At a rally in Minneapolis supporting Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan's Senate campaign, Attorney General Keith Ellison faced vocal opposition from supporters demanding a tougher stance on criminals.
Ellison was speaking alongside Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ilhan Omar when protestors shouted “Fund the CRU, Keith Ellison shame on you!” referencing the defunding of the Conviction Review Unit.
Despite attempts to continue his remarks, Ellison was repeatedly interrupted and acknowledged the controversy surrounding the unit.
The Conviction Review Unit, which reviews cases for potential wrongful convictions, had operated with five full‑time staff and relied on federal grants totaling approximately $800,000 in addition to budget allocations from the attorney general’s office.
Earlier this month, Ellison informed a 16‑person advisory board that the unit would be suspended due to budget constraints following the discontinuation of the federal grant.
Ellison cited the loss of the grant as a factor that forced the decision, stating that continuing the unit would compromise other core responsibilities.
The suspension has sparked anger among supporters who view the unit as an important tool for justice reform.
The unit had partnered with the Great North Innocence Project, a foundation involved in the Innocence Network.
