Congressman Stauber calls on Gov. Walz, Minnesota elected leaders to ‘seek cooperation’

U.S. Representative Pete Stauber, a Republican representing Minnesota’s 8th congressional district, released a statement Sunday, one day after a second fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by federal agents.  Stauber is calling on Gov. Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Frey to “seek cooperation” and avoid interfering with “legitimate law enforcement operations.”

Below is Stauber’s full statement:

“As a former law enforcement officer and someone who loves my home state immensely, I am deeply concerned by the ongoing situation in Minneapolis and the metro area overall. Above all, I urge everyone, including elected leaders and the citizens we represent, to do their part in lowering the temperature so we can avoid further escalation.

Yesterday’s tragedy is something no one wants to see happening in Minnesota or anywhere else. As in all law enforcement incidents where lethal force was used, a full investigation will ensue. None of us should rush to judgment or fan the flames until all the facts are known and that investigation is concluded. The reality is that Minneapolis has become a tinder box. This is in large part because, rather than cooperate with legitimate law enforcement operations, Twin Cities politicians are urging people to interfere with them. This is placing our officers under immense pressure and creating a more volatile situation for everyone.

It is past time for deescalation and that will require real leadership, which has so far been missing. Minnesota leaders must stop encouraging these actions—so far, they’ve only incited and inflamed the situation. I am urging Governor Walz, Mayor Frey, and local officials to seek cooperation and calm moving forward. I also encourage residents that want to exercise their First Amendment rights to do so in a lawful manner, without interfering with law enforcement and unnecessarily putting themselves and the officers in a dangerous situation.

When law enforcement agencies cooperate at all levels, public safety increases. I am praying for all of our leaders—national, state and local—to rise above and find a peaceful path forward. Working together, we can rid our streets of the most violent and dangerous criminals who are in our country illegally and keep Minnesotans safe.”