A manager at a Minneapolis daycare centre, who called a press conference to announce a burglary, found himself at the centre of unexpected controversy after observers noted he was wearing designer glasses valued at approximately $2,500.
Break-in and Backlash at Nokomis Daycare
Nasrulah Mohamed, a manager at the Nokomis Daycare Center in Minneapolis, told reporters on Wednesday that the facility had been broken into. He stated that enrolment documents, staff paperwork, and chequebooks were stolen after a wall was "destroyed." The Minneapolis Police Department confirmed a break-in at the address, though a preliminary report initially found nothing missing, before a subsequent report detailed the claimed items.
Mohamed directly linked the incident to a viral video by YouTube commentator Nick Shirley, which alleged that Somali-run daycare centres across the city were fronts for fraud and not actively caring for children. "We've been receiving hateful messages through our voice notes threatening us since the past couple of days," Mohamed said.
Designer Glasses and Wider Fraud Allegations
During the press conference, Mohamed appeared to be wearing Chrome Hearts Cox Ucker Black frames, a luxury brand with prices around $2,500. While some observers pointed out that cheaper replicas exist, the optics ignited further debate online. The incident unfolded against the backdrop of a massive scandal in Minnesota, where more than 80 Somali residents have been charged with defrauding taxpayer-funded state programmes.
Mohamed suggested Nokomis was targeted due to the wider allegations, though he and the centre have not been accused of any wrongdoing. The centre, licensed for up to 71 children, has a record of only minor violations from its last inspection in October.
Plea for Support and Funding Freeze
At the same event, Sacdiya Aden, a Somali mother who uses the centre, made an emotional plea for government support, speaking through an interpreter, Amina Adin. "I request that our government supports our childcare centres and stop this heinous crime and this hate that's happening around our state," she said. Her decision to speak in her native language also drew unwarranted criticism from some quarters.
She expressed fear for her children's safety and warned that cutting support would hurt working families. Behind her, supporters held signs reading 'Racism has NO place in childcare' and 'No childcare = No workforce.'
However, the US Department of Health and Human Services has already taken action. On Tuesday, Deputy HHS Secretary Jim O'Neill announced that federal childcare funding for Minnesota would be frozen amid the fraud allegations. He stated all payments now require justification and evidence, claiming to have "turned off the money spigot" while a comprehensive audit is sought.
The YouTube Investigation That Ignited the Fire
The controversy traces back to footage from YouTuber Nick Shirley, who visited several Somali-run daycares around Minneapolis. Shirley claimed the centres appeared empty during operational hours, questioning their legitimacy. His video showed contentious interactions where employees refused him entry. Shirley did not visit the Nokomis centre specifically.
The situation leaves Minnesota's childcare system in a precarious position, balancing necessary fraud investigations against the vital support legitimate centres provide to working families, all under an intense public and political spotlight.
