Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher has ignited controversy with his assertion that a growing gang problem in the Twin Cities is linked to Somali youth. Fletcher made the remarks during a "Live on Patrol" livestream on Monday, following a Fourth of July weekend marked by gun violence that investigators believe involved rival Somali gangs.
During the 20-minute stream, Fletcher, alongside Somali gang investigator Jama Shine, stated that authorities could no longer remain silent about the issue. "We can’t ignore it anymore," Fletcher urged, warning that the violence put entire neighborhoods at risk. He showed video footage from a double shooting that occurred Saturday near the Quarry Shopping Center in northeast Minneapolis. "Before you start fixing the problem, first you have to identify what it is," Fletcher said, emphasizing that the comments were not an indictment of the entire community.
Shine echoed the call for collaboration, imploring families, faith leaders, and community organizations to intervene before more young people become involved in gang activity. "This needs to stop," Shine said. "We need to come together from law enforcement, community members, faith leaders, and to find a solution for this youth."
Officials noted that many of these feuds originate online, with social media disputes and neighborhood rivalries quickly escalating to real-world violence. Investigator Ben Seidl stated he is tracking at least a dozen Somali gangs in the Twin Cities metro area, with approximately 300 members. "We need to come together; we need to [find] something to do for the kids. All right, most of these kids… don’t have places to go," Seidl commented.
Fletcher announced a public meeting scheduled for July 21 at the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office in Arden Hills, aiming to foster a collaborative effort between residents, community leaders, and law enforcement to address the bloodshed.
However, Fletcher's remarks drew immediate criticism. Civil rights advocates and elected officials accused the sheriff of unfairly targeting an entire ethnic community rather than focusing on the individuals responsible for the violence. Suleiman Adan, deputy executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN), cautioned that the sheriff's language could reinforce harmful stereotypes. He argued that sustainable solutions require prevention, youth programs, education, and stronger community partnerships, not rhetoric that risks broadly condemning an entire community.
Maya Khan, Minneapolis City Council Vice President Jamal Osman, expressed dismay and deep disappointment with the framing of the issue. The Minneapolis Police Department issued a statement indicating that investigations into the weekend violence were ongoing and that they would not comment on investigative details or speculate on gang involvement until all facts are confirmed.
Despite the pushback, Fletcher has defended his approach, asserting that open confrontation is necessary to prevent further loss of young lives. He maintains that his office has worked with Somali community leaders for years and is targeting violent offenders, not the broader Somali population. Investigators describe these gangs as distinct from traditional criminal organizations, often composed of teenagers and young adults whose personal disputes quickly escalate into shootings. Authorities have also raised concerns about suspects possessing illegally modified firearms. Police believe there is still an opportunity to intervene before these gangs become more established. He also stated that his office has sent officials into the Somali community to speak with parents, many of whom are unaware of their child's gang involvement.