Somali community leaders stood in the hot sunshine Tuesday morning in St. Paul to invite Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher to discuss critical community issues directly with them - and not on social media.
In his YouTube series, "Live on Patrol," Fletcher said there's a focus on a small number of Somali youth to help in their efforts to reduce crime across the Twin Cities.
Former state Representative Hodan Hassan says Fletcher should talk to them in-person, instead of going on social media.
"The invitation is open to him," Hassan said. "Our mosques are open to him. We have mosque leaders standing right behind me. Our community is open to him, and all of us are open to Fletcher. And I think he knows so many of us that he can pick up the phone and call us."
Fletcher's video was posted not long after dozens of Somali leaders met in St. Paul. Among the items of discussion juvenile violence. Fletcher made a point of saying it was just a small number - around 300 youths in gangs - that has led to a recent outbreak of gun violence.
"There's 100,000 Somali people in Minnesota and we're really targeting 300," Sheriff Fletcher told the WCCO Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar last week. "It's 300 young youth that are misguided and need some redirection and correction. And accountability, to be honest with you. Putting some of them in jail is a part of the solution."
However, Somali leaders say "public safety is not advanced by sensationalizing violence, making sweeping generalizations about Somali youth, or using the authority of public office to publicly lecture and stigmatize an entire community."
Local Somali writer Suleiman Adan also asked that Fletcher meet directly with the Somali community.
"Not one of us benefits when fear replaces facts," Adan adds. "Not one of us benefits when hotlines become stereotypes. Not one of us benefits when entire communities feel targeted because of the actions of those that represent their community."
As of yet, there are no formal scheduled meetings between the Somali leaders and the sheriff, although Fletcher did release a statement inviting them to join him during a July 21st community meeting.
"I have worked with the Somali community for 20 years," Fletcher said in his statement. "I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with all organizations wanting to address youth gang violence."
Fletcher also added that it is about "saving live," and he's thankful the conversation has begun.
Fletcher responded, saying he welcomed the conversation
Fletcher responded, saying he welcomed the conversation
