Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey faced public criticism and online ridicule for his dancing at a recent state fair while his city experiences rising rates of violent crime.
Video circulated on social media showing Frey, a Democrat, performing awkward dance moves to hip hop music at the Black Entrepreneur State Fair. The mayor's actions drew sharp commentary from various online personalities and users who linked the display to governance issues within Minneapolis.
Commentators, including conservative writer Benny Johnson and commentator Gunther Eagleman, expressed derision, suggesting the dance was performative and out of touch with the city's challenges. Eagleman specifically criticized the mayor for engaging in what he termed a "white-man shuffle" while Minneapolis deals with disorder and failed governance.
Frey's public appearance occurred shortly after a report detailing an increase in aggravated assaults and rapes in Minneapolis. Data from January 1 through June 30 of the current year, compared to the same period last year, indicated a nearly 13 percent rise in aggravated assaults, from 1,346 to 1,518. Reported rapes also increased, with 252 cases this year compared to 214 last year.
The homicide rate remained relatively stable, with 25 reported homicides in the current year, a slight decrease from 26 in the previous year. However, the city did experience a marked reduction in robberies, with 404 reports compared to 502.
In response to recent incidents, including two mass shootings at the end of July, Mayor Frey acknowledged the need for governmental adjustments. He emphasized the importance of arresting and prosecuting individuals responsible for violent crimes.
The Minneapolis Police Department is currently facing a shortage of nearly 100 officers, falling below the minimum force of 731 required by the city charter. A Hennepin County judge ordered city officials to address this staffing deficit. Frey has publicly stated his agreement with increasing the police force.
In the interim, Frey has advocated for the expanded use of technology, such as cameras, Shot Spotters, and drones, to assist law enforcement. He believes these tools could help manage lower-level calls and allow officers to focus on high-crime areas. However, a recent drone pilot program proposed by the city was rejected by the city council due to concerns about potential misuse by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
The Mayor's Office, the Minneapolis City Council, and the Minneapolis Police Department have been contacted for comment.