Your ‘lying eyes’ aren’t lying

Tuesday’s election results are said to be, in part, a rejection of attempts by conservatives to “amplify” the crime problem, and to inappropriately use fear as motivation for change.

The data showing a dramatic rise in crime and a reduction in holding offenders accountable in Minnesota since 2018 is real. 

Progressives who have held key statewide and local public safety leadership roles since 2018 have “led” our state to exceed the national average in part 1 crimes for the first time in history. At the same time, they have “led” our state to one of the weakest incarceration rates in the country behind only Maine and Massachusetts.

Violent crime, especially in the metro area, is real and should not be dismissed as conservative hyperbole. Re-electing many of those who led us to this reality will make recovery even more difficult. 

The whole thing is reminiscent of the old joke whereby in the face of irrefutable evidence, one absurdly offers — “Who are you going to believe, me or your lying eyes?”  

The following list is a sample of violent events that occurred in a single weekday night following the election. Is this really what we are willing to accept? 

Metro violent crime reports overnight Thursday 11/10-11/2022 as reported by CrimeWatchMpls:

  • MPLS/UofM: Report of a fight at/near Frank and Andrea’s Pizza. One person is unconscious. #Dinkytown 12xx 4th St SE
  • MPLS: Robbery of person at 801 W Lake St., Speedway Suspects: Three BM, 20s, 5ft7, had guns, possibly fake. One in all red. All in masks.
  • MPLS/UofM: Armed robbery. 911 caller’s mom was carjacked at gunpoint. 8xx 13th Ave SE #Dinkytown Loss: white Volvo SUV, MHT205, cat sticker on back. Four suspects, Hispanic or lighter skin M, 15-22, two had guns.
  • MPLS: Report of shots fired at/near Powderhorn Park.
  • MPLS: Stand-off in #NEMPLS with a reportedly intoxicated male who took a 1-month-old baby. A woman was screaming that the baby was bleeding. The male has barricaded the door with a crutch. 25xx Johnson St NE
  • Plymouth: Plymouth PD reports a traffic stop for expired registration and revoked DL led to the discovery of 17g of meth, 1/4g of fentanyl & 5 rounds of ammo. Seven-time convicted felon Steven Anthony Helvig, 02/21/1995, is in custody on PC felon in possession/ammo & 5th degree drugs.
  • WEST ST. PAUL: Saint Paul officers spotted a vehicle stolen in an armed carjacking yesterday in Maplewood and engaged in a short pursuit before the driver crashed near Annapolis St. W. & Dodd Rd., with several occupants fleeing on foot to the north. One occupant is injured.
  • SAINT PAUL: I-94 & DALE. Multiple 911 callers report an agitated male possibly involved in a crash on the ramp. Suspect may be trying to get into cars and MNDOT vid suggested the suspect began fighting with a St. Paul officer once he arrived. State Patrol asked to respond urgently
  • SAINT PAUL: Armed robbery of person report near Clarence & Maryland Ave. – Male suspect wearing black clothing, medical mask and a grey sweater.
  • SAINT PAUL: Carjacking report with victim still inside – 7xx Cook Ave. E. – Stolen was a black Toyota van, and a 21-year-old female was reported to still be inside. Suspect is a white male, 30s, wearing a dark jacket and black pants. Vehicle last seen eastbound on Cook Ave.
  • SAINT PAUL: Armed carjacking reported outside Holiday at 1770 Old Hudson Rd. – Three suspects exited a white KIA sedan and stole the victim’s Bentley, plate JDC-743, last seen southbound White Bear Ave. – At least two of the suspects displayed firearms.
  • APPLE VALLEY: Officers dispatched to the Kwik Trip at 13357 Palomino Dr. after a report of a gun-pointing incident in the parking lot. The suspect vehicle, a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, fled the scene.
  • MPLS/Transit: Overdose at the #UptownMpls transit center. 28th and Hennepin Ave