Cooler but still well above normal this week

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Black Lives Matter St. Paul leaders have canceled their 

 in St. Paul on Saturday, saying their demands have been met.

, the group's leader Rashad Turner said several of the group's demands were addressed during meetings with city officials, including Mayor Chris Coleman.

Mayor Coleman, BLM's Rashad Turner on Crashed Ice protest

The demands included the firing of Jeff Rothecker, the St. Paul Police officer who said drivers should run over people taking part in a Martin Luther King Junior Day march. Rothecker 

 that the protest will not happen and that the city is working to address the concerns raised by Black Lives Matter.


"We are currently conducting a review of the Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Committee. Chief (Tom) Smith recently announced that investigations of officer involved shootings will be handled by outside agencies," the mayor said, adding the city's racial equity work "is becoming a national model and includes equity plans in each and every department in the city."

Coleman said he's working with state Rep. John Lesch, DFL-St. Paul, on a legislative package that he says would help strengthen community-police relations.


He said that would include allowing cities and police departments to be able to inform the public when officers have been disciplined or are appealing discipline. It would also review the use of grand juries, particularly in cases where deadly force is used by a police officer.


The package would also address training for police officers in dealing with those suffering from mental illness, Coleman added.

Crime, Law and Justice

Minnesota News

Twin Cities News

NewsPartners

Peter Cox

Author

Following hours of discussion, Black Lives Matter St. Paul leaders Friday said they found common ground with city officials on several issues, including the firing of a St. Paul police officer over a Facebook post.

Black Lives Matter: Crashed Ice protest canceled; demands addressed

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox