In a recent interview with MSNBC's Al Sharpton, Democratic Socialist state senator and Minneapolis mayoral candidate Omar Fateh expressed dissatisfaction with the city's progress in reforming its police force.
Fateh, a vocal advocate for police reform, stated, "Unfortunately, no," when asked if policing had improved since the death of George Floyd in 2020. He criticized the current administration, noting, "The mayor has promised continuously to our communities that there would be real meaningful reform. And five years later, there is still no plan."
According to The Post Millennial, Minneapolis became a focal point for nationwide protests following Floyd's death, which tragically escalated into riots. The unrest led to the destruction of a police precinct and prompted the Minneapolis City Council to propose dismantling the police department in favor of a "community-led" public safety model.
However, this initiative faltered when voters decisively rejected a 2021 ballot measure to replace the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) with a Department of Public Safety. The city has since faced challenges in recruiting and retaining officers amid rising crime rates, prompting residents to form neighborhood watch groups to safeguard their communities.
Despite the council's efforts to defund the police, it was revealed that members collectively spent significant sums on private security. Earlier this year, the Minneapolis City Council approved a federal consent decree negotiated with the Biden-Harris Department of Justice. This agreement, following a DOJ report highlighting systemic issues within the MPD, mandates comprehensive reforms over four years. These changes include adopting de-escalation policies, proportional use-of-force standards, and fair disciplinary systems. Officers will also receive training for developmentally appropriate interactions with youth and access to confidential mental health services.
Fateh, who recently announced his mayoral candidacy, is aligned with fellow Democratic Socialist and New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. His platform advocates for Minneapolis to become a sanctuary for abortion and gender-transition procedures, implement rent control, raise the minimum wage, and prevent MPD from coordinating with ICE. "Protecting all of our communities from Donald Trump means not letting MPD interact with ICE, whether its for an immigration raid or not," Fateh emphasized in a recent statement.
As a frequent speaker at Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) events, Fateh continues to push for more aggressive steps to defund and dismantle traditional policing in Minneapolis. His campaign reflects a broader progressive agenda that challenges conventional law enforcement practices in favor of community-based solutions.
Login