Statement on Events of May 5

Last night, a 14-year-old boy lost his life in downtown Minneapolis — just steps from the Federal Reserve. This child was shot during a fight among teens, an altercation that escalated into irreversible tragedy. My heart is with his family and all those grieving another young life cut short.

This is not just another statistic. This was a child — known to police, yes — but first and foremost, someone’s son, friend, and classmate. His death is a glaring signal of what’s broken: easy access to guns, a breakdown in community trust, and a system that is failing too many of our youth before they even reach adulthood.

We need to get serious about youth violence, about illegal firearms, and about creating spaces and opportunities that keep our kids safe, engaged, and supported. That means real investments in community-based intervention, support for parents, and a commitment to preventing violence before it happens — not just reacting after.

I am running for mayor because Minneapolis cannot afford to continue on this path. We must sees every child’s life as a top priority.

To the people of Minneapolis: we deserve better, and we can do better — together.