“I’m still suffering. We need justice sooner rather than later”. Police said he was reaching for an officer’s gun when he was shot. State and federal investigation are underway.
Advertisement
Upon arrival, officers heard an individual screaming for help, Elder said. His attorney said Van Dyke feared for his life when he fired at McDonald and that the case should be tried in an actual courtroom, not the court of public opinion. “Your death is not in vain”.
Black Lives Matter demonstrations have recently swept through the country in the wake of the shootings in Chicago and Minneapolis. Vehicles in the procession honked their horns, and protesters shouted “Justice for Jamar”.
Officers from the 4th Precinct planned to go door to door Sunday to talk to neighbors to assure them that there is no threat to the neighborhood, and that the suspect is in custody.
The protesters were initially peaceful as they moved through Westlake, calling for police accountability and chanting “black lives matter, not Black Friday”.
The protesters were escorted by motorcycle officers who blocked traffic while the procession made its way up Fourth Avenue.
The Star Tribune has reported that all the victims of the shooting are black, ages19 through 43. Authorities raided the man’s Bloomington home and seized a dozen weapons.
The auto full of white men would often shoot video of the protests.
Tensions rose further on Monday when five protesters were shot and wounded near the police station. There were no immediate reports of any altercations or arrests in connection with the protest.
Protest organizers said the Thanksgiving meal, which they dubbed “Blacksgiving”, was aimed at showing gratitude for support demonstrators have received from near and far. Protesters took selfies with their signs, as did shoppers and families who brought their kids to sit on Santa’s lap or see the 65-foot Christmas tree lit up. Suddenly, shots rang out.
“I just wish it could be done on a different day”, she said. The protesters have used portable fire pits to keep warm and have barricaded the street.
Steven Belton, interim president of the Minneapolis Urban League, echoed those sentiments, saying protesters had achieved most of what they wanted. Protesters sat in the street for about an hour before returning to Holladay Park. Outside the funeral, as mourners streamed past, Ali said another rally was planned. “We’re patient because we knew you were going to come along, but this isn’t new”.
Advertisement
More than thirty people gathered to stand up for several social justice issues. Led by the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the protesters called for the ouster of the city police superintendent and other leaders.
