Minneapolis Police warned people to obey criminals for their own safety as violent crime increases amid BLM protests. Residents of the city were advised to, “be prepared to give up your cell phone and purse/wallet” if approached by robbers, and “Do not argue or fight with the criminal”
The “robbery prevention tips” were circulated by the police department and publicized by local ABC affiliate KSTP-5. The tips on how to protect themselves were addressed to residents of the 3rd District, the area of the city in which George Floyd was killed. The letter provides advice on robbery prevention that residents should consider in the face of rising violence. The letter notes that “thefts and carjackings have increased in our constituency”, and indicates that personal valuables, such as cell phones and handbags, have been the most important. target of aggressors. The aggressors used threats of armed violence to achieve their goal. Some people were reportedly “dragged” and “assaulted”.
The tips were posted on social media:
Look another email on how to be a perfect victim in #MplsCrime just came out, but wait @MayorFrey says Minneapolis is a safe vibrant place pic.twitter.com/1eIBY0oei9
— Hennepin County Police & Fire monitoring (@HCP_FM) July 28, 2020
Minneapolis City Government tells residents to be ready to give up their phones and wallets and to always cooperate with criminals: pic.twitter.com/qQhw4YLRSY
— Kyle Hooten (@KyleHooten2) August 1, 2020
The Democrat-dominated Minneapolis City Council unanimously approved a resolution to abolish the police department — despite the opposition of local leaders in the black community.
The local Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported that local black leaders had called the plan to abolish or defund the police “Egregious, grotesque, absurd, crazy, ridiculous.”