Photo Credit: North News/ David Pierini/ 2025 Remembrance March for Mariah Samuels
(MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.) – The City Council discussed issues within the Minneapolis Police Department and the adequacy of procedures for handling domestic assault calls at its regular meeting on October 15.
Councilmember Jason Chavez introduced a proposal to perform a post-action, independent review of the City’s response to domestic violence calls made by Mariah Samuels before her murder. Her family has continued to advocate for change regarding domestic abuse management since her death.
Samuels had a protective order against her ex-boyfriend, who killed her in 2025, and had frequently called the MPD for assistance. She was shot ten times by her abuser while leaving a residence. Her death raised questions about the adequacy of the department’s response and handling of domestic violence cases in general.
The council discussed the review terms, which include reexamining the effectiveness of current protocols, staff allocation, and resource management, how abuse reports are handled, and potential changes to prevent further tragedies.
At the time of Samuel’s death, the MPD’s domestic assault unit consisted of four officers and one civilian, eight fewer officers than the prior year. Council unanimously approved the proposal and directed City Auditor Robert Timmerman to begin the process. The Council also voted to audit MPD spending, especially concerning overtime use and fleet/off-duty tracking.
On other public safety items, the Council voted to accept a grant of over $3 million to support firefighters and expressed concerns about a proposed contract between the Minneapolis Behavioral Crisis Response (BCR) program and Community Bridges.
Bridges has no prior presence within the community. The proposed contract would increase BCR’s responsibilities, leaving some councilmembers worried it could jeopardize the program’s original mission.
Additional talking points included the lack of community input, potential service disruptions, and a suggestion to bring the BCR in-house (handled by the City Administration). Ultimately, the Council denied the Community Bridges proposal, but the vote is still subject to a mayoral veto if the administration disagrees.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org.
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