Minnesota governor defends state BCA investigators
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is defending the work of the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension following comments made by Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman.
In a recorded conversation at a holiday party, Freeman told activists he doesn't have enough evidence to decide whether he'll file charges in the fatal police shooting of Justine Ruszczyk. He said investigators didn't do their jobs.
The BCA investigated the case.
In a statement, Dayton said he has confidence in the agency.
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"The BCA is asked to investigate some of the toughest, most complex cases involving officer-involved shootings. I have the utmost confidence in their professionalism, integrity, and thoroughness. Impugning the quality of their investigations is destructive, and detrimental in our efforts to seek and obtain justice."
Last July, Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor shot Ruszczyk behind her Minneapolis home after she called 911 to report a possible assault.
Freeman had promised he would announce whether he's planning to charge Noor in the shooting by the end of the year.
Noor remains on paid administrative leave.