Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes. Kueng knelt on Floyd's back, while Lane restrained his legs. Floyd later died.

Lane was the first of the former officers to be released following the completion of his sentence. He left prison in August.

Thao, who was also convicted of aiding and abetting second-degree manslaughter for keeping bystanders at bay, will be released in November.

Chauvin was convicted of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. He has been sentenced to spend more than two decades behind bars.

In November 2023, Chauvin was violently stabbed nearly two dozen times by a fellow inmate and required "lifesaving measures." He was released from the hospital a few days later. The suspect in the stabbing, John Turscak, is reportedly a former FBI informant.

Despite those convictions, questions remain about whether Floyd was actually murdered. A little over a year ago, Tucker Carlson called the narrative about Floyd's death a "lie."

Carlson quoted a deposition from former Hennepin County prosecutor Amy Sweasy, who claimed the medical examiner told her "that there were no medical findings that showed any injury to the vital structures of Mr. Floyd's neck. There were no medical indications of asphyxia or strangulation."

Citing toxicology reports she had seen, Sweasy also testified that at the time of his death, Floyd had COVID, severe heart disease, and a "fatal level of fentanyl" as well as methamphetamine in his bloodstream.

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Minneapolis police officer outed as OnlyFans model by driver she pulled over: 'I've seen your private parts'



A Minneapolis police officer was reportedly outed as an OnlyFans model when a driver recognized the female cop from her pornographic content during a recent traffic stop.

The Minneapolis Police Department is investigating an officer for allegedly having an OnlyFans account that featured adult content.

Last weekend, a driver was pulled over by a Minneapolis police officer. After about 10 minutes, the driver reportedly recognized the female cop as an adult entertainer on OnlyFans.

The driver purportedly told KMSP-TV, "Then we were doing a little talking and checking, and I was like, 'Man, she got an OnlyFans page. I’m on her OnlyFans page.'"

The anonymous driver alleged that the unnamed Fourth Precinct officer shared sex videos and explicit photos on her OnlyFans page. The driver said that he had subscribed to the officer's OnlyFans account for five months.

"You got to go to the VIP, and you get to see the videos of her and her, I guess, husband. I guess that’s who it is. They do full sex videos," the driver claimed.

The driver said, "You can’t arrest me no more; I’ve seen your private parts. I wouldn’t want her to be arresting me, and I just saw you and your husband last night for $29.99 have sex on OnlyFans. I just can't respect you or the precinct that you’re working at."

The cop's OnlyFans account states that she is a "Free spirited, Overly Optimistic, Creator of Sexy Content to Please Others!" According to a screen capture of the site, the OnlyFans model offers "amateur porn," "custom" videos, and "sexy pics."

The chief of the Minneapolis Police Department confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine if the 35-year-old officer violated any policies by being an erotic model.

"We take any allegations of policy violations seriously and the chief has ordered an investigation," Chief Brian O'Hara said in a statement.

According to KSTP-TV, MPD policy states: "All employees are prohibited from working off duty under the following conditions: ... any establishment that provides adult entertainment in the form of nude, semi-nude or topless exhibitions."

A spokesperson for Mayor Jacob Frey (D) said in a statement: "If all we're talking about is naked pictures behind a paywall, the mayor has no issue. However, the chief will determine if there are any policy violations."

According to KMSP-TV, "It's not clear how long the investigation will take. But, as of the last check, the officer’s OnlyFans page is still up and running. FOX 9 did ask how long colleagues and administrative staff have been aware of the site, but we did not get an answer."

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Minneapolis police officer outed as OnlyFans model by fan www.youtube.com

4th of July chaos: Videos show 'war zone' erupt in Minneapolis as police, residents attacked with fireworks



Independence Day celebrations in Minneapolis descended into chaos as police and residents were attacked with fireworks, videos reveal.

Independent journalist Rebecca Brannon wrote on Twitter, "Insanely chaotic night across Minneapolis as I tracked 250-500 group of mostly juveniles across the city until 3 AM. State troopers as far as Stillwater joined MPD tonight but authorities were still overwhelmed; many officers seemed very frustrated."

Brannon posted numerous videos of people intentionally launching fireworks at buildings, residents, cars, and police officers on the night of the 4th of July. Brannon noted that several of the people firing fireworks were dressed in all black and wearing masks.

Brannon said she was attacked: "Hundreds set off a war zone of fireworks shooting at people and vehicles – behind and all around me. One person even started shooting roman candles at me while I filmed."

(WARNING: Graphic video)

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A young man suffered a serious injury to his abdomen after a firework exploded in a crowd of people.

β€” (@)

A WCCO-TV news team was feet away from a firework exploding while conducting an interview about the chaos in the neighborhood near Boom Island.

β€” (@)

There was a confrontation between police officers and several individuals near Lake Calhoun. An officer orders the group to "go home" and accuses them of "terrorizing people."

