Minnesota Dem state senator arrested on suspicion of burglary days after pushing for 'safer communities'

On Monday, 49-year-old Democratic Minnesota state Sen. Nicole Mitchell was taken into custody on suspicion of first-degree burglary in connection with an alleged home invasion in Detroit Lakes, a small community 45 miles from the North Dakota border.

Mitchell, who represents the Minneapolis suburbs of Woodbury and Maplewood over 200 miles to the southwest, had publicly advocated for creating "safer communities" in her state just days before.

According to KVRR, on Monday morning police in the small town received reports of a burglary at a home in the area. After talking with the homeowner, Mitchell was identified as a suspect, tracked down, and apprehended.

The Becker County Attorney's Office received the report, and is reviewing it before deciding whether to proceed with charges against Mitchell. She is currently in the Becker County Jail.

According to the New York Post, officials are expected to make a decision as early as Tuesday.

On April 16, Mitchell posted a picture to her X account posing with members of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots organization whose goal is to end gun violence in the United States.

"Meaningful conversation today with [MDA] community members advocating for common sense gun reform & safer communities at [the Minnesota Legislature] --as well as providing Minnesotans the mental health services they need to #EndGunViolence in our neighborhoods," she wrote.

Before being elected to serve in the state legislature, Mitchell worked as a television and radio meteorologist and served as a commander in the Air National Guard.

While Mitchell's party did not comment on the situation, Republican leader Mark Johnson released a statement condemning her alleged actions.

"The public expects Legislators to meet a high standard of conduct," he said. "As information comes out, we expect the consequences to meet the actions, both in the court of law, and in her role at the legislature."