Keith Ellison Archives - The Minnesota Sun

AG Ellison Implores Minnesota State Republican Legislators to Support Gun Control Bills

April 13, 2023April 12, 2023 Minnesota Sun Staff

In an effort to whip up more support from legislators in his own party — and perhaps a vote or two from across the political aisle — Attorney General Keith Ellison held a press conference Tuesday imploring bipartisan support for two controversial gun restriction bills with just six weeks left in the session.

While a number of gun control bills have been introduced at the Capitol in 2023, Democrats have narrowed their focus in the last few weeks on two: universal background checks and Extreme Risk Prevention Order (ERPO) legislation.

Minnesota Gov. Walz, DFL Legislators Express Confidence on Gun Control Bills, Despite Slim Majority

April 1, 2023March 31, 2023 Minnesota Sun Staff

Will a publicity push this week from Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison and former congresswoman turned gun control activist Gabby Giffords be enough to ensure that all 34 Democrats in the Minnesota Senate vote to pass a pair of high-profile and politically polarizing gun restriction bills on the floor this session?

Walz expressed optimism at a press conference Thursday that SF1116 and SF1117 will get the votes required from his DFL colleagues in the Senate that would then almost assuredly send both bills to his desk for signatures.

Minnesota AG’s Office Objects to Pro-Life Group’s Attempt to Intervene in Abortion Case

November 21, 2022November 20, 2022 Admin

A Minnesota-based advocacy group called Mothers Offering Maternal Support (MOMS) has taken action to restore common-sense abortion restrictions for young girls and women, against the wishes of Attorney General Keith Ellison.

The group, which has close to 50 members, filed a new motion on Monday, Nov. 14 in its effort to oppose a ruling made by Ramsey County Judge Thomas Gilligan on July 11.

Documents Show AG Ellison Spoke at Conference Partially Funded by Companies He’s Investigating

November 7, 2022 The Center Square

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison claims to be the “People’s Lawyer.” But documents say he spoke at a lavish Hawaii retreat in June 2021 partially funded by companies he’s investigating, including Meta and Google.

A 2021 retreat agenda of the Attorney General Alliance says Ellison participated in a lunch conversation at the Grand Wailea hotel with New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas about managing high-profile criminal matters.

Unearthed Videos Provide Additional Evidence of Ellison’s Anti-Police Officer Record

November 4, 2022November 3, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Video from the mid-1990s has surfaced showing Keith Ellison doubting the legal culpability of a convicted police officer killer.

Power Line’s Scott Johnson recently posted unearthed footage from a November 1996 panel discussion Ellison participated in regarding the death penalty.

Left-Wing Minnesota AG Keith Ellison in Serious Danger of Losing to Republican Challenger: Poll

November 1, 2022October 31, 2022 Admin

Democratic Attorney General Keith Ellison of Minnesota is now tied with Republican challenger Jim Schultz in his effort to be re-elected, according to a series of polls published in the race.

In a poll conducted in October, Ellison and Schultz were tied, each receiving the support of 47% of respondents, with 5% unsure of how they would vote, according to Embold Research, which conducted the survey for MinnPost. The race between both candidates has largely been tied over the last several months, with some polls suggesting that Schultz may narrowly win.

Former Minnesota AG Ellison Staffers Say His Office Could Have Done More to Stop ‘Feeding Our Future’ Fraud

October 29, 2022October 28, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Attorney General Keith Ellison scrambled to defend his oversight of Feeding Our Future after two of his former staff members spoke out in a Star Tribune article published Thursday night.

The article highlights the state’s shortcomings in preventing the fraud and culminates with the analysis of two former senior members of Ellison’s team, both of whom asked to remain anonymous “for fear of retribution.”

VP Kamala Harris Falsely Calls Her Support of Minnesota Freedom Fund ‘Misinformation’

October 25, 2022October 24, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Vice President Kamala Harris falsely described her support of the Minnesota Freedom Fund as “misinformation” in an interview Friday.

The vice president was in town for a pro-abortion event with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and a fundraiser for Gov. Tim Walz. She also appeared in a video with Attorney General Keith Ellison and endorsed his reelection bid.

Pollster: ‘Real Possibility’ GOP Takes Three Statewide Wins

October 24, 2022October 23, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Trafalgar Group chief strategist Robert Cahaly joined Liz Collin on her podcast to discuss the results of a new poll that found Dr. Scott Jensen narrowly leading Gov. Tim Walz in Minnesota.

