Federal funding withdrawal preceded the Minnesota shooting, as part of a program focused on preventing attacks.
In a concerning turn of events, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) has been left without funds to create essential roles aimed at combating targeted violence and terrorism. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cut $18.5 million in spending from its Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3), which provides grants to state and local law enforcement agencies and other institutions to help recognize and prevent potential terrorist threats.
This funding cut has severely hampered local efforts to identify future threats, as the Minnesota DPS had planned to create two roles, a special agent, and a criminal analyst, with the funds from CP3. These roles were intended to help respond to and prevent targeted violence and terrorism in Minnesota.
Bob Jacobson, the DPS commissioner, wrote a letter to the state's congressional delegation expressing his concern over the cuts. He argued that the lack of funding for these roles could significantly diminish the state's capacity to protect communities from targeted violence and terrorism.
State officials argue that the cuts severely weaken local efforts to identify future threats. The money also funds mental health services and training programs, making the impact of these cuts even more profound.
Interestingly, the cancellation of funds did not appear to impact the handling of the Annunciation Catholic School attack, which killed two children and injured 18 people. However, the wider implications for local efforts to identify future threats are concerning.
The Trump administration stated that the money was being used to promote a partisan agenda and did not effectively fight those threats. However, the Minnesota DPS had already been using the funds for combating focused violence and terrorism before the grant from CP3 was reduced.
The $700,000 that was designated for the Minnesota DPS from CP3 funds was not spent due to the cuts. The cuts were first reported by CNN.
It is uncertain what the future holds for local efforts to combat targeted violence and terrorism in Minnesota. State officials are urging the DHS to reconsider its decision and reinstate the funding for these crucial roles. Only time will tell if their pleas will be heard.
