Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Staff

Listen: Somali-Americans criticize media coverage of St. Cloud attack

Unity rally at St. Cloud State University
People marched during a unity rally at St. Cloud State University campus on Tuesday. The rally was organized to
Renee Jones Schneider | Star Tribune via AP

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

FBI investigators continue to piece together details of Saturday's stabbing at Crossroads Center Mall in St. Cloud, in which 20-year-old Dahir Adan injured 10 people before being killed by an off-duty police officer. The attack made not just national, but international, news.

Ramla Bile, a Somali-American who lives in the Twin Cities, wrote about all that attention on her Facebook page:

"Without minimizing the events that occurred, I will say this: this story is only receiving immense national and intentional attention because the sensationalization of the Muslim boogieman trumps the need for proportional, nuanced coverage. As long as we focus on demonizing marginalized communities, we only resolve to do just that and will continue to ignore the reality of violence in this country. Thinking of all the victims of this incident and any subsequent backlash."

Bile came by the studio — along with her friend and community activist Kafia Ahmed— to talk with Tom Weber.

To hear the entire discussion, use the audio player above.