Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher’s recent comments about Somali gangs in the Twin Cities have drawn criticism from both CAIR-MN and Minneapolis City Council Vice President Jamal Osman. One law enforcement official noted that there are currently 12 Somali gangs operating in the metropolitan area, while another emphasized the need for cooperation among “law enforcement, community members, and religious leaders” to address the issues.
Sheriff Fletcher is encountering backlash after discussing what KSTP-TV identified as a significant Somali gang concern in the Minneapolis area on his social media platform, which features a show called Live on Patrol.
KSTP-TV reported that Fletcher’s video amassed tens of thousands of views and triggered a response from leaders within the Somali community. A reporter indicated that although the sheriff was reportedly open for interviews, he was unavailable when crews arrived at his office the following morning.
In the video, Fletcher stated, “Before we can start solving a problem, we have to first identify what it is. We’ve got a long list of criminal acts, but that doesn’t mean we’re indicting the entire community.”
KSTP noted Fletcher’s remarks connected gang violence with issues in Somalia and mentioned that police are probing a recent shooting in Minneapolis that involved gang members. One incident resulted in a death, while another involved several injuries and reports of automatic gunfire.
“This has to stop,” commented Jama Shine, an investigator with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office regarding Somali gangs.
Another officer indicated that they are monitoring 12 different Somali gangs in the area.
The third officer shared a video from KSTP of the shooting, commenting, “You can hear gunshots.”
Shine expressed the need for collaboration, saying, “We need law enforcement, community members, and faith leaders to come together to find solutions for this young person.”
Suleiman Adan, Deputy Executive Director of CAIR-MN, emphasized that true solutions should center on prevention, intervention, family involvement, and sustained investment in youth.
“Whoever is responsible for violent crimes must be held accountable,” Adan added.
However, Adan challenged Fletcher’s assertions, suggesting it’s “particularly dangerous” to claim a gang issue linked to Somalia and to push communities to “raise the stakes” before things escalate further.
Vice President Osman released a statement on July 7 denouncing Fletcher’s remarks, asserting that they wrongly place the origin of local violence on Somali youth and attempt to connect this violence with foreign terrorist groups.
Osman described Fletcher’s comments as “wrong” and “dangerous,” asserting that they foster division and erode public trust.
“Community violence is a serious problem, and it affects us all,” Osman said. “But scapegoating youth or using fear to create divisions isn’t the solution.”
He added that the underlying issues include “years of disinvestment, poverty, lack of opportunity, social isolation, and dysfunctional systems affecting families for far too long.”
Osman criticized the nature of Fletcher’s leadership, pointing out that effective leadership requires listening to those closest to the issues and working together to find inclusive solutions.
He also mentioned that this is not the first instance where Fletcher has identified an ethnic or racial community in his remarks, suggesting a troubling tendency to fuel division and racial discord.
“Somali neighbors are part of our essence,” Osman stated. “Somali youth deserve opportunities, respect, and investment. Public officials should refrain from perpetuating stereotypes.”
