Questions about the latest police-shooting in Minneapolis that left a man dead could soon get some answers.
Minneapolis police chief Medaria Arraondo says body camera footage from Wednesday night's shooting will be released Thursday.
"Initial witness statements indicate that the subject in this felon stop fired first at Minneapolis police officers, who then exchanged gunfire with the suspect," said Arradondo.
Crowds gathered Wednesday night after Minneapolis police shot and killed a man during a traffic stop. According to Minneapolis police spokesperson John Elder, the man was a felony suspect and was shot at the Holiday Gas Station at E. 36th Street and Cedar Avenue.
Arradondo urged the crowd gathering near the scene to remain peaceful and to allow investigators the ability to do their jobs thoroughly.
"We want to do everything we can to protect everyone's First Amendment rights, to freely assemble and demonstrate. However, we cannot allow for destructive, criminal behavior," Arradondo said. "I have to be held accountable as chief. Allow us the time. Let us get the evidence, let's get the facts, and let's get the evidence out there so they can process this."
At times, the crowd of nearly 100 people gathered near the scene hurled expletives and snowballs at police. Reports indicate that the crowd remained peaceful as the night progressed as they played music and built a bonfire to stay warm in the frigid temperatures.
Wednesday marked the first police-killing since George Floyd's death on May 25 at 38th and Chicago, which sparked days of protests and riots.
Four, now fired, Minneapolis police officers are awaiting trial in Floyd's death.
Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey released the following statement last night;
“Events of this past year have marked some of the darkest days in our city. We know a life has been cut short and that trust between communities of color and law enforcement is fragile. Rebuilding that trust will depend on complete transparency. I am working closely with Chief Arradondo to gather all the facts surrounding what happened tonight and will be relaying that information, in coordination with State partners, to community as quickly as possible. We must all be committed to getting the facts, pursuing justice, and keeping the peace.”
The Minnesota BCA is handling the investigation. This story is developing.
