Minneapolis Council Member Jamal Osman Carjacked in South Minneapolis; Police Arrest Two Juveniles

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Minneapolis City Council Member Jamal Osman (Ward 6) was carjacked Monday evening near East Lake Street and Portland Avenue, according to Minneapolis police and statements from the council member. The incident occurred around 8 p.m., just days after Osman secured reelection to his seat representing neighborhoods south and east of downtown.

Osman said he was seated in his parked vehicle, speaking with his sister on the phone, when two young suspects approached, threatened him with mace and a handgun, and demanded his keys. The suspects fled the scene in his white Volkswagen Atlas, police confirmed.

“I am safe and home with my family in Phillips West,” Osman said in a statement shared on social media Monday night. “This incident is another reminder of the work ahead to keep all of our communities safe.”

Police Response and Arrests

Minneapolis Police Department officers responded quickly and later recovered Osman’s vehicle around 10:30 p.m. in north Minneapolis. Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the carjacking was part of a citywide string of vehicle thefts and robberies that spanned several hours Monday afternoon and evening.

Two juveniles, ages 15 and 16, were arrested following a police pursuit that ended when a stolen vehicle crashed into a fire hydrant. Authorities said the teens are suspected in multiple carjackings earlier that day, including one involving a parent and child. No injuries were reported in Osman’s case.

“These were totally senseless crimes,” Chief O’Hara said during a Tuesday news briefing. “Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt.”

Investigators are working with prosecutors to determine potential charges. The suspects’ names have not been released due to their ages.

Community and City Reactions

Mayor Jacob Frey and Chief O’Hara both contacted Osman following the incident. In his statement, Osman thanked law enforcement for their swift response and expressed empathy for other victims.

“My heart goes out to them,” Osman said of other recent carjacking victims. “No one should have to experience this kind of trauma in our city.”

The Ward 6 council member—who represents the Cedar-Riverside, Phillips, and Ventura Village neighborhoods—was reelected last week and has made community safety one of his top legislative priorities.

Carjackings Decline but Remain a Concern

According to Minneapolis Police Department data, 153 carjackings have been reported citywide so far in 2025, down from 279 in 2024, marking a 37 percent decrease. Despite the drop, city leaders say the problem remains deeply concerning.

Osman’s carjacking underscores that violent crime can affect anyone, regardless of position or status, and renews urgency around youth crime prevention, neighborhood safety, and public trust in policing.

Ongoing Investigation

Police are asking anyone with information or surveillance footage from the East Lake Street area around 8 p.m. Monday to contact the Minneapolis Police Department Tip Line.

As of Tuesday evening, Osman said he remains focused on community healing and safety.
“If it can happen to a council member,” he said, “it can happen to anybody.”

MinneapoliMedia