About the Governor’s Statewide Safety Council

The Governor’s Statewide Safety Council brings together leaders from public safety, health, education, the justice system and community organizations to help prevent mass violence, targeted attacks and domestic terrorism in Minnesota. Established by Executive Order 25-13 and chaired by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the council focuses on practical, coordinated actions that reduce risk, strengthen preparedness, and support communities before violence occurs.  

Why this matters

Preventing violence requires more than reacting after harm has occurred. Many acts of violence are preceded by warning signs, unmet mental health needs, online radicalization, or gaps in coordination between systems. The Governor’s Statewide Safety Council exists to help Minnesota identify risks earlier, respond more effectively, and strengthen the systems that protect people in schools, workplaces, public spaces, and communities across the state. By bringing partners together and aligning efforts, the council supports a safer Minnesota for everyone. 

Council mission and focus areas

The Governor’s Statewide Safety Council works to:

• Develop immediate and long-term actions to prevent mass violence, targeted attacks and domestic terrorism
• Support threat assessment and threat management teams across Minnesota
• Address the connection between mental health and gun violence
• Reduce radicalization and prevent politically motivated and extremist violence
• Coordinate efforts across federal, state, local, and community partners
• Share best practices and improve information-sharing
• Provide policy and funding recommendations to the governor

Meeting information

The council's first meeting is at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23 in the Veteran's Service Building. The building is located 20 W. 12th St. in St. Paul. 

Agenda

• 9:30 a.m.: Welcome
• 9:45 a.m.: Introductions and reflections
• 10:20 a.m.: Violence Prevention Project Research Center Data overview
• 11 a.m.: Group reflection
• 11:10 a.m.: Logistics
• 11:25 a.m.: Closing
• 11:30 a.m.: Adjourn