Emmer, Minnesota Republican Delegation Urge U.S. Attorney Rosen to Stamp Out Somali Gang Violence

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) led the Minnesota Republican delegation in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen regarding the alarming rise of Somali gang violence in Minnesota. Despite making up roughly 2% of the population in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro, Somalis account for at least 13% of the total gang population in that same area. The delegation is urging U.S. Attorney Rosen to continue his great work keeping Minnesota safe by holding these Somali gang members accountable for their crimes.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you won't assimilate, then get the hell out of here. First it was an estimated $9 billion in fraud, now it's out-of-control violence," said Congressman Tom Emmer. "These Somali gangs have shot up high school graduations and assaulted players on opposing basketball teams with tire irons. It's absolute madness, and something must be done."

Background

Following unprecedented violence stemming from Somali gangs over the 4th of July weekend, Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher brought attention to this serious public safety threat. Sheriff Fletcher estimates that there are roughly 1,000 to 2,000 members of other gangs in the metro area, making the 300 members of Somali gangs account for approximately 13% to 23% of the total gang population in the Minneapolis-St Paul metropolitan area. Investigators have linked 14 murders and over 100 shootings to Somali gangs in the last two years.

You can read the letter sent to U.S. Attorney Rosen in its entirety here.

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