US Influencer Nick Sortor Robbed in Minneapolis: FBI Investigates Viral Sidewalk Attack

'Dragged down sidewalk': US influencer 'robbed' by Somali thugs; incident caught on cam

Introduction: A Viral Video Ignites National Controversy

A chilling video has thrust Minneapolis into the national spotlight once again. In it, American conservative content creator Nick Sortor is seen being chased, tackled, and dragged across a sidewalk before his camera—a piece of equipment he says was worth $1,000—is snatched from him. Sortor alleges the attackers were a group of Somali men, and the incident occurred mere hours after he attended a pro-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rally in the city .

The footage, which quickly went viral across social media platforms, has fueled intense political debate, with some calling it a hate-motivated assault and others urging caution until all facts are known. The FBI has now confirmed it is investigating the case, adding federal weight to what began as a local police matter. This Nick Sortor robbery is more than just a street crime—it’s become a flashpoint in America’s ongoing culture wars.

Table of Contents

The Incident: What Happened on the Sidewalk?

According to Sortor’s account, the attack occurred on the evening of January 18, 2026, in a residential neighborhood in Minneapolis. He stated he was walking alone after the rally when a group of individuals approached him. The situation escalated rapidly, culminating in him being physically assaulted and dragged along the concrete. His camera, which was live-streaming at the time, captured the entire ordeal before it was stolen .

Sortor later posted about the incident on his social media channels, expressing defiance: “They can take my camera, but they can’t silence me.” The raw, unedited footage provides a disturbing visual record, though it does not capture audio or the moments leading up to the confrontation, leaving key questions unanswered about the initial interaction.

The Political Context: The Pro-ICE Rally and Jake Lang

Critically, this incident did not occur in a vacuum. It followed a highly charged pro-ICE demonstration organized by Jake Lang, a well-known figure who was present at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Lang’s rallies often attract counter-protesters and have been associated with heightened tensions in the communities where they’re held .

While there is no confirmed link between the rally and the robbery, the timing has led many of Sortor’s supporters to speculate that the attack was politically or ethnically motivated. This narrative has been amplified across right-wing media, framing the event as an example of rising anti-conservative violence. However, law enforcement has not yet classified it as a hate crime, stressing the need for a thorough investigation before drawing conclusions.

Law Enforcement Response: FBI Steps In

Initially handled by the Minneapolis Police Department, the case has now drawn federal attention. “The FBI is aware of the incident and is working with local authorities as part of an ongoing investigation,” a spokesperson confirmed . This involvement suggests investigators are exploring potential civil rights violations or other federal statutes, especially given the inflammatory nature of the allegations.

Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses, conducting witness interviews, and attempting to identify the suspects through the video and other evidence. Until arrests are made, the official stance remains one of neutrality, urging the public not to jump to conclusions.

Public Reaction: Polarization and Misinformation

The Nick Sortor robbery has become a Rorschach test for America’s political divide:

  • On the Right: Many view it as proof of unchecked urban crime and targeted violence against conservatives, using it to bolster arguments for stricter immigration and law enforcement policies.
  • On the Left: Others caution against rushing to judgment, noting that Minneapolis has a complex history with crime and race, and that labeling an entire ethnic community based on the actions of a few is dangerous and unjust.
  • Fact-Checkers: Independent analysts stress that while the video shows a clear robbery and assault, it does not provide context for what triggered the altercation, if any.

This environment makes it difficult to have a sober, fact-based discussion about public safety and community relations.

Minneapolis has faced significant scrutiny over its crime rates and police-community relations, especially since the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The city is home to a large and vibrant Somali-American community, which has often found itself at the center of political debates about integration and security [[INTERNAL_LINK:somali-american-communities-us]].

While property crimes like theft and robbery do occur, attributing them to a specific ethnic group without evidence is both inaccurate and harmful. The FBI’s involvement will be crucial in determining whether this was a random act of opportunistic crime or something more sinister. For reliable data on urban crime trends, the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program is a key resource .

Conclusion: Separating Facts from Fear

The Nick Sortor robbery is a serious crime that deserves a full and fair investigation. While the video is undeniably disturbing, it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Jumping to conclusions based on political bias or ethnic stereotypes helps no one—not the victim, not the accused, and not the community at large. As the FBI works to uncover the truth, the rest of us must commit to patience, empathy, and a demand for evidence over emotion. Justice requires nothing less.

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