Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Respond to Mall of America Shooting

On Thursday, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan responded to a shooting at the Mall of America. Condemning the violence, Governor Walz pledged to continue the largest state law enforcement presence in the Twin Cities in state history. 

“Tonight’s violence at the Mall of America is unacceptable,” said Governor Walz. “These brazen incidents will not be tolerated. State resources are on the scene, we have offered our full support, and we will maintain close communication with Bloomington police to apprehend those responsible. We are committed to maintaining an unprecedented state law enforcement presence in the Twin Cities until we put a stop to this rise in crime.”

"I am horrified by the act of violence on Aug 5th, at the Mall of America. Thank you for the quick response of first responders to secure the safety of those at the scene," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. 

Governor Walz has deployed the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Minnesota State Patrol to work to reduce the rise in crimes involving guns, carjackings, street racing and other violent crimes plaguing metro communities. The State Patrol significantly increased its presence around the Twin Cities over the last few weeks by adding 20 additional troopers and aviation resources to designated areas.

Since spring, Governor Walz has allocated nearly $7 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds towards the state’s public safety efforts. These funds are being used to combat violent crime and support victims of crime across the state. More information about Minnesota's commitment to public safety can be found here.

Governor Walz Visits 2022 Minnesota Farmfest

On Wednesday, Governor Walz visited Minnesota's annual Farmfest, where he heard from Minnesota farmers and learned more about how Minnesota is moving the future of agriculture forward. He also highlighted the Walz-Flanagan Administration’s work to support farmers, including a bill that Governor Walz signed into law earlier this year to provide drought relief, invest in broadband, and fund new innovation in agriculture.

Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Celebrate Minnesota Reaching Lowest Unemployment Rate of Any State – Ever

This month, Minnesota's Department of Employment and Economic Development announced that Minnesota's unemployment rate hit 1.8%, making history with the lowest monthly unemployment rate that any state has ever reported. And just last week, Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan announced that Moody’s has rated Minnesota as AAA – the highest rating achievable – due to the state’s diverse economy and history of strong financial results.

"As we continue to manage global instability, we will keep working to lower costs and invest in the people who made our state strong in the first place," said Governor Walz.