Minnesota Attorney General Ellison: ‘Vicious’ Minneapolis Police Are an ‘Occupying Force’

October 18, 2022October 17, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

udio clips from the archives of Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) reveal the harsh words Keith Ellison has had for Minneapolis police officers.

MPR previously included remarks from Ellison in its coverage of policing and crime, mostly from the early 1990s when Ellison was a lawyer and political activist.

Soft-on-Crime Soros Family Gave Max Donations to Keith Ellison

October 13, 2022October 12, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Since 2018 two prominent members of the Soros family have donated thousands of dollars to help Keith Ellison become or remain Minnesota’s attorney general.

According to a campaign finance disclosure, George Soros and his son Alexander each gave Ellison’s 2022 reelection campaign $2,500 in October of last year.

Several Minnesota DFL Donors Charged in Free-Food Fraud

September 25, 2022September 24, 2022 Admin

At least nine of the 48 people accused of defrauding the government of $250 million meant to feed hungry children have donated to Democratic officeholders in Minnesota.

The number is likely higher and Alpha News is working to confirm the identities of additional defendants.

22 County Sheriffs Endorse Jim Schultz for Minnesota Attorney General

September 22, 2022September 21, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Jim Schultz, the Republican candidate for Minnesota attorney general, has received the endorsements of 22 county sheriffs throughout the state.

Schultz announced the endorsements at a Tuesday press conference, saying he is “beyond humbled” by the “unprecedented” show of support from law enforcement leaders.

Article Shows Ellison Bashing Capitalism, Describing Fear of Crime as ‘White Hysteria’

August 17, 2022August 16, 2022 Admin

In a brief Star Tribune commentary from nearly three decades ago, current Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison trashed capitalism for its “exploitation of labor” and accused the paper of contributing to “white hysteria.”

Alpha News obtained a photocopy of the Star Tribune edition printed on Saturday, Aug. 7, 1993. In the “counterpoint” section of commentary, the paper published a brief article by Ellison, a then-litigator who was identified as a participant in that year’s urban peace summit in St. Paul from July 14-18. One of the summit’s speakers appears to have been notorious anti-white racist and Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan.

Ellison’s piece responded to what he perceive

Jim Schultz Defeats Doug Wardlow, Will Face Keith Ellison in November

August 11, 2022August 10, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

Political newcomer Jim Schultz defeated Doug Wardlow in the Republican primary for Minnesota attorney general Tuesday night.

Schultz was endorsed by the state party and has the backing of police, but Wardlow’s name recognition from his 2018 bid for the position and support from national figures like Steve Bannon and Mike Lindell had some insiders concerned the base would rally to his side.

Minnesota AG Ellison Defends Sex and Transgenderism Discussions for Kindergartners

August 10, 2022August 9, 2022 Admin

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison claims Florida’s new law preventing teacher discussions of gender ideology and sexuality with young children is “extreme” and “discriminatory” toward “LGBTQ+ students.”

Minnesota Attorney General’s Office Only Has One Criminal Prosecutor; Jim Schultz Says He’ll Change That

June 3, 2022June 2, 2022 Minnesota Sun Staff

“We are at an inflection point in Minnesota,” said Jim Schultz, the Republican-endorsed candidate for attorney general.

Democratic State Attorneys General Ask Biden to Fully Forgive All Student Loan Debt

May 9, 2022May 8, 2022 The Center Square

Seven state attorneys general, and an eighth from Puerto Rico, have called upon President Joe Biden to fully cancel federal student debt estimated at more than $1.6 trillion.

The U.S. Education Department reports more than 43 million borrowers on average owe $37,000 in student loan debt. The USED already has forgiven $17 billion in student loan debt held by 725,000 borrowers since the beginning of the Biden administration.

Minnesota Attorney General Warns NFL It Could Face Investigation of Treatment of Women and Minority Groups

April 8, 2022April 7, 2022 The Center Square

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison warned National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell that he shares “grave concerns” with five other state attorneys general about the league’s treatment of women.

The attorneys general also said in their Wednesday letter to Goodell they may open an investigation. Along with Ellison, the attorneys general of Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington and New York signed the letter in response to the New York Times’ February report that more than 30 former employees of the NFL said the league’s culture was demoralizing.

