Law and Order, and Liberty and Justice for All

Dear John,

Since we last communicated a couple of weeks ago in this newsletter, George Floyd, an African-American was tragically killed by a Minneapolis police officer which led to protests – some peaceful – but some also resulted in looting and rioting where more than 200 businesses were destroyed or damaged, including the Third Precinct of Minneapolis. Yesterday, nine of 12 members of the Minneapolis City Council announced they want to defund their city’s police department.

George Floyd’s death was tragic and nothing I saw on that video was acceptable and I hope justice will be served. We can all agree racism should not be tolerated. As a 23-year law enforcement officer, I continue to believe we don’t police a community, we police with a community. Building trust and strong relationships between a police department and its community’s citizens is fundamental to public safety and justice.

Sadly, some of the streets in Minneapolis now sit in ruins due to the rioting and lawless behavior. Some small businesses – many owned by immigrants and minorities – will never rebuild. I will always defend the 1st Amendment and a right to protest, but when it comes to criminal behavior that’s not who we are as Americans and it certainly is not who we are as Minnesotans. There will be after-action reports but it was disappointing and deeply concerning to see the failure of leadership at all levels as events unfolded and our National Guard had to be deployed to stop the anarchy.

In Congress, I look forward to offering my experience and insight as a police officer and helping shape criminal justice reform so it serves every American. We must be a nation of law and order while offering liberty and ensuring justice for all.

2.5 Million Jobs Gained in May!

Ever since the COVID-19 global pandemic struck and so many businesses were forced to close, I have been insisting that we can rebound quickly thanks to the work ethic and ingenuity of so many hardworking Americans. On Friday, the U.S. Labor Department announced that 2.5 million jobs were gained in May showing we will recover and rebuild and America will be back.

Remember, 90 days ago our economy was churning along at historic and unprecedented levels with unemployment at the lowest mark since before we landed on the Moon. We know how to rebuild an economy. We’ve been there before and we know how to get there again. Let’s unleash the economic engine!

New Episode of Our Way Of Life Podcast

Last month I launched a podcast with the goal of highlighting our way of life by visiting with Minnesotans from around the 8th congressional district and beyond. We kicked off our podcast with fishing legend and constituent Al Lindner. This week, I visited the Roger Nelson farm near Hinckley. Roger shared with us the challenges Minnesota farmers face as well as what it would mean for his son, Jonathan, to someday take over the family farm. You can watch this podcast as well as the previous one on my website’s podcast channel here.

Honored to Get Endorsed by Teamsters

As the president of Law Enforcement Labor Services Union, Local 363 – and an Area Commander with the Duluth Police Department – I appreciate Minnesota workers and the significant role they play in our economy. I was honored recently to receive the endorsement of the Teamsters Joint Council 32, who will help lead the way in rebuilding our economy. Fighting for our way of life includes standing with Minnesota workers and advocating on their behalf to help ignite a blue-collar boom. Read more here.

National Weekend of Action Starts Friday!

We all know what’s at stake in November and we have to ensure we continue fighting for our way of life. This weekend, the Minnesota Trump Victory team is leading a National Weekend of Action that will include door knocking, phone banking, and voter registration. The summer kick-off is June 12-14 and you can get more information here. We need your help turning Minnesota red!

Have a great week!

Sincerely,