Minneapolis police fatally shot a man during a traffic stop Wednesday evening, the latest police killing in the city since George Floyd’s death shook the nation in May.
Police Chief Medaria Arradondo told a news conference that the man, who has not yet been identified and was described as a suspect in the crime, was fired first and intends to release images of the shooting camera.
“Initial witness statements indicate that the subject involved in this crime first fired at Minneapolis police officers who then exchanged shots with the suspect,” Arradondo said.
“MPD officers were not unharmed and an adult woman who was a passenger in the vehicle in question was also unharmed,” he added.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene.
No further details were provided about the incident, including the career of those involved. Arradondo said more information will be released later this week, including the identities of the officers, but that in the meantime images of the shooting will be made public on Thursday to provide transparency about the shooting.
“I want the community to be able to see what has happened and I think that’s part of us to move forward and want to make sure we get the facts out,” he said.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating and gathering “critical evidence” at the scene, the chief said.
Protesters were later seen gathering near the site of the shooting, throwing snowballs and singing at area police officers.
The crowd pushes #Minneapolis police cruiser with snowballs after the murder of a motorcyclist near 36th and Cedar.
(@JohnScollins) pic.twitter.com/dRTFnMmxCf
– This is what’s in vogue now (@TrendingThisIs) December 31, 2020
Demonstrations followed those earlier this year after Floyd’s death when an officer stabbed him in the neck for nearly nine minutes. Four officers involved in the murder were later fired and charged.
“As a leader, I recognize the trauma our city has suffered and we want to do everything we can to keep the peace,” Arradondo said. “Our city has suffered too much. We need to keep our officers safe, we need to keep our community safe and I tell you we need to preserve this crime scene.”
Mayor Jacob Frey
Jacob Frey, Minneapolis, vows to increase police misconduct investigations Minneapolis City Council approves police budget cuts, Minnesota governor signs ban on staffing as part of new reform law policeman MORE (D) in a statement posted on Facebook acknowledged the killings in the city last year and promised “total transparency.”
“We know that a life has been cut tonight and that trust between communities of color and law enforcement is fragile. Rebuilding that trust will depend on total transparency. I work closely with Chief Arradondo to gather all the facts around what happened tonight and I will convey this information, in coordination with state partners, to the community as quickly as possible, ”he said.
“We must all be committed to achieving the facts, to pursuing justice and to maintaining peace.”