Journalist Who Uncovered Somali Daycare Fraud Receives Severe Death Threats

Yellow warning signs with the word THREATS.

A single viral YouTube video has ignited a national firestorm, triggering death threats from both sides, federal funding freezes, and break-ins at childcare centers across Minnesota.

Story Snapshot

YouTuber Nick Shirley filmed 10 Somali-owned daycares, claiming they defrauded $111 million in federal funds
His viral video sparked hundreds of death threats against daycare owners and a break-in with stolen documents
Federal government froze all Minnesota childcare funding without filing fraud charges
Shirley now reports receiving death threats and warnings of being “Kirked” (implying severe harm)
Media investigations found children present at facilities Shirley claimed were empty

The Video That Launched a National Crisis

Nick Shirley, a right-wing YouTube influencer backed by Minnesota GOP officials, spent late December filming the exteriors of 10 Somali-owned daycare centers in Minneapolis. His 43-minute video accused these facilities of operating as empty buildings while billing the state for non-existent children, claiming approximately $111 million in fraudulent charges. The video went viral within days, reaching millions of viewers and triggering immediate consequences across multiple states.

The timing proved crucial. Shirley filmed during winter break when enrollment naturally drops, and many facilities restrict access due to safety protocols and recent ICE raids that had terrified the Somali community. When daycare owners refused entry to Shirley’s masked crew, they had no idea they were speaking to a content creator rather than federal agents.

Death Threats Flow in Both Directions

Within 48 hours of the video’s release, attorney Jason Steck reported receiving hundreds of death threats directed at his Somali daycare clients. Phones rang nonstop with callers demanding the closure of facilities and making explicit threats against staff and children. The harassment escalated beyond words when burglars broke into Nokomis Day Care Center before 6 AM on January 1st, stealing documents and causing property damage.

The violence wasn’t one-sided. Shirley now reports receiving death threats himself, with warnings that he’ll be “Kirked” – a term implying severe physical harm. The escalating threats have created a climate of fear affecting both the accusers and the accused, turning what began as fraud allegations into a dangerous game of mutual intimidation.

Federal Response Defies Standard Procedure

The federal Department of Health and Human Services took the extraordinary step of freezing all Minnesota childcare funding on December 30th, despite filing no criminal charges against any of the accused facilities. This represents a dramatic departure from normal investigative procedure, where funding typically continues during preliminary investigations. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison called the freeze a “hasty, scorched earth attack” that punishes innocent families.

The funding freeze affects far more than the 10 accused daycares. Thousands of Minnesota families depend on federal childcare assistance, and the blanket suspension has created chaos for working parents across the state. Ellison announced plans to pursue legal options to restore funding while proper investigations continue through established channels.

Media Investigation Contradicts Viral Claims

Star Tribune and NPR reporters visited the accused facilities and found children present at multiple locations Shirley had claimed were empty. Daycare owners invited media inside to document legitimate operations, revealing that Shirley’s exterior-only filming during low-attendance periods had created a misleading impression. The owners maintain they provide quality childcare to low-income families who qualify for federal assistance.

The discrepancy highlights the danger of social media vigilantism in complex fraud investigations. While Minnesota has genuine issues with Medicaid fraud totaling billions of dollars, these specific daycares have faced no criminal charges despite previous 2022 state raids. The current controversy appears driven more by political opportunism and anti-immigrant sentiment than concrete evidence of wrongdoing.