UPDATE: YouTuber Nick Shirley has taken the internet by storm, with his explosive video on a Minnesota fraud scandal amassing over 110 million views just days after its release on December 26, 2023. The video, which exposes alleged fraudulent activities in child care funding, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, drawing significant attention from both state officials and national political figures.
In a statement to Newsweek, Governor Tim Walz’s office emphasized that he has “worked for years to crack down on fraud” and has requested additional legislative authority to enhance state actions against these crimes. This statement highlights the urgency of the situation, as the fraud is estimated to potentially cost Minnesota billions of dollars. More than a dozen individuals have already been charged in connection with the case, which disproportionately involves the Somali American community.
The allegations have drawn sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump, who labeled Somali Americans as “garbage.” This inflammatory remark has sparked further debate about the broader implications for the Somali American community, as critics argue that the actions of a few should not tarnish the reputation of an entire group. The scandal has created a palpable sense of fear within the community, as many feel targeted by the scrutiny.
Shirley’s video, which features him visiting alleged fraudulent child care facilities, has gone viral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where it gained over 111 million views by Monday morning. The 23-year-old YouTuber, who boasts over 1.1 million followers, is known for his engaging “person on the street” interviews and in-depth coverage of significant news events. His previous work includes reporting on the New York City mayoral election and immigration protests in Los Angeles.
The support for Shirley’s findings has resonated with conservative figures as well, including Vice President JD Vance, who remarked, “This dude has done far more useful journalism than any of the winners of the 2024 @pulitzercenter prizes.”
In a significant response to the growing fraud allegations, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the Bureau is actively investigating the situation, stating, “Fraud that steals from taxpayers and robs vulnerable children will remain a top FBI priority in Minnesota and nationwide.” Patel detailed that the FBI has already dismantled a $250 million fraud scheme related to federal food aid meant for children during the COVID pandemic, underscoring the seriousness of these investigations.
During an interview on Fox News’ The Big Weekend Show, Shirley expressed his concerns regarding government accountability, stating, “There better be change because, like I said, we work way too hard to be paying taxes. We work way too hard to be not knowing where our money is going.”
As the scandal continues to unfold, the FBI has pledged to maintain its focus on fraud in Minnesota, signaling that further developments are imminent. The public’s reaction to Shirley’s video and the subsequent official statements indicate a growing demand for transparency and reform in the state’s handling of taxpayer funds.
With the situation evolving rapidly, all eyes remain on Minnesota as authorities navigate the complexities of this high-profile fraud case. Expect more updates as investigations progress and additional information emerges.