Minnesota Prosecutors Disagree on Appropriate Sentence in Kim Potter Case

February 8, 2022February 7, 2022 Peter D'Abrosca

Two prosecutors who participated in the case against former Brooklyn Center Police officer Kimberly Potter are at odds over her sentencing.

Imran Ali was the original prosecutor in Potter’s case. But he stepped down, citing the politically charged environment around her prosecution, and paved the way for Minnesota Attorney General Kieth Ellison’s office to take over the case.

Minnesota Attorney General Ellison ‘Doing Bidding of Special Interest Groups’ Regarding Green Energy, Lawsuit Alleges

January 16, 2022January 15, 2022 Hayley Feland

Attorney General Keith Ellison has been “doing the bidding of special interest groups” regarding green energy, a lawsuit alleges. The New House Republican Caucus shared on their Facebook page that the oral arguments were heard in the Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday and a decision can be expected within 30 days.

Ellison Admits ‘Defund Police’ Slogan Was a Tactical Mistake for Progressives

November 9, 2021November 9, 2021 Minnesota Sun Staff

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison apparently thinks Democrats should have sought to defund the police without saying “defund the police.”

“I think allowing this moniker, ‘defund the police,’ to ever get out there, was not a good thing,” he recently told Washington Post reporter David Weigel. This comment followed an election in Minneapolis in which voters rejected a measure that would have replaced the police with a largely unarmed “Department of Public Safety.”

While Ellison’s most recent comment has drawn significant media attention, this position is not new — the AG has long wanted to reduce policing, only taking issue with the slogan his fellow progressives often use.

Chauvin Prosecutors Want Wording Changed in Memo

July 10, 2021July 9, 2021 Hayley Feland

Those who were involved in prosecuting former Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin want the judge to change wording in the memo. According to Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, they want the wording to be changed to indicate that the girls who witnessed the death of George Floyd did in fact experience trauma.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison Says Chauvin Sentencing ‘Not Justice’

June 28, 2021June 27, 2021 Hayley Feland

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said in a press conference that, “Today’s sentencing is not justice, but it is another moment of real accountability on the road to justice.” Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was sentenced on Friday to 22.5 years in prison for the murder of George Floyd. Chauvin was found guilty for the murder George Floyd on all counts in his trial that took place in April.

George Floyd Square Still Occupied and Seemingly Supported by Attorney General Keith Ellison

June 23, 2021June 22, 2021 Hayley Feland

In a TikTok video dating May 8, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison appears to be registering voters with the “gatekeeper” of George Floyd Square, Marcia Howard. In the video, Howard says that she is there protesting for the “24 Demands,” while Ellison nods and smiles along.

Minnesota Attorney General Sues Two More Restaurants Open for Dine-In Service

December 21, 2020December 20, 2020 Minnesota Sun Staff

Attorney General Keith Ellison’s office yesterday filed lawsuits against two restaurants that have been open for dine-in despite the governor’s executive orders. Cornerstone Café in Monticello and Cork in Anoka are Ellison’s latest projects.

Ellison’s office issued a statement that says these restaurants have been running in “open violation” of Gov. Tim Walz’ orders, putting the “community at risk by violating ban on on-premises dining intended to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Nearly 100 Million Americans Voted Early; Hawaii, Texas Already Exceed 2016 Turnout

November 4, 2020November 3, 2020 The Center Square

Roughly 100 million early votes already were cast before the first polls opened Tuesday morning, Michael McDonald, professor at the University of Florida, says. He runs the Election Project, which tracks polling and election data by state.

“These reports will include early voting activity from the proceeding day,” McDonald said in the latest analysis published Nov. 1. “It is also likely reports by Tuesday morning will fail to capture all of the pre-election voting activity since there are sporadic reports of election officials experiencing delays in processing the unprecedented number of mail ballots.”

Keith Ellison’s Son Appears to Berate Officers Suffering From PTSD

July 23, 2020July 22, 2020 Minnesota Sun Staff

Minneapolis City Council Member Jeremiah Ellison, the son of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, berated cops who are presently away from the job as many of those officers suffer from PTSD related to the George Floyd riots.

Ellison placed the blame for the recent uptick in violence squarely on cops recently, as he suggested that law enforcement has abandoned the city amidst his own council’s attempts to abolish the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). He then suggested that officers are lying about having PTSD because they hate the citizens of Minneapolis. Although he hedged this claim almost immediately, his words drew a sharp response from the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA).

