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Fraud Claims Stir After Minnesota Daycare Video
Clear Facts
- Nick Shirley and researcher “David” returned to the Quality Learning Center in Minneapolis wearing sweatshirts with “1-800 FRAUD.”
- David stated he filed a criminal complaint against Governor Tim Walz, referencing alleged widespread daycare fraud.
- Officials and the daycare manager denied all fraud claims, countering Shirley’s video1s allegations.
Independent journalist Nick Shirley and his researcher “David” visited the Quality Learning Center in Minneapolis Tuesday, both wearing sweatshirts labeled “1-800 FRAUD.” Their return came after Shirley’s viral video accused Minnesota state-funded childcare centers of fraud.
David told reporters that he had filed a criminal complaint against Governor Tim Walz regarding the alleged daycare fraud activities.
In a post on X, Shirley and David stood outside the facility in matching sweatshirts. Shirley captioned, “WE OUT HERE LEARIN AND STOPPING FRAUD.”
Both sweatshirts also displayed “Quality ‘Learing’ Center,” intentionally misspelling the site’s signage connected to the controversy.
Shirley’s return followed claims by the facility manager that his initial video misrepresented the business by filming outside business hours.
On Monday, state officials and Quality Learning Center manager Ibrahim Ali denied any fraud, disputing claims that the center was inactive and improperly collecting state funds.
A viral video from Shirley showed visits to several state daycare centers, including the Quality Learning Center, which appeared inactive during filming despite receiving state childcare assistance funding.
The video drew widespread attention online. Figures such as Rep. Mike Lawler, Donald Trump Jr., and Elon Musk praised Shirley’s work, while Governor Walz and others rejected the claims.
Governor Tim Walz has faced criticism as the alleged fraud scandal has reportedly cost the state at least $1 billion, mostly linked to the Somali community in Minneapolis.
On Tuesday, David reiterated his action before reporters: “I filed a formal criminal complaint against Tim Walz for violating Minnesota Statute 3.971, Subdivision 9.”
He added, “So there’s an investigation ongoing, and I think Tim’s going to have a bad day, and he deserves it, because he allowed this fraud.”
“Because he wanted the voting block that the Somalis represent, because they all vote in a block, and it’s 100,000 150,000.”
He continued, “Who knows how many, but it’s so bad now that when we go to a facility, they’re already screaming, Nick Shirley, Nick Shirley, Nick Shirley!”
Governor Walz has previously stated, “Minnesota is a prosperous state, a well-run state.”
Stay updated as state officials continue to investigate claims and strong reactions from public figures follow Shirley’s reports.
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