BCA, Twin Cities police agencies unite to tackle Somali gang violence across metro

BCA, Twin Cities police agencies unite to tackle Somali gang violence across metro Joey Swanson KSTP Law enforcement leaders from across the Twin Cities metro area are meeting on Friday to discuss the creation of a regional task force to curb Somali gang violence, according to the Eden Prairie Police Department.The new task force, coordinated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), comes in response to recent Somali gang-related violence across the metro area.Following the meeting on Friday afternoon, the Eden Prairie Police Department will share more details about recent shootings in the city, including an arrest in connection with the Oct. 2 shooting outside Eden Prairie High School.Officials will share more about the new task force, discuss ongoing investigations and seek the public’s assistance.Law enforcement leaders in attendanceMatt Sackett, Eden Prairie Police ChiefDawanna Witt, Hennepin County SheriffTodd Milburn, Edina Police ChiefBryan Kruelle, St. Louis Park Police ChiefBooker Hodges, Bloomington Police ChiefDrew Evans, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension SuperintendentThe press conference is set to begin at 3 p.m. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS will livestream the event. Years ago, Minnesota created the Metro Gang Strike Force to help prevent gang activity in the area, but it was dissolved in 2009 following corruption, illegal property and cash seizures, missing evidence, and a lack of financial oversight.