Attempted break‑in targets St. Paul Rep. Samakab Hussein
St. Paul State Rep. Samakab Hussein says someone attempted to break into his home while his family was inside, leaving them "terribly shaken" but unharmed, and St. Paul police are investigating the incident as an attempted break‑in. Hussein and fellow legislators have linked the episode to a broader climate of threats and racist, anti‑immigrant rhetoric directed at him and other officials.
📌 Key Facts
- Rep. Samakab Hussein of St. Paul reported an attempted break‑in at his home (reported Dec. 23, 2025).
- The attempt happened while his family was inside; Hussein said they were "terribly shaken," and no one was injured.
- St. Paul police were contacted and law enforcement is investigating the incident as an attempted break‑in at a lawmaker’s residence.
- Hussein and fellow legislators explicitly linked the incident to a broader climate of threats and racist, anti‑immigrant rhetoric directed at him and other officials.
- The reporting frames the event as both a criminal investigation and part of ongoing concerns about safety and targeted threats toward public officials and immigrant communities.
📊 Relevant Data
Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the United States, with approximately 107,000 people of Somali descent in 2024, representing about 2% of the state's total population.
By the numbers: Minnesota's Somali population, according to census data — KTTC
The percentage of Minnesotans with Somali ancestry who are not U.S. citizens dropped from 76% in 2001 to 9% in 2023.
Most Somali people in America and Minnesota are citizens — Minnesota Reformer
Somalis began arriving in Minnesota in the early 1990s as refugees fleeing civil war and famine in Somalia, with many resettled through U.S. refugee programs and voluntary agencies.
Somali and Somali American Experiences in Minnesota — MNopedia
In 2024, the U.S. Capitol Police investigated 9,474 concerning statements and direct threats against Members of Congress, a significant increase in recent years.
USCP Threat Assessment Cases for 2024 — United States Capitol Police
Counties hosting Trump campaign rallies in the run-up to the 2016 U.S. Presidential election saw subsequent increases in hate-motivated incidents.
It's About Hate: Approval of Donald Trump, Racism, Xenophobia and Support for Political Violence — PMC (PubMed Central)
Minnesota House District 65A has a population of 42,843, with a diverse demographic makeup including significant immigrant communities.
State House District 65A, MN - Profile data — Census Reporter
Almost 58% of Somalis in Minnesota were born in the U.S., and of the foreign-born, 87% are naturalized citizens.
5 things to know about the Somali community in Minnesota after Trump's attacks — PBS NewsHour
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- The article provides Hussein’s own description that someone attempted to break into his home while his family was inside, leaving them 'terribly shaken,' and confirms that no one was injured.
- It notes that St. Paul police were contacted and that law enforcement is investigating the incident as an attempted break‑in at a lawmaker’s residence.
- It relays statements from Hussein and/or fellow legislators explicitly connecting the incident to a broader climate of threats and racist, anti‑immigrant rhetoric directed at him and other officials.