SAINT PAUL, MINN - An investigation is underway into the police-involved shooting death of North Minneapolis resident Thurman Blevins late Saturday afternoon, Rep. Fue Lee, Rep. Raymond Dehn and Sen. Bobby Joe Champion released this statement:
“Yesterday there was another officer-involved shooting nearby resulting in the death of Thurman Blevins,” said Rep. Lee. “It doesn't matter if the bullets are fired with intent to harm, by accident, or by a sworn officer in the line of duty – we need to address the trauma gun violence brings to our community. Please join me in urging patience from all, having kindness and understanding for each other and demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into another tragic loss of life.”
“I am troubled and saddened that yesterday another young black man was shot and killed by Minneapolis Police,” said Rep. Dehn. “While we don’t have all the information of what transpired, as the investigation is ongoing, we do know our community has seen far too much pain and loss due to guns. It is obvious to many that what we are doing is not working, yet we must have the courage to challenge the systems that keep rendering these same results.”
“We are faced with another unfortunate police-involved shooting in north Minneapolis,” said Sen. Champion. “It's my hope that we will search for and be serious about finding policies that will kept us safe and end the taking of lives. I call upon the BCA to investigate the matter and for MPD to review and modify existing policies that will protect all of us.”
Rep. Lee, Rep. Dehn and Sen. Champion say the incident was another tragic loss of life in the community. They agree for the need to wait for the BCA to conduct their investigation and to work with the Mayor, council members and chief of police to address the use of force to prevent a repeat of these incidents.
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