'Nobody wants you here': Shakopee residents harass Somali family while house shopping
Viral video shows Shakopee residents harassing Somali home buyers
A TikTok video of residents in a Shakopee neighborhood is going viral as they’re shown allegedly harassing a Somali family looking to buy a home. Some say it's an example of racial stereotyping and harassment. At least one state lawmaker is calling it "dehumanizing." FOX 9's Karen Scullin has the story.
SHAKOPEE, Minn. (FOX 9) - A TikTok video of residents in a Shakopee neighborhood is going viral as they’re shown allegedly harassing a Somali family looking to buy a home.
Some say it's an example of racial stereotyping and harassment. At least one state lawmaker is calling it "dehumanizing." The video has been viewed more than 120,000 times.
The two Shakopee residents seen in the video retained an attorney, who said they are "proud Americans who believe in the dignity and equal worth of every human being, regardless of background."
Shakopee viral video
What we know:
According to Brad Tabke, a DFL lawmaker who represents Shakopee, the incident happened Monday in Shakopee. A Somali family was driving in a neighborhood looking at homes to buy when an adult male confronts them. Eventually, an adult female joins in the confrontation.
The TikTok video is laced with profanity from both sides.
Somali family harassed while house shopping in Shakopee
A Somali family was reportedly harassed by a man and a woman while the family was house shopping in Shakopee. FOX 9's Karen Scullin has more.
The adult male says, "Nobody wants you here, not a single person here wants you. I can smell you from here, where’d you get your money for the house? All you do is steal."
The woman filming is presumably a member of the Somali family looking for a home in the Shakopee neighborhood. She says, "Worry about your own money. You’re sad as f**k. Oh my god get a petition or something. Why are you guys so worried? Why are you so oppressed? Nobody bothered you guys, you guys decide to be in people’s business."
The Shakopee residents are referring to the Somali community connected to ongoing fraud investigations in Minnesota.
Shakopee residents respond
The other side:
A law firm representing the couple seen in the video, Seidlich Law, shared the following statement:
"To Whom it May Concern,
"Thank you for reaching out and giving the Wagners an opportunity to formally address a TikTok video that is being weaponized to create a false narrative to negatively characterize the Wagner family as "racist." This incomplete video is being used to coordinate a cyberbullying campaign against an honest, patriotic, kind, and hard-working family.
"The Wagners categorically deny any and all allegations implied by this video. This is a situation where a provocateur is capitalizing on political tensions to play the victim, rather than the primary aggressor. First, the clip does not include the statements and racial slurs that were launched at Mr. Wagner that are too inappropriate to be mentioned in a public statement. The circulating clip lacks critical context.
"The Wagners do not conduct themselves in a racist manner personally or professionally. In fact, the Wagners are the epitome of proud Americans who believe in the dignity and equal worth of every human being, regardless of background. We are calling on all news stations and media outlets to exercise journalistic responsibility before amplifying the narrative built on an incomplete and misleading video. We ask that we be contacted before anything related to this video is published.
"Additionally, this is a situation that has led to undeserved bullying, harassment, and other tortious acts. Therefore, we will pursue all legal actions against those involved in these acts. We have also contacted law enforcement to pursue any potential criminal charges, including the Department of Justice."
Brad Tabke issues statement
What they're saying:
Tabke, a DFL lawmaker out of Shakopee, issued the following statement Tuesday night, defending the family for their right to look for a home.
"I don’t get why this guy would go out of his way to harass people for simply being Somali. This is the product of irresponsible leaders dehumanizing an entire group of people for the way they look or talk," Tabke said. "It pisses me off that this viral video is the first time some people have heard of Shakopee, and I just want to say that it doesn’t represent our town. Our town is diverse and full of good, hardworking Minnesotans who don’t care what your background is - we’re all neighbors."
Angie Craig: ‘This is extremely disappointing’
Angie Craig, a representative out of the Second Congressional District, reacted to the incident with a statement on social media.
"This is extremely disappointing. And I have no doubt this is a direct result of the Trump Administration’s hateful rhetoric against the Somali community. This is not who we are as Minnesotans – folks of all backgrounds are welcome here," Craig said.
Craig is running for U.S. Senate in November to fill the seat of Tina Smith. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is also running for the seat.
What we don't know:
The people accused of the harassment, and the Somali family involved, have not been identified. No arrests were made, and it’s not clear if charges will be filed.