In a chilling development that has sent shockwaves through Minneapolis, prosecutors have revealed that members of the Somali community are allegedly issuing death threats against the mother and family of a 12-year-old girl who was brutally kidnapped and sexually assaulted by Somali migrant Qalinle Ibrahim Dirie. This horrifying case, coupled with the community’s response, has sparked a firestorm of outrage, raising explosive questions about justice, assimilation, and the protection of American families. 

The assault, which occurred in June 2024, saw Dirie, a 42-year-old Somali immigrant who entered the United States in 2006, approach the young girl as she played innocently in her own backyard. According to court documents, Dirie lured the child, forced her into his car, struck her on the head, and raped her in the backseat. The victim managed to escape and report the crime, leading to Dirie’s arrest and eventual conviction. In May 2025, a jury found him guilty of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, and last month, Judge Michael E. Burns sentenced him to 12 years in prison—the minimum allowed under Minnesota’s sentencing guidelines. Prosecutors noted that Dirie has shown no remorse, continuing to deny his actions and even blaming the victim’s mother, claiming she orchestrated the case against him.

What has fueled public fury, however, is not just the crime itself but the response from segments of the Somali community and the Al-Ihsan Islamic Center in St. Paul. Following Dirie’s conviction, the Islamic Center submitted a “community support letter” to the court, signed by its executive director, Ahmed Anshur. The letter shockingly described Dirie as a “deeply good man” and an active volunteer who faced the “challenges of starting over in a new culture.” It highlighted his supposed contributions, such as helping elders find rides home and supporting his family in Somalia, while dismissing the gravity of his crime as a “deep shock” that did not reflect the man they knew. This letter has been widely condemned as tone-deaf and dismissive of the victim’s trauma, with critics arguing it prioritizes cultural and religious identity over accountability for a heinous act.

Now, a recent court filing has revealed an even more disturbing twist: the victim’s family, including the 12-year-old girl and her mother, are facing death threats from members of the Somali community. Prosecutors disclosed this in a memorandum arguing against leniency for Dirie, emphasizing the ongoing fear and trauma inflicted on the family. The threats, allegedly from Dirie’s supporters, have intensified the family’s suffering, forcing them to live in fear while navigating the aftermath of the assault. This revelation has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling it a blatant failure of certain community members to assimilate into American values of justice and respect for victims.

The silence from Minnesota’s Democratic leadership, including Governor Tim Walz and Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali-American, has only added fuel to the fire. Critics argue that their lack of response suggests a troubling prioritization of protecting immigrant communities over addressing the safety and trauma of American families. Social media platforms, particularly Threads, are ablaze with heated discussions, with users expressing disbelief and anger at the idea that a community would rally behind a convicted child rapist while threatening the victim’s family. Posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with one user stating, “This is the Islamic Center that wrote a letter in support of him stating that he’s a ‘family man’ who had to overcome the ‘challenges of a new culture.’ How can this be justified?”

Prosecutors have been vocal in their criticism, pointing out that Dirie’s supporters, including his family and the Al-Ihsan Islamic Center, have focused solely on his hardships while ignoring the lifelong impact of his actions on the young victim. The prosecution’s memorandum highlighted Dirie’s lack of remorse and the community’s failure to acknowledge the victim’s suffering, noting that the support letters “do not acknowledge his actions, the impact they had on the Victim, or recognize his wrongdoing.” This has led to broader discussions about cultural assimilation and the role of religious institutions in criminal justice proceedings. Some argue that such letters provide valuable context about a defendant’s character, but others, including victims’ rights advocates, contend that they risk minimizing the severity of crimes and undermining justice.

The case has also reignited debates about sentencing disparities and judicial leniency. While Dirie faced up to 30 years in prison, Judge Burns opted for the minimum sentence, a decision that many believe was influenced by the community support letters. In contrast, the average sentence for similar offenses in the U.S. is significantly longer, with some states imposing life imprisonment for sexual assault on a minor under 12. Critics argue that the 12-year sentence, with the possibility of release in 2033, fails to deliver justice for the victim and sends a dangerous message about accountability.

As the story spreads, it has become a lightning rod for controversy, dominating conversations on social media and beyond. The public is demanding answers: How can a community defend a convicted predator? Why are authorities silent? And most importantly, what does this mean for the safety of American children? The case of Qalinle Ibrahim Dirie is not just about one man’s crime—it’s about a justice system under scrutiny, a community divided, and a nation grappling with the balance between cultural sensitivity and protecting its most vulnerable.  Click here to join the conversation and share your thoughts! #JusticeForVictims #MinneapolisOutrage