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KMSP-TV reported that commercial-grade fireworks were being launched from a vehicle at Minnehaha Regional Park.

Erin Gormley, caretaker for her condominium near Bde Maka Ska, told KMSP-TV, "They were shooting explosives at me because I was protecting the property. They had no regard for anything, they were putting fireworks, like explosive ones, under the cars."

Gormley added, "I felt afraid. I was not going to leave my front door."

Despite the heavy police presence, including officers from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and a Minnesota State Patrol helicopter, the crowds seemed unwilling to disperse.

Local resident Erin Hewitt said, "There was just a complete disrespect for everybody. Once the police came, there was no leaving. They were just hanging out, they weren’t listening to the police whatsoever. It was pretty intense."

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said at a press conference, "The targeting of innocent people with fireworks is unlawful, dangerous, and wholly unacceptable."

"But it was really I think after midnight, we had probably a couple of hundred young people gathered in the area of the lake around Bde Maka Ska," O'Hara stated. "And that was where it became challenging just because there were so many kids gathered, onlookers to observe this activity, and they were parked deeply into some of the neighborhoods there. And it just took us time to clear everybody out. And just because of the volume of that, then it became, you know, trying to keep disrupting them wherever they were, then trying to go after them."

Police said there were 16 people arrested, 11 of whom were juveniles.

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Minneapolis school bus driver shot in the head while young students still on board



A school bus driver in Minneapolis was shot in the head Wednesday as three students, all under the age of 10, were still on board, according to reports.



The unidentified driver was taken to a local hospital with injuries police said did not appear life threatening. None of the children were injured.

As expected, some were quick to blame guns for the violent crime spike in Minneapolis.

Too darn many guns!
β€” BevMarie (@BevMarie) 1644441076
Guessing the easy access to guns led to this shooting.
β€” Adam Horejsi (@Adam Horejsi) 1644446374

But not everyone has forgotten the massive "defund the police" movement pushed by so many of the Minneapolis' progressive politicians, including at least nine members of the City Council and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, which even Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison ultimately admitted was "not a good thing."


I love all the people blaming everything EXCEPT the complete and utter lack of a police presence in the north. North Minneapolis is a complete warzone. And sending a 'crisis counselor' to talk to people about their feelings ain't the answer.
β€” Alex Miller (@Alex Miller) 1644458972
Thank God the driver is okay. More Omar defund anyone? First the riots & arson allowed to happen by one party, now the byproduct of the defund with epic minority murder with rampant crime. Leadership change needed more than ever cuz dems can't reverse from this much like CNN/MSM
β€” Brian Kowalczyk (@Brian Kowalczyk) 1644499460

Minneapolis City Council and mayor vote to fund police department to nearly pre-George Floyd levels



Following the tragic death of George Floyd, Minneapolis became the home of the defund the police movement, and even contemplated abolishing the police. However, the government of Minneapolis has completely reversed course after a near-record crime wave has hit the city. Now the city is voting to fund the police.

Nearly two weeks after the death George Floyd, nine of the veto-proof council's 13 members began the process of dismantling the Minneapolis Police Department.

"We are here today to begin the process of ending the Minneapolis Police Department and creating a new, transformative model for cultivating safety in Minneapolis," the City Council declared in June 2020.

Days later, the City Council passed a resolution "declaring the intent to create a transformative new model for cultivating safety" for the police department.

By September 2020, violent crimes spiked, as did property crimes – even arson was up 55% compared to the same time in 2019. At the same time, more than 100 police officers left the department in the first nine months of 2020.

By November 2020, violent carjackings skyrocketed by 537% compared to the previous year.

In February 2021, the Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to approve $6.4 million in additional funding that the police department had requested after the crime rate continued to swell.

By May 2021, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) – previously a proponent of defunding the police – admitted that limiting law enforcement led to a spike in violent crime.

"It's just the reality of the solution, you know," Mayor Frey conceded. "When you make big, overarching statements that we're going to defund or abolish and dismantle the police department and get rid of all the officers, there's an impact to that. We need accountability and culture shift within our department, and we need police."

"It's going to take a very comprehensive effort," Frey added. "Yes, it includes safety beyond policing, and it includes police. And, you know, I'm one that has been working lock step with our Chief Arradondo, and I'm calling on the council members to try to work with him as well."

Because crime continued to swell, a Hennepin County District Court judge ordered in July 2021 that the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor Jacob Frey to "immediately take any and all necessary action to ensure that they fund a police force."

As of Thursday, Minneapolis had recorded its 91st homicide, according to Minneapolis Police Department data. The previous record for homicides in the city is 96, set in 1995.

Now, Minneapolis has done a complete 180 regarding defunding the police.

