10/28/2024 -- MPD Faces Scrutiny After Shooting Suspect Remains Unarrested

Crime

Minneapolis Police Faces Backlash After Suspect in Racially Charged Shooting Remains Unarrested

UPDATE as of 10/28 at 7am: Minneapolis police have arrested John Sawchak at his home just before 1:30am on Monday.

The Summary: John Sawchak, a Minneapolis man, was charged with attempted murder and felony harassment with racial bias after shooting his Black neighbor, Davis Moturi, in the neck during a dispute on Wednesday. Despite three active arrest warrants, Sawchak has not yet been taken into custody by Minneapolis police.

Incident Details: The shooting took place as Moturi was pruning a tree on his property. Court documents report that Sawchak, from an open upstairs window, shot Moturi, who sustained serious injuries, including a fractured spine, broken ribs, and a concussion. The shooting was caught on security camera (viewer discretion is advised).

Ongoing Tensions and Previous Threats: The dispute between Moturi and Sawchak began in 2023 over property issues and escalated, with Sawchak allegedly making racial threats and engaging in harassment, such as using a blowhorn to disturb Moturi’s household.

Police and Community Response: Police Chief Brian O’Hara cited Sawchak’s history of mental illness and violent confrontations as factors complicating his arrest, with police concerned about a high-risk, potentially deadly standoff. However, City Council members criticized the delay in Sawchak’s arrest, demanding action to protect the community.

Sawchak’s Violent History: Court documents reveal Sawchak’s extensive record of violent incidents, including alleged assaults with weapons, threats to neighbors, and violations of restraining orders. .

Election 2024

Minnesotan’s Are Voting Early In Record Numbers Ahead of 2024 Election 🗳

The Summary: With Nov. 5 just days away, over 565,000 Minnesotans have already cast their ballots early. This strong turnout could push the state past early voting records from the 2016 presidential election. The Secretary of State reports over 860,000 absentee ballot applications have been submitted statewide.

University of Minnesota Campus Voting: This year, students at the University of Minnesota are voting in record numbers thanks to a new law permitting on-campus early voting. A pop-up voting site at the Weisman Art Museum, part of the Row the Vote initiative, has seen thousands of students register and pledge to vote.

Voting Options and Reminders: Minnesota offers multiple early voting options through local polling places and temporary pop-up sites. Absentee voters are encouraged to return ballots as soon as possible. Mail ballots must be received by Election Day, but voters can also submit them in person or vote in-person on Election Day at their assigned polling location.

Politics

Senator Amy Klobuchar and Royce White Face Off In Debate

The Summary: In their only debate before the election, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and GOP challenger Royce White clashed on topics like military spending, foreign policy, and White’s social media comments.

The Tone: Klobuchar presented herself as a pragmatist, focusing on bipartisan efforts, while White positioned himself as an outsider challenging the "political class." The debate’s tone, while generally polite, included frequent interjections from White.

World War II Remarks Controversy: Klobuchar repeatedly addressed White’s controversial comments on social media, where he stated, “The bad guys won in World War II” and claimed there were “no good guys” in the conflict. White defended his comments, citing historical complexities and criticizing U.S. alliances and policies post-war.

Domestic and Foreign Policy Differences: Klobuchar emphasized her work on domestic issues like healthcare and veterans’ support, advocating for Social Security tax reforms targeting high earners. White expressed concerns over government debt, advocated for a return to the gold standard, and criticized U.S. foreign policy as inconsistent, suggesting military involvement should be more limited and strategic.

The full debate can be listened to here.

What Else We’re Reading…

New Reports Says Twin Cities Is The 4th Most “Livable” Metro Area In The Country

The Twin Cities metro area ranked as one of the most livable places in the U.S., securing fourth place on RentCafe's list due to factors like quality of life, socioeconomics, hospitality, and physical well-being. The cost of living in the Twin Cities is 6% below the national average. The Midwest excelled in the report, with nine of the top 20 cities in the region, including Des Moines, Lincoln, and Milwaukee.

Read Full Story On Fox9

GAME — Mini Crossword

The Twin Cities is home to the oldest TV station in the Midwest. Think you know the answer? Solve the entire crossword puzzle here.

Sports

🏀 The Minnesota Timberwolves won back-to-back games against the Kings and Raptors. Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle shined in both games.

🏈 The Minnesota Vikings lost their second straight game of the season to the Los Angeles Rams. The game ended on a controversial missed facemask call. 

⚽ The Minnesota Loons start their MLS playoff campaign on Tuesday against Real Salt Lake in the first game of a best-of-three series.

🏈 The Gopher Football team dominated the University of Maryland during homecoming weekend. The game ended with a final score of 48-23

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ A man was driving 100 mph and had an open bottle during a crash that killed 1 and injured 9 others (WCCO)

❯ Thieves dug elaborate tunnels to steal $700k worth of jewelry from Edina Southdale jewelery shop (Fox9)

❯ A manhunt is underway for a St. Paul man charged with murdering his pregnant ex-girlfriend (Kare11)

❯ Celebrity chef Justin Sutherland was arrested in St. Paul for allegedly violating no-contact order (MPR)

The Final Word: For Sale 🏡

Loved reading about this very unique house that is for sale in St. Paul. The Racket recently wrote a piece about the cozy 2 bed, 1 bath that has views of the Mississippi River Valley and is only accessible by foot. You can also read about a 2018 MPR feature.

-Patrick