Minneapolis Business Owner Questions City Leadership Amid Violence and Economic Decline

Minneapolis Business Owner Questions City Leadership Amid Violence and Economic Decline

EXCLUSIVE – Edwin Reed expressed deep concern as he reflected on the hardships faced by his Minneapolis business over the past five years, attributing much of the turmoil to the city’s leadership.

“It’s been a heck of a roller coaster these last five years,” Reed told Fox News Digital. He is the owner of Sincere Detailing Pros located at 38th and Chicago in south Minneapolis, close to the spot where George Floyd was killed.

The death of George Floyd, a Black man, on May 25, 2020, sparked nationwide protests and unrest after former police officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee on Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes. Floyd was initially accused of using a counterfeit $20 bill, and Chauvin faced a 21-year sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights, followed by an additional 22.5 years for second-degree murder.

A month after Floyd’s tragic death, Reed witnessed the rise of barricades throughout the neighborhood, dramatically impacting his business revenues.

“There were barricades about six feet high at every turn,” he recalled. “They weighed around 5,000 to 6,000 pounds each, and it drove away our customers.” The area, known now as George Floyd Square, once served as a memorial but quickly transformed into a hazardous zone.

Safety Concerns and Business Disruptions

Reed noted, “Tens of thousands of people flocked to the location each week, but they soon learned that gangs were prevalent, and robberies occurred regularly because police were absent from the area.” He shifted the operating hours of his business, responding to customers’ fears about car theft.

Since Floyd’s death, violence in the vicinity saw fatal incidents; Reed personally witnessed six shootings, two of which he tried to intervene in. He claimed that calls to 911 often went unanswered or resulted in inadequate responses.

A spokesperson from the city stated that the Minneapolis Police Department has provided round-the-clock service to the area and stationed two officers there since August 2023 to improve community relations and protect local businesses.

Business Owners Unite in Lawsuit Against Minneapolis

Frustrated with city conditions, Reed and several other business owners filed a lawsuit against Minneapolis, seeking $49 million in damages and reinstatement of police support.

The complaint highlights a harrowing incident when Reed and a customer ducked for cover during gunfire outside his shop. After calling 911, the operator directed him to a gang task force officer, who informed Reed that the police would not respond to calls in the area, labeling it a ‘No Go Zone.’

Reed emphasized, “This situation is not about race—it’s a matter of principle. We are business owners caught in the crossfire; we had no involvement in the events surrounding George Floyd’s death.” He expressed a deep sense of despair about the future of his business in the city.

Reed’s emotional turmoil manifested in a desire to leave Minneapolis altogether. “My business’s reputation is in ruins. I can’t sleep at night, constantly worried that someone will break in or worse. I’ve even seen attempts to set my shop on fire,” he lamented.

City Government’s Response and Ongoing Initiatives

In response to the lawsuit, the office of Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey refrained from commenting on the pending litigation but acknowledged the ongoing issues. A city representative highlighted their investments in enhancing business growth, affordable housing, and community development around George Floyd Square.

The spokesperson added, “Since 2020, we have invested over $5 million in improvements including housing, infrastructure, social services, and art preservation in the area. This work aims to foster a vibrant community for all residents.”

The city also emphasized that they provided financial support to local businesses, including forgiven loans broadly intended to stabilize and promote economic resilience. Furthermore, they claimed that crime rates in the area are decreasing.

Local Businesses Facing Unprecedented Challenges

Business owners in the area, such as Dwight Alexander, the owner of Smoke In The Pit, voiced concerns that customers are too apprehensive to visit. Alexander remarked, “People feel fearful coming here, even with the promise of good food. That mindset prevails.”

Another local entrepreneur, Ralph Williams, experienced a personal tragedy when he was shot in 2021 but received no police assistance during his hour of need.

Reed sympathizes with law enforcement. He remarked,