Crime dominates Minneapolis mayoral race

Rising Concerns Over Violence and Homelessness in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is currently grappling with a series of mass shootings that have shocked the community, drawing attention to the city's ongoing issues with crime and homelessness. As early voting begins for the upcoming election, these incidents have intensified the debate over public safety and the direction of the city’s leadership.

The recent surge in violence, highlighted by two shootings along Lake Street on Monday, marks a significant shift from the relative calm the city experienced earlier this year when crime levels had dropped from their pandemic-era peaks. This sudden increase has placed renewed pressure on the mayoral candidates to address public safety concerns effectively.

There are 15 candidates vying for the mayor's seat, with incumbent Mayor Jacob Frey seeking a third term. In a predominantly Democratic city, Frey is considered more moderate on public safety compared to his top challengers, creating a unique dynamic where none of his opponents accuse him of being soft on crime, even amid the recent violence.

The Candidates’ Stances on Public Safety

State Senator Omar Fateh, Frey’s primary challenger, previously supported defunding and dismantling the Minneapolis Police Department during his 2020 Senate campaign. However, he has since shifted his focus toward alternative approaches to policing. Fateh emphasizes the need for "bold and transformative approaches to public safety" to end the cycle of police violence and brutality.

After the recent shootings, Fateh released a statement advocating for investments in real violence prevention, focusing on victims, and addressing homelessness. He also called for increased gun regulation and a ban on assault rifles at the state level. Additionally, Fateh plans to tackle the backlog of unsolved police cases and diversify public safety responses by investing in mental health responders, crisis teams, and youth programs. He opposes clearing homeless encampments, which Frey’s administration has increasingly done this year.

Fateh, a democratic socialist, initially received the endorsement of Minneapolis Democrats, although it was later revoked by the state Democratic-Farmer-Labor party.

Rev. DeWayne Davis, who finished third in the DFL’s endorsement behind Fateh and Frey, advocates for a comprehensive approach to violent crime similar to what Baltimore implemented, resulting in a 50-year low in homicides. Davis believes Minneapolis needs to coordinate efforts among the city, county, state, violence prevention groups, and prosecutors to reduce violence effectively.

Other Key Candidates and Their Positions

Jazz Hampton, another prominent mayoral challenger, aligns closely with Frey on policing. When asked about his stance on policing relative to Frey, he quipped, “We both run the West Coast offense; I just would implement it better.” Hampton supports increasing the number of police officers and reducing their involvement in nonemergency calls. He also emphasizes the need for a “trigger ordinance” banning assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines, should the Minnesota Legislature change a state law preventing cities from enacting their own gun control legislation.

Hampton highlights the importance of addressing the police department’s case backlog, improving school graduation rates, expanding summer recreational opportunities, and dedicating more resources to homelessness. He notes that the mayor ran on eradicating homelessness, a challenge that remains significant.

Mayor Frey’s Response and the Current Situation

In response to the recent violence, Frey defended the city’s decision to close encampments, citing the shooting at a private property camp as evidence of their danger. He also emphasized his support for hiring more police officers, noting that Minneapolis has fewer officers per capita than most major U.S. cities.

Frey praised the diversity of the police force under his leadership, increased staffing, and the drop in unsheltered homelessness due to efforts to prevent encampments from forming. However, the situation in south Minneapolis, where recent shootings occurred, contrasts sharply with the relative stability in north Minneapolis, which has seen a decade-low number of shootings.

Despite overall crime reductions this year, including a 30% decrease in gunshot wound victims and a 20% drop in homicides, the recent violence has left the city shaken. Frey acknowledges that while progress has been made, the current situation highlights the fragility of the city’s safety measures.