AG Keith Ellison Faces Lawsuit Accusing Him of Coordinating with Bloomberg on Anti-Exxon Crusade

July 11, 2020July 10, 2020 Minnesota Sun Staff

A Virginia-based law firm is suing Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison for access to records revealing his use of attorneys financed by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg to engage in a climate crusade targeting oil companies.

The nonprofit Government Accountability & Oversight (GAO) filed a lawsuit Wednesday for records detailing how the Democratic attorney general is allegedly deploying Bloomberg-financed lawyers to advance a lawsuit his office leveled against the fossil fuel industry. The firm’s complaint was filed on behalf of the nonprofit group Energy Policy Advocates.

Republicans Invoke Independence Day In Opposition to Walz’s Coronavirus Response

July 5, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Gov. Tim Walz recently filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought against him regarding his use of emergency powers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The lawsuit was filed on May 28 by four members of the New House Republican Caucus, the Free Minnesota Coalition, and at least eight businesses across the state. The complaint argues that the governor does not have the authority to “suspend the constitutional rights of Minnesotans.”

Judge Threatens to Move Trial Out of Minneapolis If Public Officials Don’t Stop Speaking Out About Floyd Case

July 1, 2020June 30, 2020 The Associated Press

A Minnesota judge on Monday warned that he’s likely to move the trials of four former police officers charged in George Floyd’s death out of Minneapolis if public officials, attorneys and family members don’t stop speaking out about the case.

Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill stopped short of issuing a gag order against attorneys on both sides, but he said he likely will if public statements continue that make it hard to find an impartial jury. Cahill said that would also make him likely to grant a change-of-venue motion if one is filed, as he anticipates.

Judge Threatens to Move Trial Out of Minneapolis If Public Officials Don’t Stop Speaking Out About Floyd Case

July 1, 2020 The Associated Press

Judge Rejects Cameras in the Courtroom for Former Police Officers’ Pretrial Hearings in Floyd Death

June 28, 2020June 27, 2020 The Associated Press

A Minnesota judge on Friday rejected allowing cameras in the court for pretrial proceedings of four former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd.

Charge Upgraded to Second-Degree Murder in Floyd Case, Three Other Officers Charged

June 4, 2020June 4, 2020 The Associated Press

Prosecutors charged a Minneapolis police officer accused of pressing his knee against George Floyd’s neck with a new more serious charge of second-degree murder on Wednesday, and for the first time leveled charges against three other officers at the scene, according to criminal complaints.

The updated criminal complaint against Derek Chauvin says the officer’s actions were a “substantial causal factor” in Floyd’s death.

Keith Ellison’s Son, a Minneapolis Council Member, Pledges Support for Antifa

June 2, 2020June 2, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Minneapolis Council Member Jeremiah Ellison, the son of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, “officially” declared his support for Antifa Sunday.

Ellison’s declaration of support for the extremist group came in response to President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States would be declaring Antifa a domestic terrorist organization.

Ellison Says Black People in Minneapolis Have Reason to Fear and Distrust Local Police, Claims MPD Has ‘Endemic Problem’

June 1, 2020June 1, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said during an interview Sunday morning that he believes African-Americans in Minneapolis have reason to distrust and fear their local police.

“Sadly, yes. There is a history that has been repeated time and time again. I want to say that many officers are great people. I know so many of them and I think the chief is an extraordinary person, and the mayor and the council deserve a lot of credit for appointing Mr. Arradondo, but it is an endemic problem in the Minneapolis Police Department,” Ellison said on Fox News Sunday.

Republicans Criticize ‘Alarming’ Interpretation of Executive Authority in Letter to Walz and Ellison

May 22, 2020May 21, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

The Senate Republican Caucus expressed concern over the governor’s “alarming” interpretation of executive authority in a letter sent this week to Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison.

“Your interpretation of the scope of the Governor’s authority under Minnesota Statutes, section 12.45, is incorrect and inconsistent with legislative intent and with a more measured reading of the law. Most importantly, it is an infringement on the Legislature’s fundamental and exclusive authority to define and prescribe the punishment for a crime,” states the letter.

After Backing Alleged Domestic Abuser Keith Ellison, Minnesota Dems Say State Rep Is ‘Trivializing’ Domestic Abuse

May 22, 2020May 21, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

The Minnesota DFL Party, which supported accused domestic abuser Keith Ellison in his run for attorney general, criticized a Republican lawmaker Thursday for “trivializing the severity of domestic abuse.”

