Following a weekend of violence, the Students’ Co-Op near the University of Minnesota has begun the process of evicting every resident.
The co-op is located on Fraternity Row, nestled between frat houses — although it is not owned by or officially affiliated with UMN. Rather, it has apparently come to be inhabited by non-students, some of whom seem to be involved in a pattern of violence that makes life around the university less safe.
“We share deep concern about the recent incidents of crime and violence at the Students’ Co-op. We have filed evictions for everyone in the building — the court hearing is scheduled for June 1, 2022,” reads a release on the building’s website. “Our long-term goal is to rehabilitate the building so that the Students’ Co-op can provide student-centered, cooperative housing.”
The building has also asked that those who “have information [about] or documentation of incidents involving the Students’ Co-op [to] please email fghqragfpbbcvap@tznvy.pbz.”
Alpha News spoke on background with student leaders at UMN who expressed concern for their safety given the proximity of the co-op to their homes and school. They have reportedly raised their concerns with authorities.
In the last week alone, there have been reports of two stabbings, two robberies, a brawl that stopped traffic and multiple assaults around the co-op, apparently involving co-op members.
Alpha News reported over the weekend on a rash of violence outside the co-op. a video from the weekend shows a man getting stomped and jumped on as he lays in the street.
*Footage from current students*
SafeU alert went out last night regarding “3 assaults in the 1700 block of Uni. Ave”. Witnesses and dispatch audio claim the origin is 1721 (students co-op). Occurred outside Greek housing and 17th Ave dorm https://t.co/mIsDpTQBZc @CrimeWatchMpls pic.twitter.com/PboMSCyAS8— Watch Dog UMN (@WatchDogUMN) May 21, 2022
Minneapolis police told Alpha News they’ve been aware of the situation “since the spring of 2021,” and that “efforts continue daily to address the real concerns raised by residents, employees, and students in the area.”
“In addition, the Minneapolis Police Department in partnership with the University of Minnesota Police Department is providing extra patrols and other focused police activity in that area,” they added.
Kyle Hooten
Kyle Hooten is Managing Editor of Alpha News. His coverage of Minneapolis has been featured on television shows like Tucker Carlson Tonight and in print media outlets like the Wall Street Journal.