"Mayor Jacob Frey and the City Council last week agreed to a $1.6 billion budget that includes just over $191 million for the Police Department (MPD), restoring its funding to nearly the level it held before George Floyd was killed in 2020," the Star Tribune reported on Saturday.

The outlet noted that the "urgency faded as crime surged and the 'defund police' message became a political liability."

Council Member Phillipe Cunningham – who lost his re-election bid this fall – said, "There wasn't more of that type of action because there wasn't the political will, really, to do so."

Steve Cramer – president of the Downtown Council – added, "This vote is a first step on a long road back from the division over public safety that has characterized the past 18 tumultuous months in Minneapolis."

Other cities have had major regrets in originally supporting the defund the police movement, such as Portland and Los Angeles – which voted to increase police spending by $36 million.

Fiery protests erupt in Minneapolis for third night after man was killed in police shooting: 'Time for the police to get killed'



For the third straight night, protests erupted in Minneapolis as demonstrators reacted to the shooting death of a man by law enforcement that happened on Thursday afternoon.

Members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force attempted to arrest Winston Boogie Smith, who was wanted on a state arrest warrant for being a felon in possession of a firearm. When law enforcement tried to take Smith into custody on the top level of a parking ramp in the Uptown neighborhood, he allegedly "produced a handgun" and fired shots from inside his vehicle at the officers, according to officials. U.S. Marshals returned fire and struck Smith, 32, who was pronounced dead at the scene. A 27-year-old female passenger in the vehicle was transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment of glass injuries sustained during the shooting and released.

"Evidence at the scene indicates that the man fired his weapon from inside the vehicle. BCA crime scene personnel recovered a handgun as well as spent cartridge cases from inside the driver's compartment," the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said in a statement.

There is no footage of the fatal shooting because the U.S Marshal Service does not allow the use of body cameras for officers serving on its North Star Fugitive Task Force.

Smith was wanted in neighboring Ramsey County for failing to appear for a sentencing hearing scheduled for May 19 after he pleaded guilty to felony firearm possession, court records show.

Smith was convicted of felony aggravated robbery in 2017 and was on probation, which meant he was prohibited from possessing a firearm. "If he had been nabbed with a firearm by cops Thursday, he could have sent back to prison," according to the New York Post.

Following George Floyd's death, Smith allegedly made life-threatening posts towards police and called for a "war" against law enforcement.

"We got guns and bullet proof vest too or should be able to get em… why not just rush these f***s and start this war they keep asking for!" Smith reportedly wrote on Facebook.

"F*** justice anyway b**** justice is an eye for eye u kill one of mine we need one of yours that's justice! Right or wrong f*** being right cuz they keep doing us wrong," he allegedly posted on social media. "I'm down with the burn everything government not touch s*** else I don't even need to loot I'll buy my s*** just kill them dirty ass cops off we tired of being scared at the red light!"

Protesters took to the streets on Thursday night to demand "justice" in the shooting death of Winston Boogie Smith. Protesters barricaded streets and set fires. The demonstrations escalated at times on Thursday night with storefront glass being destroyed, and there was looting at a T-Mobile store and CVS pharmacy.

Tonight protesters in Uptown have barricaded off Lake Street and Girard Ave and have started a fire after a homicid… https://t.co/haTJ3sdyLn

β€” Rebecca Brannon (@RebsBrannon) 1622778653.0



Uptown Target. https://t.co/hspToVQ7wX

β€” π“π‘πž π‚π’π­π’π³πžπ§ π‘πžπ©π¨π«π­πžπ« (@TCReporter) 1622792557.0


The BLM protest in Minneapolis devolved into looting overnight. A large group smashed their way into the @TMobile s… https://t.co/a5jc9qTcxu

β€” Andy NgΓ΄ (@MrAndyNgo) 1622799194.0


CVS off Lake Street was broken into and looted. Currently someone has arrived to board up the shattered windows.P… https://t.co/3UwzVXutnN

β€” Rebecca Brannon (@RebsBrannon) 1622786891.0

A protester celebrated the attack on a Minneapolis police precinct from last summer, "When your precinct burned, America rejoiced. People celebrated seeing your comrades run for their lives!"

β€œWhen your precinct burned, America rejoiced! People celebrated seeing your comrades run for their lives!” Filmed j… https://t.co/33n49eNUhG

β€” π“π‘πž π‚π’π­π’π³πžπ§ π‘πžπ©π¨π«π­πžπ« (@TCReporter) 1622801392.0

There was graffiti on an L.A. Fitness gym that reads: "No trial for us, no trial for them. MPLS still hates cops. Kill cops."

One video features a demonstrator making death threats to police officers.

"It's time for the police to get killed," a man is heard screaming. "One of y'all is gonna die this week."

"I'mma shoot your kids before I shoot y'all, and make you watch," the man yelled at the police. "Y'all better call the National Guard because guess what – y'all gonna need help."

