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Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020

Has violent crime increased in Minneapolis since the George Floyd killing?

Claire Zimmerman, Gigafact
yes

Minneapolis has experienced a jump in violent crimes since the lifting of stay-home health orders and the protests following George Floyd's killing in May.

Between May 27 and Aug. 4, the city recorded 28 homicides, more than twice from the level in the year-earlier period. Total violent crime jumped 30%. Local news reports cite gang violence, an increased supply of guns and an unusual number of absences, retirements and resignations from the police department, which the City Council has voted to abolish (subject to voters' approval). The city is hiring "60 to 100 street outreach workers" to work to prevent retaliation among gang and group members, a neighborhood newspaper reports.

Year-to-date, violent crimes are up 19%, while property crimes are up 4%.

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