Keith Ellison Sues Minnesota Restaurant Owner Who Planned to Open Early, Threatens $150,000 in Fines

May 19, 2020May 18, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Sunday night that his office has sued a Minnesota restaurant owner who planned to reopen for business Monday.

Kris Schiffler, owner of Shady’s Bar and Grill, planned on reopening his six locations for dine-in business Monday, two weeks earlier than the June 1 reopening date set by the state. He told one local outlet that he received a call from Ellison’s office Friday threatening $25,000 in fines per location, which would amount to $150,000 in total.

Keith Ellison Stands by Omar After Strong DFL Challenger Emerges

May 10, 2020May 9, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has endorsed Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN-05) for a second term in Congress.

“I see U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar as a leader who is disrupting conventional wisdom and challenging 50 years of thinking that has brought us stunning inequality, weakened public institutions and an utter lack of preparedness for a global pandemic,” Ellison said in an endorsement of Omar in The Star Tribune.

Minnesota Churches, Business Owners File Second Lawsuit Against Walz’s ‘Draconian’ Shutdown Orders

May 8, 2020May 7, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

A second lawsuit was filed Wednesday against Gov. Tim Walz on behalf of multiple Minnesota churches and small business owners.

The complaint asks the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota to strike down Walz’s emergency executive orders issued during the coronavirus pandemic as unconstitutional under the First, Fifth, and 14th Amendments.

Minnesota’s State and National Dems Want to Cancel Rent and Mortgage Payments

April 27, 2020April 26, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

An executive order from Gov. Tim Walz bans evictions, foreclosures, and lease terminations for the duration of the state’s peacetime emergency, but one Democratic lawmaker wants to take things a step further. State Sen. Jeff Hayden (DFL-Minneapolis) recently called for a “rent and mortgage moratorium” in Minnesota, an idea…

Keith Ellison Asked Trump Admin to End Ban on Using Aborted Fetal Tissue for Research

April 26, 2020April 25, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Attorney General Keith Ellison said a federal ban on using aborted fetal tissue for research is “hampering” the nation’s ability to respond to COVID-19 in a letter sent to the Trump administration.

After Mocking ‘Liberate Minnesota’ Protest, State Media, Politicians Silent on Minneapolis Gun Violence Demonstration

April 21, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota’s political establishment and mainstream media mocked and condemned the Trump-backed protesters who gathered outside the Governor’s Residence Friday, but were silent just two days later when hundreds gathered for a demonstration in Minneapolis.

According to the St. Paul Police Department, an estimated 800 people were in attendance at Friday’s “Liberate Minnesota” protest, which called for an end to Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order issued in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump Tweets Support for Hundreds of Minnesotans Who Gathered Friday to Protest Gov. Walz

April 18, 2020April 17, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

President Donald Trump expressed his support Friday for the hundreds of Minnesotans who gathered outside the Governor’s Residence in St. Paul to protest Gov. Tim Walz.

Ellison and U.S. Attorney Form Minnesota ‘COVID-19 Action Team’ to Enforce Walz Orders

April 15, 2020April 14, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota’s chief legal officers have formed a joint “COVID-19 action team” to enforce Gov. Tim Walz’s emergency executive orders.

Ellison’s Office Sues Landlords Who Pressured Tenants to Vacate During Pandemic

April 12, 2020April 11, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has sued multiple landlords who have attempted to evict tenants during the COVID-19 peacetime emergency.

Walz Launches ‘Bias and Discrimination’ Helpline for Reporting Incidents to the State

April 7, 2020April 6, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced Monday that his office has created a “discrimination helpline” amid “rising reports of discrimination from the Asian American community.”

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan claimed that America has a “distinct pattern” of “increased discrimination during uncertain and trying times, of needing someone to blame.”

“This is unacceptable and, as Minnesotans, we must work to break this cycle,” she added.

Senate Leaders Signal Disagreement with Walz’s ‘Unilateral and Unchecked’ Coronavirus Actions

March 22, 2020March 21, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

Gov. Tim Walz has issued 12 executive orders in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but Senate Republicans think some of his actions aren’t within his constitutional authority.

ACLU Asks Minnesota Government to ‘Limit Arrests to Most Serious Offenses’ During COVID-19 Pandemic

March 19, 2020March 19, 2020 Anthony Gockowski

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Minnesota has asked the state government to “aggressively” limit arrests to “the most serious offenses” during the coronavirus pandemic.