The investigation determined that witness statements alleging Clark was handcuffed at the time of the shooting were found to be contradictory and evidence suggested otherwise.
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Police said Clark was a suspect in a domestic assault case and was shot as he interfered with paramedics and fought with police.
Some onlookers said Clark was handcuffed when he was shot.
Mr. Freeman, the prosecutor, had described varying witness accounts, including differences about whether one or both of Clark’s hands were cuffed.
The federal investigation focused on whether two Minneapolis police officers violated Clark’s civil rights during an altercation that ended when one officer shot and killed Clark. Luger cited insufficient evidence.
Luger reportedly said witness accounts varied so widely as to what happened that it would make it impossible for a jury find either officer guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Bob Kroll tells reporters that Clark had his hands on an officer’s weapon when he was shot.
The shooting set off weeks of protests in Minneapolis, including an 18-day tent encampment outside the police department’s 4th Precinct.
The attorney for officer Schwarze told the Star Tribune he’s confident the officer will be cleared by Wednesday’s announcement, while Ringgenberg’s attorney declined to comment to the paper.
This revelation comes months after Hannepin County Attorney Mike Freeman decided not to bring criminal charges against Schwarze and Ringgenberg.
Minneapolis officers Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze were the subject of the investigation that determined Clark, 24, was not handcuffed when he was shot on November 15, MPR News reported. “It is not enough to show that the officer made a mistake, acted negligently, acted by accident or mistake or even exercised bad judgment”, the Justice Department said in a statement Wednesday.
The DOJ is also reviewing how the city responded to the protests.
An internal police investigation is also ongoing, with results expected after federal officials release their report, WCCO says. The investigation was to determine whether the officers intentionally violated Clark’s civil rights through excessive force.
November 18: The 4th precinct occupation sees skirmishes between protesters and officers. “While our hearts are hurting now, we will continue to build and to fight for justice for Jamar Clark and for our collective liberation”.
Clark’s death spurred state lawmakers to examine longstanding complaints of racial inequities, particularly on the impoverished north side of Minneapolis. Nekima Levy-Pounds said it was unacceptable that government leaders would exclude those who have been working for justice for Clark. Advocates requested more investment in minority-owned businesses and a summer job program for black teens, and lawmakers this spring set aside $35 million.
The news conference is at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Federal Bureau of Investigation office in Brooklyn Center.
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U.S. Department of Justice spokesman Ben Petok says the news conference is for credentialed members of the media only.
