The Minnesota Freedom Fund, a bail fund once endorsed by Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2020 campaign, has resurfaced in the news after it was found to have bailed out violent criminals. The fund, which is still accepting donations as of Monday night, was promoted by Harris to help Black Lives Matter rioters in Minnesota during the 2020 campaign. However, only a small portion of the $41 million raised actually went towards freeing rioters.
The fund has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that they used hundreds of thousands of dollars to bail out individuals facing serious criminal charges, including a knife murderer and a convicted rapist. One beneficiary of the fund, George Howard, was involved in a fatal road rage incident weeks after being bailed out on domestic assault charges. Surveillance footage captured the moment when Howard shot and killed another driver, who later died from a gunshot wound to the chest.
Howard had been released on an $11,500 bond thanks to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, only to be later charged with two counts of second-degree murder in connection with the interstate shooting. The fund released a statement acknowledging their role in Howard’s release, emphasizing their belief that individuals are innocent until proven guilty and should not be kept in jail simply because of their income or resources.
The group admitted to monitoring the case and reviewing its policies under new leadership, with a focus on ensuring the safety and needs of the community. Despite their mission to provide bail support for those who cannot afford it, the fund has faced backlash for bailing out violent criminals who have gone on to commit serious offenses. The fund’s website states that their goal is to ensure that wealth does not determine who is detained and who is released.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Harris campaign for comment on their stance regarding the Minnesota Freedom Fund and its role in bailing out individuals facing criminal charges. The fund’s actions have raised questions about the impact of bail funds in supporting individuals in need while also considering public safety concerns. The case of George Howard highlights the potential risks involved in releasing individuals who may pose a danger to the community, despite the fund’s efforts to provide assistance to those in need.
