MPLS Council Member Blames Crime On Somali Youth, Later Apologizes

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis City Council member Michael Rainville has apologized for his comment about Somali youth and the July 4 violence in Minneapolis.

On Independence Day, eight people were shot at Boom Island Park. Fireworks were also reportedly used as weapons. No arrests have been made.

At a community public safety meeting on Thursday, Rainville told a crowd that he planned to visit "a mosque in northeast to meet with Somali elders and tell them their children can no longer have that kind of behavior."

The comment was first reported by Wedge Live. Star Tribune reporter Andy Mannix posted audio of the comment. It drew immediate backlash on social media.

Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party called on Rainville to apologize and threaten to punish him politically.

The DFL said that if Rainville refused to walk back his remarks, the party would "revoke any provisional endorsement under the Code of Conduct policy in our Constitution and we will demand that he remove any and all DFL affiliation from his website and campaign materials."

Rainville complied, issuing an apology late-night email to residents.

"I want to address a comment I made earlier today and apologize," he wrote. "I was trying to convey that we need more support for our youth. But the fact is that what I said and the way I said it was not appropriate and I wrongly singled out Somali youth. I recognize and acknowledge the hurt and anger my statement caused. I am sorry. I look forward to meeting with community members and continuing our shared work to make Minneapolis a safer city for everyone."

Mayor Jacob Frey Condemns July 4 'Recklessness'

A day after the violence, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the "recklessness and callous disregard for residents" after eight people were shot Monday night at Boom Island Park.

The crime "put a damper on a weekend that should otherwise be celebrated," Frey added in a statement. "We believe in this city, and we need to make sure we're doing everything we possibly can to curb this type of violence."

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