Minneapolis civil rights activist Mel Reeves said the primary goal of the protests is to see the officers involved in the death of Jamar Clark prosecuted based on statements of people who say they saw the shooting.
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State and federal officials haven’t released the footage because they say it doesn’t show the full incident, and could jeopardize their investigation. Dayton said in a statement Saturday he will meet with Black Lives Matter protesters in December and encouraged the protesters to meet with the DOJ.
The shooting sparked protests and calls for the two officers involved to be prosecuted.
Protesters have pledged to maintain their protest over the killing of Jamar Clark, who was shot last week by police, until their demands are met.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ An encampment of protesters outside a Minneapolis police station vowed Saturday to maintain their vigil over the death of a Black man who was shot by police, saying they won’t move until video recordings of the encounter are released and authorities change how they interact with communities they serve.
Clark’s family is asking that there be no rallies on Wednesday, a spokesperson said, adding the family doesn’t want the day to become “political”, according to the Associated Press.
Clark, 24, of Minneapolis, was shot during what police described as a struggle on the street in the 1600 block of Plymouth Avenue N. about 12:45 a.m. Sunday.
Protest organizers say one thing is certain, even if the fires outside the precinct stop burning, the group will not stop pursuing what it calls “Justice for Jamar”.
One neighbour, Nekelia Sharp, said he tried to speak to his partner; that’s when he was handcuffed and shot, she alleged.
Police have said the officers were responding to an assault call and found the 24-year-old Clark interfering with paramedics.
Clark’s funeral will be held Wednesday at Shiloh Temple worldwide Ministries in north Minneapolis, said his cousin, Kenya McKnight.
Minneapolis police Deputy Chief Medaria Arradondo said the department recognizes past grievances between the African-American community and police and is working hard to build trust.
In the wake of Clark’s death, protests have been mostly peaceful outside the Fourth Precinct, but there were a few tense moments between the community and police officers. I know they will continue to do their best to protect neighbors and protesters from violent elements who are out only to do harm.
McKnight said any focus on Clark’s background is misplaced.
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“Certainly if they provide BCA with a copy of the video, they still own it, and I would think that BCA would need a court order to prevent them from publishing it”, Nelson said. “America has a background”, she said, “and a criminal record of violence against black people”. McKnight, speaking for the family, said that’s not something they’re concerned with. The point is: “He was unarmed, on the ground, now he’s dead”, she said.
