Preparedness
Minneapolis Police Feel Abandoned in Aftermath of Officer’s Fatal Shooting
In the wake of the tragic loss of Officer Jamal Mitchell, the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) finds itself grappling with a deep sense of grief and frustration. Mitchell, who was responding to a call alone during a mandatory overtime rotation, was ambushed and fatally shot. The incident has laid bare the growing chasm between the MPD officers and the local decision-makers, whose perceived indifference to their plight is seen as a painful betrayal.
The suspect implicated in Mitchell’s murder, Mustafa Mohamed, had a criminal track record spanning two decades. Bound by a previous felony conviction, Mohamed was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. He had been eluding law enforcement for the past two years. This gunfight with Mohamed also wounded another officer.
Community reactions to Mitchell’s death have been mixed. While some local politicians have extended their condolences and support, others have chosen a different tack.
‘Most of us who work the streets in Minneapolis saw this coming, and the signs were already there for a long time.’
City Councilwoman Aisha Chughtai’s response to the incident focused on “gun violence”, without mentioning Mitchell’s name. She went on to criticize the “massive” police response to the shooting, arguing that it exacerbated the situation for local residents.
A similar sentiment was echoed by Governor Tim Walz (D), who simply referred to the incident as gun violence in an initial social media post.
An MPD officer expressed their disappointment in these responses, noting, “We still have city council members that refuse to acknowledge the dangers of this job, or the bravery and sacrifice of Mitchell. Councilmember Chughtai is a perfect example of this.” The perceived lack of support from local politicians was described as a “blatant slap in the face to Mitchell and his sacrifice.”
Another officer shared their sentiment, lamenting the politicians’ tendency to “hijack this tragedy and make it about them.” Despite a few city council members who have consistently shown support for law enforcement, this officer claimed that the bulk of the council despises them.
A third officer voiced their perplexity at the politicians’ shock following Mitchell’s death, arguing, “The glaring problem is why it’s shocking to them, because I don’t think they could have fathomed that this would happen. Most of us who work the streets in Minneapolis saw this coming, and the signs were already there for a long time.”
This officer also emphasized that the hazardous working conditions have been a long-standing issue, which the administration has ignored. The officer drew attention to the city’s refusal to confront the key issue, “that criminals are not afraid of prosecution.”
Police officers further expressed concerns over Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty’s decision to drop murder charges against a state trooper who had shot an armed motorist, citing it was within his use-of-force. Moriarty’s comparison of supporters of the trooper who protested outside the courthouse to protesters at the Capitol building on January 6, 2021, was met with disbelief and fear among officers.
The second officer expressed concern, stating, “It terrifies cops, myself included, that she is in charge and does everything she can to charge cops.”
The third officer voiced complaints about a lack of acknowledgment from members of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party that their ideologies might be contributing to the current situation. The officer expressed a desire for accountability and recognition of the challenges faced by law enforcement officers without constant references to the controversial case of George Floyd.
The rift between MPD officers and city leaders has been growing since the BLM riots in 2020. Officers feel underprepared and abandoned as they grapple with policies they view as pro-crime, causing many to leave the force. Those who remain continue to face an uphill battle, with no apparent end in sight.
A memorial service for Officer Jamal Mitchell is scheduled for next Tuesday at Maple Grove Senior High School. Mitchell leaves behind a fiancée and four children.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
A safe home does not require expensive upgrades or complicated systems. Many of the most effective changes are simple steps you can take right now. Whether you are preparing for a storm, a power outage, or everyday security issues, knowing how to strengthen your home quickly can give you immediate peace of mind. These five actions take only minutes, but each one cuts down real risks and helps protect the people and belongings you care about.
1. Improve Your Exterior Lighting
Poor lighting makes it easier for accidents and break-ins to happen. Adding bright bulbs to porches, pathways, and driveways is one of the fastest ways to reduce danger. Motion-sensor lights are inexpensive and use very little electricity. Good lighting keeps you from tripping in the dark and makes your home less inviting to anyone with bad intentions.
2. Check and Strengthen Your Locks
Many people assume their locks are secure until they actually test them. Walk through your home and check every door and window. Make sure each one closes fully and locks tightly. If any lock feels loose, replace it or tighten the screws. Installing a simple deadbolt on exterior doors adds a major layer of protection. Even a small upgrade can stop forced entry attempts.
