We recently reported how the Seattle Police chief was warning residents and business owners in her city that the police would not be able to protect them or their property from violent rioters there; this was due the city council’s directive that took away less-lethal tools police often use to quell such riots. If you thought that was outlandish, wait until you hear the latest from the Minneapolis Police.
Minneapolis Police Advise Residents to Accept Getting Robbed
Minneapolis is obviously where the killing of George Floyd took place. Protests immediately followed, many of which have turned into rioting, violence and destruction.
According to the latest instructions from the Minneapolis Police Department, if someone tries to rob you in that city, you should just let them have whatever they want—no need to resist. Those instructions come from a sheet listing “robbery prevention tips” and circulated by the department.
“One hundred robberies and 20 carjackings have been reported to 3rd Precinct Police in July alone,” the introductory paragraph stated. “Downtown and Southwest Minneapolis have seen an increase as well. We want those who live and work here to be safe!”
Unfortunately, what comes next shows that the department might actually be more interested in making sure those committing the crimes don’t have to face a victim that might put up a fight. One instruction states, “Despite all our efforts, robberies may still occur! Do not argue or fight with the criminal. Do as they say. Your safety is most important!” Another states, “Carry only items you need, and carry less cash.”
“Be Prepared to Give Up…”
The most egregious guideline states, “Be prepared to give up your cell phone and purse/wallet.”
Your life is certainly more valuable than your money, so in that sense, the advice seems sound. However, creating a population of people willing to give up their possessions without any kind of resistance sends a horrible message to violent criminals. In essence, it appears to give the green light to criminals to rob and assault at will.
According to a story by local news station KSTP, police say thieves are stealing cell phones, purses and vehicles. Also, some of the victims have been maced, dragged, assaulted and threatened with guns. And according to the department’s crime statistics, there have already been 909 robbers in the city in 2020; that’s up 37 percent from last year!
Given the violence that occurs in some of these robberies, one must wonder if the police would give the same advice to a Minneapolis resident who was being raped or assaulted. Should a woman give up her body? Should free men and women give up their lives?
Self-Defense in Minnesota
To those in Minnesota who aren’t willing to give up everything just because the city is allowing criminals to run rampant in the street, there are state laws that outline the self-defense rights of law-abiding citizens. Minnesota law defines self-defense as a person acting when he or she reasonably believes force is necessary. It allows using only the level of force reasonably required to prevent bodily harm. Note, however, Minnesota requires a person retreats when practical. That, of course, is a judgment call.
The recent instructions to “give up” in Minneapolis comes as many large cities are seeing an increase in violent crime. According to The Wall Street Journal, homicide rates increased by double digits this year in 36 of America’s biggest cities. Experts attribute the huge jump in murders to COVID-related fears and the rising anti-police sentiment in many cities.
In the end, all of the bad crime news continues to point to one important fact: When the chips are down, you are your own best protector. With that being the case, the Second Amendment is more relevant now than it has been nearly any other time in our country’s history.
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