Minneapolis City Councilman Jamal Osman was the victim of a carjacking Monday night, just days after winning reelection on a platform focused on criminal justice reform and alternative approaches to crime, Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Tuesday.
Two teenagers, ages 15 and 16, reportedly approached Osman, threatened him with mace and stole his car.
The suspects then collided with multiple vehicles and a fire hydrant before fleeing on foot, according to O’Hara.
Police quickly apprehended both teens, who were also connected to a separate carjacking earlier that evening.
O’Hara noted that one of the juveniles had previously been in contact with law enforcement, highlighting worries about repeat offenders contributing to Minneapolis’ persistent crime challenges.
“While the overall crime in Minneapolis has declined over the last few years, we continue to see a troubling number of violent incidents and, in particular, incidents that involve juveniles,” he said, according to Lifezette.
While Minnesota overall has seen a downward trend in violent crime in recent years, Minneapolis continues to experience elevated rates, particularly among youth.
KSTP reports that juveniles account for a disproportionate share of carjackings and assaults, contributing to concerns over public safety and repeat offenses.
Osman, a Somali refugee who fled civil war before entering politics in 2020, emphasized the importance of balancing rehabilitation with accountability.
“I’m not a legal expert, but there has to be some kind of consequences with the action,” he told reporters.
The councilman described his approach as a combination of prevention and consequences.
He stressed the value of mentorship programs, after-school activities and job opportunities for youth while maintaining firm responses for serious crimes.
“Supporting younger children and ensuring they have guidance is critical, but we must also hold those who commit serious offenses responsible,” Osman said.
Osman’s reelection platform centered on restorative justice for minor offenses, violence prevention programs and expanding alternative responses to certain 911 calls.
According to MPR News, these policies align with Minneapolis’ broader post-George Floyd efforts to reform policing, including pilot programs that redirect some nonviolent calls to community-based intervention teams rather than traditional police response.
He commended the police for their swift action in Monday’s carjacking.
“Didn’t really think it was going to happen to me,” he said with a brief laugh.
The councilman has received backing from prominent progressive figures, including Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar and Minnesota State Sen. Omar Fateh, a self-described socialist and former mayoral candidate.
Osman’s policies mirror the city’s broader progressive approach to crime, emphasizing prevention and community-based intervention alongside law enforcement.
Despite these reforms, Minneapolis continues to report high rates of violent crime.
Data from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) show the city accounted for the majority of carjackings and homicides statewide in 2024, recording 329 carjackings and 77 murders—the only Minnesota city with double-digit homicide figures.
Carjackings rose 21 percent from 2023, while homicides increased by 6 percent, remaining significantly above pre-pandemic levels.
The city’s own crime dashboard shows that neighborhoods across Minneapolis continue to face challenges with youth-related offenses, underscoring the need for collaboration between law enforcement, city leadership and community organizations to reduce recidivism and violent incidents.
Police Chief O’Hara said Osman’s experience demonstrates the need for stronger coordination between policymakers and law enforcement to address juvenile crime.
The investigation into the carjacking remains ongoing, and the teen suspects are expected to face multiple charges, including auto theft and assault.
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