SC Minnesota News

Minnesota State Representative Erica Schwartz addressed concerns about public safety and recent incidents in Minnesota in a message to constituents this week. The statement follows remarks by Governor Tim Walz, who, alongside Illinois Governor JB Pritzker at the North Star Summit, suggested that President Trump might deploy the National Guard in Minnesota. Walz said, “I think it’s logical for them to come here. We fall into exactly what they’re trying to target—blue cities in places that he wants to make an impact.” He added that he wants Minnesotans to recognize that this situation is “not normal.”

Schwartz responded by pointing to ongoing issues in Minnesota, stating that threats and violence have become more common. She highlighted an incident where a daycare was vandalized with antisemitic graffiti, referencing messages such as “Watch out Zionists,” “F*** Zionism,” and “Al-Aqsa Flood,” the latter being the name used by Hamas for its attack on Israel two years ago.

Schwartz also referenced other violent events, including a bar bouncer in St. Paul being charged with first-degree manslaughter after an altercation led to a customer’s death, and a shooting in downtown Minneapolis that resulted in one death and three injuries. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara commented on the latter event: “An argument inside a crowded bar should never end in gunfire and a loss of life.”

In her statement, Schwartz criticized state leadership for not addressing these issues effectively. She cited continued problems such as fraud and corruption connected to Attorney General Keith Ellison and mentioned the Feeding Our Future scandal.

Schwartz argued that deploying the National Guard is not a political move but a necessary step for public safety: “Deploying the National Guard isn’t about politics—it’s about restoring peace and protecting innocent lives. If the Governor cannot, or will not, do his job to keep Minnesotans safe, then it becomes the federal government’s duty to step in and ensure stability. The people of Minnesota deserve safety, not excuses.”

She concluded by thanking her constituents for their engagement and encouraged them to continue sharing their concerns with her.