Minnesota leaders are reacting after President Donald Trump issued a statement on Minnesota’s Somali immigrant community.
President Truth Social’s message released Thursday referenced violence in the state, which was widely discussed after law enforcement linked a shooting at a football game in Eden Prairie, shots fired at a gas station in Eden Prairie and a shooting in Bloomington to Somali gang activity.
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Trump also directly appealed to national and local elected officials.
Gov. Tim Walz responded: “The president’s deranged social media posts can’t distract from the fact that he’s losing a war and driving up costs. He’s going after blue states because he can’t hit America’s real enemies.”
Minneapolis City Council Member Jamal Osman also released the following statement:
“Mr. President, the Somalis of Minnesota are also your constituents. Your responsibility to protect them is no different than your responsibility to protect any other American.”
“The Somali American families you speak of want what families across the country want: a safe neighborhood, an honest life, and a better future for their children. They deserve a president who recognizes that their safety matters, too.
“I believe that people who break the law should be held accountable. I believe that victims deserve justice. And I believe that no one should have to answer for someone else’s wrongdoing because they share a faith or heritage. These principles go hand in hand.
“When a president tells people to ‘fight back’ while attacking an entire community, those words have consequences.
“A child should never have to walk into school wondering if the president allowed someone to treat them like an enemy.
“Our country has seen this phenomenon before: neighbors portrayed as strangers, entire communities treated as suspects – Americans are asked to prove they belong.
“This story calls us to speak out now.
“I will work with anyone to prevent violence and keep our neighborhoods safe. And I will stand up to anyone who puts our neighbors in danger.
“Both are part of the job I was elected to do.
“To the Somali American families of Minnesota: this is your home. You belong here. Your children have every right to help shape the future of this country.
“I am proud to be Somali American. I am proud to serve Minneapolis. And I will continue to uphold the promise of equal dignity and equal protection for each of our neighbors.
“Mr. President, your responsibility extends to all of us. We deserve leadership that honors it.”
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