Multiple law enforcement agencies at both the federal crackdown on gang activity in the Twins Cities. U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger made the announcement Wednesday afternoon in Minneapolis. He was joined by Steven Dettelbach, the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
The goal is a takedown of violent street gangs as part of a federal violent crime strategy. There have been indictments issues against members of the Highs and Lows gang members who mostly operate in North Minneapolis. Luger says 28 members of the Highs are charged, along with 17 members of the Bloods, who operate in South Minneapolis. There were 45 total indictments but Luger says more will be coming. There were also seizures of both drugs and weapons.
“To be clear, there will be more cases after this,” Luger explained. “The indictments allege how long each gang existed and operated.”
Luger says that they are using the RICO (The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) act to prosecute members of the gangs, which was how the FBI began to pursue members of the Mafia in the 1970s. The goal, according to Luger, is to dismantle gangs and make it more expensive to join gangs in Minneapolis.
“Rather than trying one crime at a time, all crimes that fit the RICO statute are tried together,” says Luger. “It carries its own set of penalties including life in prison for gang members that commit murder.”
There are 20 shootings and seven murders included in Wednesday’s announced indictments, stemming from crimes going back to 2016. Luger says all but two of the indicted individuals is in custody.
Luger said this is the first time the RICO Act has been used against gangs in Minnesota. When Luger was announced as U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, they formed the Federal Violent Crime Initiative in Minneapolis to focus on cutting crime in the community.
“Today, we have cut down on the street gang violence in Minneapolis,” says Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Polite. “I am confident through our continuing work, we can continue to build stronger, safer communities.”
Luger says the ATF took the lead in the investigation of the Hives, with the FBI investigating The Bloods.
“What you’re looking at is a kind of prosecutorial dream team for law-abiding people of Minneapolis. “But for the law breakers, they are a nightmare,” says Steven Dettelbach, the director of the ATF.
At least 150 people have been shot in Minneapolis and St. Paul so far this year. Last year that number climbed to 793 in just the Twin Cities.
“Community members are sharing their concern, their stress and level of concerns around the community. We hear those concerns,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Dewanna Witt. "We're going to give Minneapolis what it deserves which is peace and justice."
Luger also gave credit to Minneapolis Police for their support, saying the were essential in the investigations.
"In Minneapolis, we know that it is a small group of people responsible for the violent crime that is out here pulling triggers and causing immense grief and harm in our communities," says Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara. "This violence left unchecked is a public health crisis.. There is nothing normal about he outrageous levels of violence in these indictments. We will not standby and let a small group of individuals level our community and terrify our neighbors."
O'Hara also added they will continue to embed Minneapolis Police Officers with the FBI and ATF agents in order to pursue future cases.
Related
