FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2021
TakeAction Minnesota: Mayor Jacob Frey Is Complicit In Minneapolis Police Department “Hunting” Civilians in Wake of Floyd Murder
Minneapolis, MN – Today, the Minnesota Reformer released appalling bodycam footage of the Minneapolis Police Department “hunting” and attacking peaceful protestors and bystanders in the wake of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. This footage comes just weeks after the release of damning court documents revealed the efforts to which the MPD, under the exclusive control of Mayor Jacob Frey, went to conceal their illegal, violent attack on Jaleel Stallings.
As noted by the Minnesota Reformer, the Minneapolis Police Department “mocked some demonstrators and sought out others who were breaking curfew and fired rubber bullets indiscriminately at them. They made racially tinged remarks, mocked the working press and celebrated direct hits with their rubber bullets. As citizens hurled insults at the officers — saying this is exactly the sort of behavior they were protesting — MPD officers continued to fire on people as they fled.”
TakeAction Minnesota released the following statement:
“The disgusting, violent behavior highlighted in this footage shows once again how Mayor Jacob Frey, who has exclusive control over the Minneapolis Police Department, failed to keep his constituents safe. He has, at best, stood idly by – or at worst actively guided – MPD’s increasingly militaristic and racist behavior that results in the murder and beating of this city’s residents, peaceful protesters, and journalists. Under Frey’s failed leadership with support from dark money PACs, MPD is able to hold the power of deadly force and operate with impunity–it’s wrong.
The people of Minneapolis are calling out for change and demanding accountability from Mayor Frey, the only elected official who has exclusive control over MPD. With Election Day approaching, we urge Minneapolis residents to leave Mayor Frey off their ballot, vote NO on the Mayoral control amendment, and vote YES for a new Department of Public Safety that has expanded public oversight and keeps all of us safe.”
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TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide, multiracial grassroots organization advancing justice and equity through organizing, policy, and campaigns. Offices are located in St. Paul, Duluth, and St. Cloud.
