Police arrest man with knives in pockets outside Lakeville mosque after disturbance
Staff at the place of worship asked officers to have the man leave the property because of his conduct, according to officials.
By Ray Campos, Nick LentzSunday May 24, 2026
Huzaifa Ahmed, Imam of Lakeville Masjid, speaks after Friday’s disturbance. ISAIAH MN
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Police say a man is in custody after a disturbance Friday outside a mosque in Lakeville, Minnesota, where officers found two knives in his pockets during the arrest.
Authorities were called to Lakeville Masjid at 8670 210th St. W. shortly before noon after a person at the scene reported that the man, whose age has not been released, was behaving erratically and asking unusual questions, police said.
Staff at the place of worship asked officers to have the man leave the property because of his conduct, according to officials.
During questioning, police said, the man claimed to be a military officer and later a federal agent investigating child trafficking-related crimes. Officials said he offered no documentation or other evidence to back up those assertions.
When officers took him into custody, they found a pocketknife, a box knife and “suspected illicit narcotics” in his pockets, police said. He was booked into the Dakota County Jail while authorities considered charges.
“There were never any reports that the sharp instruments were displayed during the incident, and we do not have any information that the male was ever inside the building,” said the Lakeville Police Department in a news release. “The male, known to police from prior mental health-related contacts, lives in the area.”
The city agency added that it “has not received any information to suggest” the man targeted the mosque for religious purposes.
After the incident, faith leaders and local groups gathered outside the mosque to call for unity and calm.
“They seemed to have some sort of other motive in mind,” said Sandi Putlack, Indivisible LEFT member and local resident. “It got to be a little uncomfortable, and as a result of that, it was decided that perhaps we should get law enforcement involved.”
Members of Indivisible LEFT, a grassroots organization in Lakeville, Elko and Farmington, were on hand to support mosque members.
Putlack and others in the group had been monitoring areas of interest during Operation Metro Surge, then gradually stepped back from watching sites such as the mosque. But after three people were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, they resumed their presence there.
“While we are grateful that this situation ended without injuries, [it] doesn’t mean there is no impact on our community,” said Huzaifa Ahmed, imam of the Lakeville mosque.
The episode stirred concern among community members and faith leaders.
“Every American should have the right to practice their faith without fear. Whether it’s a mosque, a church, synagogue or temple,” said Ahmed.
“It is an unfortunate thing that Muslim Minnesotans are not blessed with the same level of respect and dignity that the man who decided to come here armed has,” said Minister JaNae Batesimari, co-executive director of ISAIAH.
Leaders said the moment underscored the need for the community to stand together and answer hate with solidarity.
“We will not allow hate to divide our community. We will continue to stand together to defend one’s rights to worship, gather and live safely. Our response to hate is solidarity,” said Jawad Islam, organizer for ISAIAH.
