Twin Tragedies in Minneapolis Prompt New Police Curfew Task Force
Minneapolis, MN (MinnesotaNow) – After two weekends of heightened violence in Downtown Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Police Department implemented an expanded safety initiative that they say dramatically curbed incidents of violence this past weekend.
According to an MPD press release, the comprehensive plan, targeting curfew violators along 5th Street and Hennepin Avenue and carried out in collaboration with community groups, resulted in no significant violent incidents downtown from Friday afternoon through early Monday morning.
Under current curfew rules, children under 12 are required to be home by 10 p.m., while 12 to 14-year-olds have a curfew of 11 p.m., and 15 to 17-year-olds have to be off the streets by midnight.
Back-to-Back Violent Incidents Shake Downtown Minneapolis
Recent violent events in downtown Minneapolis have raised growing concerns about public safety.
On September 14, 22-year-old Latalia Anjolie Margalli was charged with second-degree murder and five counts of assault after allegedly driving an SUV into a group of people near Hennepin Avenue and 5th Street, killing a 16-year-old girl and injuring five others. The incident followed a verbal and physical altercation.
Just a week later, on September 21, another violent event occurred in the same area. A mass shooting left two men dead and three others injured. The shooting took place shortly after police responded to an altercation and heard gunfire.
Minneapolis Police Respond to Recent Violence With Curfew Task Force
Police Chief Brian O’Hara acknowledged that recent events underscored the urgent need to address a growing trend of groups of juveniles engaging in violent street confrontations.
After the tragic outcomes in previous weeks, MPD launched a curfew task force in addition to the existing Downtown Late Night Safety Plan, which has been in place for over a year.
The strategy relied heavily on partnerships with multiple law enforcement agencies—including Metro Transit Police, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, and the Minnesota State Patrol, alongside community groups like A Mother’s Love, We Push for Peace, and 21 Days of Peace. The collaboration resulted in a highly visible and coordinated effort throughout downtown Minneapolis.
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By Sunday night, the results were clear: 49 juveniles were approached before curfew, and all were connected to supportive services or reunited with family members. Only one juvenile was found in violation of curfew and was promptly referred to the Youth Connection Center for further intervention.
The number of juveniles contacted declined each night, from 24 on Friday to just nine by Sunday, the release says.
“This combined effort is a model for what will work moving forward,” said Chief O’Hara. “You can’t have successful community safety without community involvement. These partnerships address the root of violent behaviors before they escalate.”
The weekend also saw MPD’s Mounted Patrol return to help with the Late-Night Safety Plan
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