FARGO (KFGO) – Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says he does not think Somali groups are solely to blame for crime in the state.
“Crime comes in all colors, all cultures, all religions, and you know, it’s just not accurate to say this ethnicity is more connected to crime than another.” Ellison said.
Last week, President Donald Trump attacked Somali communities on social media. He said Somali communities have taken over Minnesota and that residents should fight back against murder, violence and mayhem. The President also called on Minnesota leaders to ask the federal government to intervene.
Ellison says that overall, crime is actually down, but Minnesota residents are more aware of crime in the state because of national attention on fraud issues and Somali gangs.
When asked if he would walk around downtown Minneapolis late at night, Ellison said yes.
“I’m not saying that nothing bad will ever happen to anyone, anywhere. What I’m saying is, your risk of running into trouble is about the same whether you’re in downtown Minneapolis, or anywhere else, and I could tell you downtown Minneapolis is a pretty safe place to tell you the truth.” Ellison said.
Republican Ron Schutz is challenging Ellison for Minnesota Attorney General. Election Day is November 3.
Ellison made his comments on KFGO’s News and Views with Joel Heitkamp.
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