Minneapolis witnessed a major clampdown on gang violence and crime as an 18-count indictment was announced by the U.S. Attorney's Office against 11 alleged members of a notorious street gang known as the Lows. This particular set of legal actions underscores a nearly two-decade struggle of the city with gang-related activities, bringing charges that span RICO conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, to gun and drug trafficking offenses. U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger has been quoted stating, "Through threats and violence—shootings and murders—the Lows gang has long sought to establish dominion over large swaths of our city."
In a concerted effort to restore peace and upend long years of terror, this indictment represents the resolve to put to end the Lows' reign marked by multiple murders, attempted murders, and narcotics and firearms trafficking, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota. The indictment, a complex legal tool often used to disassemble organized crime, charges the defendants with a pattern of racketeering activities. To strategically dismantle this group, law enforcement agencies are needed to not only arrest but also thoroughly investigate, a process requiring countless hours of dedicated work.
According to the press release, the Lows gang has been operationally active since roughly 2004 and has infamously trafficked firearms and drugs like fentanyl. Their tactics reportedly include intimidation and outright violence, targeting rival gangs and anyone they perceived as a threat to their illicit enterprise. The gang's aggressive strategies to safeguard their territory have inevitably left a heavy footprint of suffering and disruption across North Minneapolis communities.
Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) St. Paul Field Division emphasized, "There will never be a time where this will be considered acceptable," as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota. He underscored the solid investigative work, particularly utilizing crime gun intelligence, that significantly contributed to bringing the indictments forward. As part of their ongoing mission, the ATF along with their federal and local partners have vowed to continue the fight against violent crime and illegal firearms on the streets.
The broad coalition of agencies investigating these cases, including the ATF, FBI, Minneapolis Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, DEA, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections, are reflective of the severity and complexity of this crackdown. The cases themselves are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett S. Fields and David M. Classen for the District of Minnesota, and Trial Attorney Jared Engelking of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.