Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey faced online criticism for his dancing at the Black Entrepreneur State Fair, with critics juxtaposing the event with rising crime statistics in the city. Videos circulated on social media showing Frey, a Democrat, attempting to follow an emcee's dance moves to hip-hop music, moves that some online commentators deemed "cringeworthy."
Conservative commentators and social media users derided Frey's performance. Some suggested his actions were out of touch with the city's challenges, with one user posting, "Mayor Frey is out here dancing like his state, his city is not in complete disarray and plagued with rampant fraud at every level." Another stated, "Voters aren't buying the pity dance. They want competence, not choreography."
The criticism of Frey's dancing comes as recent data indicates an increase in certain violent crimes. According to a report comparing the first half of 2026 to the same period in 2025, aggravated assaults rose by nearly 13 percent, from 1,346 to 1,518. Reported rapes also increased, from 214 to 252. The homicide rate saw a slight decrease, with 25 homicides reported in the first half of 2026 compared to 26 in 2025. Robberies decreased during the same period.
In response to a series of shootings in late July, Mayor Frey acknowledged the need for governmental adjustments, stating, "We're going to make adjustments to make sure the individuals are arrested." He emphasized that "The individuals need to be arrested, prosecuted and then put in jail."
The Minneapolis Police Department is reportedly short nearly 100 officers from the 731 required by the city charter. A Hennepin County judge previously ordered city officials to meet the minimum staffing level. Frey has advocated for the expanded use of technology such as cameras, Shot Spotters, and drones to aid law enforcement, arguing that it could help free up officers to focus on high-crime areas. However, the city council recently rejected a drone pilot program, citing concerns about potential misuse by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