3. Remove Common Indoor Hazards
Home accidents often start with everyday items that people overlook. Clear walkways, secure loose rugs, organize power cords, and remove anything that blocks exits. Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors work and have fresh batteries. A few minutes of hazard removal can prevent falls, fires, or smoke-related emergencies.
4. Create a Simple Emergency Plan
During a crisis, confusion and panic cause more harm than the event itself. Make a basic plan that covers where you will meet, how you will communicate, and which items you would grab in an evacuation. Keep a small emergency kit in an easy-to-reach spot. A clear plan allows you to act quickly instead of scrambling in the moment.
5. Reinforce Entry Points
Windows and doors are the first places that fail during break-ins and strong storms. Adding simple reinforcements helps keep your home secure. Install window locks or wooden rods to prevent sliding windows from opening. Secure your garage door by engaging the manual lock. Place a doorstop or wedge behind vulnerable doors for added strength. Small changes can significantly increase resistance during emergencies.
Final Thoughts
Home safety starts with awareness and small improvements that add up quickly. By increasing light, checking locks, removing hazards, planning ahead, and reinforcing entry points, you create a safer environment for both everyday life and unexpected emergencies. You do not need expensive systems to protect your home. You just need a few smart steps and the habit of staying prepared.
You do not need a huge budget to build a reliable emergency kit. Some of the most useful survival items are inexpensive, simple, and easy to find at any hardware store, dollar store, or online. For under 10 dollars, you can add tools that keep you warm, help you navigate darkness, protect your supplies, and give you an advantage when a crisis hits. Survival does not start with expensive gear. It starts with smart choices that give you options when you need them most.
Here are ten low-cost essentials that can make a real difference in any emergency.
1. LED Flashlight
A basic LED flashlight is one of the most important tools you can own. Even small models provide strong light, last a long time on batteries, and fit easily into a pocket or bag. In any power outage, losing visibility is the first major challenge. A cheap flashlight solves that instantly.
2. Waterproof Matches or a Butane Lighter
Fire is essential for warmth, light, boiling water, and morale. Waterproof matches or a simple butane lighter cost very little and work in nearly any weather. Keep several in different locations, such as your car, kitchen, and emergency kit.
3. Emergency Mylar Blanket
These thin, reflective blankets trap body heat and prevent hypothermia. They weigh almost nothing and fold down to the size of a wallet. Mylar blankets are used by hikers, first responders, and disaster teams because they work. At under a dollar each, they are one of the best survival bargains you can buy.
4. Duct Tape
Duct tape might be the most versatile tool in survival. You can patch a tarp, repair a tent, secure a bandage, create a splint, seal drafts, or waterproof containers. A small roll is cheap, portable, and useful in almost every emergency situation.
5. Plastic Tarps
A simple tarp can act as shelter, roof patching, ground cover, rainwater collection, shade, or wind protection. Even lightweight tarps create instant barriers between you and the weather. They are one of the most efficient budget tools for surviving outdoors or protecting your home.
6. Batteries
A flashlight is useless without power. Stocking AA or AAA batteries ensures your lighting, radio, or small devices continue to work during blackouts. Rotating your batteries once a year keeps them fresh and ready.
7. Water Storage Containers
Clean water is the first priority in any emergency. Inexpensive plastic jugs or collapsible water containers allow you to store several gallons safely. Keeping extra containers around means you can fill them quickly before storms or boil-water advisories.
8. Basic First-Aid Supplies
Under 10 dollars, you can build a simple first-aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tape, and pain relievers. Minor cuts and infections become serious problems during emergencies. A small, inexpensive kit prevents these issues from getting worse.
9. Candles or Tealights
Candles are a cheap and reliable backup source of light. They are easy to store and last a long time. A few tealights can illuminate a room and provide comfort when power is out. Just use them safely and never leave them unattended.
10. Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife
Many budget multi-tools cost under 10 dollars and still offer blades, screwdrivers, scissors, and small pliers. They are not as rugged as premium tools, but in a crisis, having even a basic multi-tool is far better than having nothing.
Final Thoughts
Building a survival kit does not require expensive gear or specialty equipment. These ten tools cost less than a takeout meal, yet each one adds real strength to your ability to handle emergencies. Start with the basics. Add a few items each month. Over time, you will build a dependable, low-cost emergency setup that prepares you for storms, outages, travel problems, and unexpected challenges.