Then fireworks are launched at the police guarding a gas station.

(CAUTION: Explicit language):

There were more protests on Friday night, when there were at least 27 people were arrested, mostly on riot charges, according to police. Agitators set multiple dumpsters on fire in Minneapolis.

Thick smoke in the air as dumpsters burned at Hennepin & Lake Street in Minneapolis this Friday night https://t.co/Z9LdrV6mLZ

β€” Brendan Gutenschwager (@BGOnTheScene) 1622874096.0

On Saturday night, protesters marched through the city chanting anti-police slogans, "I smell b****es! Oink! Oink! Motherf*****!"

The crowd, some of which were flying "Black Lives Matter" flags, were heard chanting, "No good cops in a racist system!" Other chants ring through the streets of Minneapolis, "If Winston don't get it – burn it down! Who shut this down? We shut this down! Who keeps us safe? We keep us safe!"

β€œOink! Oink! Mother f*cker!” #Uptown #WinstonBoogieSmith #WinstonSmith #Minneapolis https://t.co/jARxY4hRQ3

β€” π“π‘πž π‚π’π­π’π³πžπ§ π‘πžπ©π¨π«π­πžπ« (@TCReporter) 1622955345.0


Larger crowd than last night, and this one is being led by CAIR. These events tend to turn into altercations. Tonig… https://t.co/dEEHqdLKWw

β€” Sophia (HaRMful SaTiRe) Narwitz (@SophNar0747) 1622950913.0

There was also anti-cop graffiti posted on the street, which depicted police as pigs. Anti-police rhetoric such as "ACAB(All Cops Are Bastards," F*** 12," "Cops = Terrorists," and "This will continue until the police are abolished." There was a tribute to Winston Smith and "Black Lives Matter" also written on the street.

Lake & Girard. #Uptown #WinstonBoogieSmith #WinstonSmith #Minneapolis 2/2 https://t.co/Rt3hHYSzsT

β€” π“π‘πž π‚π’π­π’π³πžπ§ π‘πžπ©π¨π«π­πžπ« (@TCReporter) 1622959980.0


Third night of protests in Minneapolis' Uptown following shooting by deputies www.youtube.com

Minneapolis mayor admits that calls to 'defund the police' led to a spike in crime



Minneapolis made waves last year as it got the leftist mantra of "defund the police" rolling to the point that it became a national movement and political priority for much of the progressive left in 2020. Now the mayor has admitted that the loud cries to get rid of the police contributed to the current spike in crime.

What's going on now?

The city council vowed last year in the wake of the death of George Floyd to get rid of the police, and Mayor Jacob Frey did little to stand in their way, despite claiming that he did not want to fully abolish the police β€” which famously upset protesters who confronted him on the subject.

As the movement to defund the police gained steam, crime in the city began to increase as cops left the force. After a while, the same city council that trashed cops and threatened to gut their departments realized the city needed help, and they were forced to outsource its police work.

Just a few months later, the council voted so spend an additional $6.4 million on the police. But the damage had already been done.

Crime has been spiking in Minneapolis. Just last weekend, seven people were shot in a span of 12 hours, according to WCCO-TV.

The problem has become so severe that Mayor Frey is holding meetings with community leaders in an attempt find solutions to the spike in violent crime. And he has been forced to admit that the calls to abolish the police are at least partly responsible.

Last Friday, Frey told citizens the city needs to get to work stopping the criminals.

"The violence needs to stop, it's unacceptable," he said, WCCO reported. "People deserve to feel safe in their neighborhood, they deserve to be able to send their kids out to the sidewalk to play and to recreate without bullets flying by. That's unacceptable. We should be holding those perpetrators accountable."

He added that the city currently doesn't have enough officers to respond to the city's crime needs, and he hopes city council members will actually try to work with Police Chief Medaria Arradondo.

"It's going to take a very comprehensive effort," Frey added. "Yes, it includes safety beyond policing, and it includes police. And, you know, I'm one that has been working lock step with our Chief Arradondo, and I'm calling on the council members to try to work with him as well."

What else?

But at least one community leader, Pastor Dale Hume, was not going to let the city's leadership off the hook easily and made sure to let Frey know that the anti-police rhetoric coming from the city council played a role in the spike in crime.

"To people who think that the easy solution to this is defund the police, when you live here and something like this happens, you can obviously see that is not the solution," Hume said, WCCO reported.

Frey said he agrees.

"It's just the reality of the solution, you know," the mayor admitted. "When you make big, overarching statements that we're going to defund or abolish and dismantle the police department and get rid of all the officers, there's an impact to that."

He added, "We need accountability and culture shift within our department, and we need police."

According to WCCO, the mayor intends to release a new plan this week that includes increased public safety and police accountability.

(H/T: HotAir)