Latest Releases
Klobuchar, Smith Urge DOJ to Reverse Decision and Allow Joint Investigation Into Fatal ICE Shooting
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) are pressing the U.S. Department of Justice, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to coordinate with state and local law enforcement and allow for a joint investigation with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension into the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Klobuchar and Smith called for a thorough, objective, and impartial investigation, which requires full cooperation with state investigators and local authorities. “We write to express our serious concerns regarding reports that the Justice Department, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is no longer coordinating with state and local law enforcement in the investigation into the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good. It is critical there be a thorough, objective, and impartial investigation. That requires full cooperation with state investigators and local authorities,” wrote the Senators. “After the assassination of Melissa Hortman and the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, federal officials worked closely and cooperatively with state law enforcement. As in those cases, state law enforcement and investigators can bring extensive expertise to this critical investigation,” the Senators continued. The full text of the letter is below and can be found here. Dear Attorney General Bondi: We write to express our serious concerns regarding reports that the Justice Department, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), is no longer coordinating with state and local law enforcement in the investigation into the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good. It is critical
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Statement on ICE Killing of Minnesota Civilian
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) released the following statement after the killing of a Minnesota civilian at the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis: “First, I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, a mother, and a Twin Cities resident who was killed by ICE this morning. I can’t imagine the grief you are enduring. “Like so many Minnesotans, I am heartbroken and angry. It is incredibly scary when a United States citizen can be shot and killed in her car by federal law enforcement. And it is disgusting when President Trump and Secretary Noem recklessly spin us with a story that this woman was dangerous and a domestic terrorist, apparently excusing this violence with no investigation. I’m grateful for the neighbors who were eyewitnesses to what was really happening on the ground. Now, we need a full and unbiased investigation conducted jointly by federal and state law enforcement to get all the facts and to get justice and accountability. “But today, ICE must end this operation now, and leave Minnesota. Their presence is a clear and present threat that is terrorizing our community. To be clear, in Minnesota we are pro-public safety, and ICE is making us less safe. “Finally, I urge my fellow Minnesotans to exercise your free speech rights in ways that show the best of who we are. We should not fall into the trap that Donald Trump is laying for us to foment chaos rather than peace, justice and accountability.”
U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Tribal Leaders Announce Tribal Public Safety Projects
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, announced funding for seven public safety initiatives for four Minnesota Tribes. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Red Lake Band of Chippewa, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and White Earth Nation received federal funding ranging between $450,000 and $900,000 for various Tribal programs aimed at increasing Tribal capacity to respond to violent crime, opioid abuse, and assist victims. Projects will be tailored to each Tribe’s unique needs, from expanding Tribal Courts’ capacities for home visits and supervision, to hiring staff to investigate child
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Staples Municipal Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Staples Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $838,242 to construct a new 9,600 square foot hangar for aircraft storage. “Staples Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Wadena County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the country,” said Smith. “Small and regional airports like the Staples
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Rush City Regional Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Rush City Regional Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $1,729,897 to reconstruct 4,400 feet of Taxiway A pavement that has reached the end of its useful life. “Rush City Regional Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Chisago County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to see the Biden-Harris administration once again delivering for travelers in Minnesota and around the
Klobuchar, Smith Announce Federal Funding for Mora Municipal Airport
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced they secured significant federal funding for Mora Municipal Airport for infrastructure improvements. The grant provides $210,780 to start Phase 1 of the Runway 17/35 improvement project. Improvements include rebuilding and updating the existing lighting and rehabilitating 4,794 feet of paved runway which has met the end of its useful life. “Mora Municipal Airport is an essential link for residents and businesses in Kanabec County and beyond,” said Klobuchar. “This federal grant will make needed infrastructure updates to ensure the airport can continue serving travelers for years to come.” “I’m glad to
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