Liz Sawyer
Reporter
Breaking news, crime and correctionsSawyer graduated from Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications with a degree in newspaper and online journalism. She worships her alma mater's college hoops team and thinks an orange is, in fact, a suitable mascot.
Latest from Liz Sawyer
Chaotic protests ensue after federal agent shoots Venezuelan immigrant following car chase, struggle
President Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act and send troops to Minnesota.
January 15, 2026
‘Have y’all not learned?’ Agents accused of getting more aggressive as ICE pushback grows
Local attorneys are fielding dozens of complaints that ICE has wrongfully detained, threatened and physically abused bystanders amid the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown in Minnesota.
January 15, 2026
In New York Times interview, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara rails against ICE tactics
He fears ICE actions in the Twin Cities are undermining public trust his department has rebuilt and could lead to a “breaking point.”
January 12, 2026
ICE agent who fatally shot woman in Minneapolis was dragged by car in earlier incident
The agent, Jonathan Ross, was injured last year by a fleeing driver during an arrest, according to court records.
January 8, 2026
ICE agent fatally shoots woman in south Minneapolis
Witnesses dispute the federal account that the agent fired “defensive shots” as Minnesota leaders call for independent investigation.
January 7, 2026
Chief O’Hara shakes up Minneapolis police leadership, creates Major Crimes division
The weekend announcement marked a series of sweeping personnel changes, including the replacement of two sitting deputy chiefs.
January 6, 2026
Police investigating overnight burglary of Somali day care in south Minneapolis
The break-in comes in the aftermath of a viral video alleging fraud by several Somali child care centers.
December 31, 2025
Police walk a tightrope to maintain community relations amid Twin Cities ICE arrests
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has emerged as one of the most outspoken law enforcement leaders in the nation criticizing ICE tactics.
December 21, 2025
Grand jury indicts Minneapolis man accused of killing ex-girlfriend
David Wright, 51, now faces first-degree murder charges, with the possibility of a mandatory life sentence, in the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Mariah Samuels.
December 12, 2025
Two killed in separate shootings in Minneapolis
The homicides happened within a half hour of each other in different parts of the city Wednesday night. Hours later, an officer fired his service weapon while responding to a person with a gun; no one was injured.
December 11, 2025
Amid criticism from council, Minneapolis police chief defends nearly $20 million in overspending
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said a hiring spree is a costly endeavor, while some council members decried a lack of oversight about a large overspend.
December 9, 2025
Minneapolis police arrest man with history of reported abuse in suspicious death of roommate
Scott W. Carlson, 67, was charged with third-degree assault Monday in connection with a July attack against the same woman that left her hospitalized with facial, eye fractures.
December 7, 2025
