Minneapolis-St. Paul Restaurant Owner Closes Doors Amid Rising Crime and Calls for Action

A local restaurant in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area is shutting down due to escalating crime levels and what the owner describes as a failure of city officials to provide adequate safety measures.

Brian Ingram, who operates several establishments including the Apostle Supper Club in St. Paul, announced the closure to highlight the significant impact crime has on his business. He expressed frustration with local leaders, urging them to take decisive action.

Crime Escalation in the Twin Cities

During an interview on a recent episode of Fox & Friends, Ingram remarked on the alarming state of public safety in the region. He stated that crime has spiraled out of control and emphasized that city officials should take responsibility for addressing the situation.

“It is maddening that our city officials are not standing on every corner going, ‘We’re done,’” Ingram explained. His comments reflect the sentiments of many residents concerned about safety in their communities.

Accountability and Public Safety Concerns

Ingram attributes the rise in crime to a perceived breakdown in accountability among local prosecutors, judges, and attorneys. He claims that their decision to refrain from prosecuting offenders has created a culture of impunity.

“As our DA and as our city attorneys and judges decided that we were no longer going to prosecute criminals, it just kind of keeps exploding,” said Ingram, indicating that such decisions have significantly harmed public safety.

Impact on Business Operations

Repeated incidents of break-ins and safety concerns for both staff and customers have necessitated the closure of his restaurant. Ingram described his exasperation with the process of reporting crimes, noting that it has become increasingly difficult to file a police report when incidents occur.

“I called 911 twice in the last month and both times the dispatcher told me I could not have a police officer come to my business to do a report,” he recounted. “Well, of course crime is down when you can’t file a police report.”

Crime Statistics and Recent Events

The City of Minneapolis’ crime dashboard indicates some reductions in categories like assault and robbery compared to last year; however, this has not alleviated the serious concerns about violent crime. Recently, the area faced a tragic wave of gun violence, which resulted in five fatalities and several injuries within a single day, prompting investigations into possible gang affiliations.

Ingram shared his experiences with repeat offenders, illustrating the cycle of crime that impacts local businesses. He recounted a story of a burglar who repeatedly targeted his restaurant despite multiple arrests.

Need for Community Support and Action

Ingram’s frustration is not just directed towards law enforcement but also at policymakers. He called for a united front from community members to advocate for policies that emphasize public safety.

“It’s time to stand together,” he urged. “I’m so tired of this political divide. We can all agree that crime is crime, and if you commit a crime, you should go to jail.”

Response from Law Enforcement

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has acknowledged the recent surge in violence and has pledged to increase police patrols in response. In a statement, he expressed frustration over the recent tragedy.

“The level of violence this city has experienced in less than 24 hours is infuriating. Each individual act causes immense grief and tears families apart,” O’Hara stated, reinforcing the department’s commitment to addressing the crisis.

Hope for Change in Minneapolis-St. Paul

While Ingram welcomed the police department’s commitment to increasing patrols, he emphasized the importance of action from elected officials. Community awareness and collective action are essential for effective solutions to the rising crime rates.

“As a community, we can stand together, be proud, and work towards stopping the madness,” Ingram concluded. “Common sense has to prevail.”