Minneapolis, MN  (KROC-AM News) - The top federal prosecutor for Minnesota today announced the formation of a new task force to address the rising crime problem in the Twin Cities

US Attorney for Minnesota Erica MacDonald says the new Twin Cities Violent Crime Task Force will combine federal and state resources to assist local law enforcement in the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of individuals responsible for "the extraordinary spike" in gun violence and violent crime in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs. A news release says the Task Force will serve as a coordination hub for intelligence and law enforcement operations targeting those who are perpetrating violence.

“This increase in violence, particularly the shootings, is unacceptable and it must end – that is why I am launching a new Twin Cities Violent Crime Task Force to help turn the tide,” said U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald. “The goal of this Task Force is not to flood our communities with law enforcement, but rather to leverage law enforcement’s collective resources to allow for focused and effective enforcement actions. Bringing safety and security back to our cities requires collaboration, and we need law enforcement, city leaders and community members all working together toward the common goal of bringing an end to this violence.”

The Task Force will include federal agents and analysts from the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Secret Service, the US Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, along with officers from a variety of Twin Cities law enforcement agencies.

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