Report confirms violent crime increase statewide

By: Senator John Jasinski

Recently Gov. Walz’s own Bureau of Criminal Apprehension released the findings of its 2021 Uniform Crime Report. The Uniform Crime Report is a comprehensive summary of crime data submitted by local law enforcement agencies around the state. It helps paint a clear picture of crime in Minnesota, including the crime rates; the number of law enforcement officers killed or assaulted; firearm discharges by police officers; and police pursuits.

There were a few findings that really jumped out at me: 

• Minnesota saw a 21.6% increase in violent crime in 2021, including a 16 percent increase in Greater Minnesota. Violent crime in the seven-county metro area rose by almost 24%.

• Murders were up 8.65%.

• Aggravated assaults were up 33.7%.

• Rapes also increased and nearly half of the victims were minors.

• Vehicle thefts were up 8.5%. There were 14,829 vehicles stolen in 2021 – the highest total in 20 years. There were also 779 carjackings, but this is the first year carjacking data has been collected. (Carjacking data is separate from vehicle thefts.)

• Police officer assaults were up 35%.

• Officer-involved shootings declined.

This evidence matches with what I hear when I talk to people around the district every day. They are concerned about crime spikes that have occurred under Gov. Walz’s watch. It’s spiraling out of control. In the Senate, we have worked hard to change the tenor toward police and criminals by resisting efforts to defund and dismantle the police. We also passed my bill in honor of Officer Arik Matson, which strengthens penalties against people who assault police officers.

As Republicans, our priority is to crack down on criminals, put more good, talented police officers on the streets, and hold judges and prosecutors accountable when they let offenders off easy.

Remembering the great David Tomassoni

On Thursday, August 11, we lost a towering public servant when Senator David Tomassoni, a Democrat from Chisholm, passed away after a year-long battle with ALS.

When I came to the Senate back in 2017, Tomassoni quickly developed a bond despite the fact that he was a Democrat and I was a Republican. He was one of the most beloved and selfless people I have ever met; people were naturally drawn to him, and if you were ever fortunate enough to spend even a few minutes in his presence it was easy to see why. His energy and his infectious laugh would light up any room he was in. He was an old-school public servant, the type who cared more about getting things done for his constituents than anything else. The world needs more David Tomassonis.

He was one of my closest friends and I will miss him deeply.

Contact me

If you have any questions about any issues we are working on at the legislature, feel free to contact me any time at sen.john.jasinski@senate.mn or 651-296-0284. It is a privilege to serve you!

John