Minnesota lawmaker arrested for suspected burglary after advocating for safer communities

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (TND) — A Minnesota lawmaker was arrested Monday for alleged burglary, less than a week after she advocated for safer communities at the state Capitol.

Detroit Lakes officers booked state Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, for first-degree burglary, according to local jail records. According to FOX9, police found the senator at a home in Detroit Lakes around 4:45 a.m. after the homeowner reported a burglary.

Senator Mitchell on Tuesday joined Moms Demand Action, an organization that supports restrictions on gun ownership, to promote solutions to gun violence. The lawmaker later praised the group’s visit to Minneapolis.

“Meaningful conversation today with members of the @MomsDemand community who are advocating for common sense reform and safer communities at #mnleg – and providing Minnesotans with the mental health care they need to #EndGunViolence in our neighborhoods” , says Senator Mitchell. Posted on X.

The lawmaker also previously worked with Moms Demand Action to promote restrictions on gun ownership. In January, she promoted Minnesota’s “red flag” law, which bars people who pose a serious risk to themselves or others from owning a firearm.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, told the Star Tribune he was shocked by the arrest.

“The public expects lawmakers to meet a high standard of conduct,” Johnson said. “As information comes out, we expect to see consequences for the actions, both in court and in her role in the Legislature.”

Senator Mitchell previously worked on a bill to define offenses for a National Guard base and last year helped create a task force to prevent children from becoming involved in the criminal justice system. As lawmakers discussed how to reform Minnesota’s child welfare system, the senator claimed to have tried to promote safety for minors.

“All children deserve to grow up in an environment where they are safe and where their basic needs are met,” the lawmaker wrote. “I am very proud to be part of a team that is committed to the best interests of our children in Minnesota.”

Senator Mitchell’s office did not immediately return the National Desk’s request for comment.

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