When a real emergency strikes, the first thing most people lose is access to fresh food. Storms shut down roads, power outages spoil everything in the refrigerator, and grocery shelves empty faster than anyone expects. Having the right foods stored can turn a dangerous situation into something you can manage calmly. The key is choosing items that last a long time, do not require refrigeration, and can give your body the energy it needs when conditions get tough.
Here are ten simple, affordable foods that could literally keep you alive when everything else disappears.
1. Canned Beans
Canned beans are one of the most complete emergency foods on the planet. They are packed with protein, fiber, and slow-burning carbohydrates. They can be eaten cold right out of the can if there is no power. Black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, and pinto beans all work the same way.
2. Rice
Rice is a survival classic because it lasts for years, stores easily, and gives steady energy. White rice stores longer than brown rice, but both are excellent. Combined with beans, rice becomes a complete meal that keeps you full and focused during tough situations.
3. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is calorie-dense, shelf-stable, and requires zero preparation. A single spoonful provides fat, protein, and fast energy. It can stay good for months after opening if stored in a cool place. In any emergency, peanut butter becomes a go-to survival powerhouse.
4. Canned Meat
Tuna, chicken, salmon, and Spam all offer long-lasting protein that does not require cooking. Canned meat keeps hunger away and helps your body stay strong when facing stress. Always keep a few cans in your emergency kit or pantry.
5. Oats
Oats are cheap, filling, and versatile. You can eat them hot if you can boil water or cold by soaking them for a few minutes. They give long-lasting energy and help keep your stomach comfortable during stressful times.
6. Shelf-Stable Milk
Powdered milk or boxed shelf-stable milk are lifesavers when refrigeration is gone. They provide calcium, protein, and comfort. Powdered milk lasts the longest and takes up the least space, making it an ideal survival-food staple.
7. Pasta
Pasta stores extremely well and is easy to prepare. Even if you cannot fully boil it, soaking pasta in hot water will make it soft enough to eat. It is a reliable way to stretch meals and keep energy levels steady.
8. Honey
Honey lasts forever. It never spoils and can still be eaten decades later. It boosts energy, soothes sore throats, and adds flavor to otherwise bland survival meals. A small jar goes a long way and can lift morale when days feel long and stressful.
9. Canned Vegetables
Fresh produce is the first thing to disappear during a crisis. Canned vegetables fill that gap with vitamins and hydration. Corn, peas, mixed vegetables, and green beans all store well and give your body the nutrients it normally gets from fresh groceries.
10. Water
No food matters without water. Store at least one gallon per person per day. Bottled water, water jugs, and water purification tablets all belong in your emergency kit. If you have space, keep extra. When the tap stops working or becomes unsafe, clean water becomes the most valuable survival item you own.
Final Thoughts
These ten foods are not fancy and they are not expensive, but they can keep you alive when normal life breaks down. Building a simple survival pantry does not require fear or extreme prepping. All it takes is a few smart choices, a little extra storage space, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can take care of yourself no matter what happens outside.
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Crotte
June 20, 2024 at 11:08 am
Without law and order peace cannot be maintained and gradually the barbarians will take over Minneapolis is well on its way to the new dark ages where barbarians see that anything is fair game.
Ann
June 20, 2024 at 3:17 pm
It’s a shame that these politicians don’t realize how important the police are to the safety of the general population, they have security etc I think that the lack of punishment for criminals after the police have caught them is a contributing factor, the police put their lives on the line and these left wing DA’s and judges do nothing to them, let them go no bail etc. and a lot of them commit further crimes while they are free! Who would want to be a police officer under these circumstances?
Rat Wrangler
June 20, 2024 at 5:54 pm
There is no such thing as “gun violence”, as that puts the responsibility for the violence on the gun, rather than on the sociopath wielding it. With two decades of known criminal activity under his belt, the perpetrator of this crime should probably have been removed from society long ago. What we need are laws that allow for the scaling of penalties based on all criminal behavior, not just the most recent case, but juries are often not permitted to hear about a defendant’s previous encounters with the law. They are often permitted to hear about previous activities of the witnesses to the crimes so as to credit or discredit their testimonies. This is not fair to the People nor to the justice system. To make matters worse, the prosecutors are often allowed to determine which cases to bring to the courts, regardless of what the laws themselves say.
Jeff
June 20, 2024 at 6:03 pm
For those that think tighter gun control laws would have prevented this incident are simple-minded people.
Mohamed was ILLEGALLY possessing a gun. So much for that law!!!!
Criminals are the problem, not the tool.