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Community leaders urge inclusion as residents raise Somali-community concerns after Edina park shooting
Summary
At a community briefing, a local leader said Somali American residents have been working with police and want to be part of solutions; an audience member cited an outside sheriff's comments alleging Somali gang activity, and police urged caution in public claims while stressing collaboration.
Assad, introduced by the chief as a local community leader, told the meeting he and other Somali American leaders have been working with Edina police for two years on park-safety efforts and urged that the Somali community not be sidelined in broader discussions.
"When we talk about the Centennial Lake incidents...we were out there at Centennial Lakes until 11PM making sure that safety is paramount important for all of us because we're also Edina residents," Assad said, urging inclusion in planning. Others in the audience referenced comments by Ramsey County Sheriff Fletcher alleging Somali gang activity; one attendee relayed those claims during the briefing. Chief Milburn responded that while he is concerned about regional gang violence, he could not discuss investigative details during an active probe and emphasized ongoing dialogue with community leaders.
Community leaders at the meeting asked for clearer outreach and inclusion, saying volunteer patrols and long-term engagement had already been underway in some neighborhoods. Police and the mayor reiterated a two-track approach: pursue enforcement and prosecution where evidence supports it while continuing community engagement and programming that may reduce youth involvement in dangerous activity.
