Minneapolis mayor argues schools must stay open to combat violent crime, carjacking surge

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey acknowledged Wednesday that extended school closures during the coronavirus pandemic have at least in part contributed to the rise in violent crime seen citywide, asserting that widespread "boredom" experienced by juveniles is "no excuse for carjacking."

"We've gotta keep the schools open. This is very clear to me," Frey said. "Yes, we need to make sure we’re abiding by the necessary safety precautions. Yes, we need to make sure anyone from parents to teachers to students are protected in full from the dangers associated with a global pandemic, and we need to make sure the students are in the schools and that they’re able to learn."

"When we don't have that, boredom sets in. And boredom is no excuse for carjacking," the mayor added. "But it's on all of us to make sure that these recreational, educational activities continue."