Media Contact–
Michelle Gross 612-703-1612
Jaylani Hussein 612-406-0070
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 22, 2020
MINNEAPOLIS FOUNDATION NOT CREDIBLE ON POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY.
A coalition of police accountability and civil rights organizations will be holding a press conference to denounce plans by Mayor Jacob Frey to turn over police accountability efforts to the Minneapolis Foundation and an unnamed group of advisors.
The Minneapolis Foundation is headed by former Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak. During his tenure as mayor, 38 people lost their lives at the hands of Minneapolis police officers including Chris Burns, Fong Lee, Terrance Franklin and Raymond Ziegler. He failed to take action to address these killings or the many complaints of police brutality, despite demands from the community. His administration shut down the Civilian Review Authority, first by defunding it then by replacing it with the utterly ineffective Office of Police Conduct Review. He oversaw the MPD’s involvement in the corrupt Metro Gang Strike Force. He condoned rank brutality against peaceful protesters and concertgoers in downtown Minneapolis during the Republican National Convention.
“As mayor, R.T. Rybak brought great harm to our community by failing to rein in police, why would anyone think he and his organization have any expertise or credibility on police accountability issues?” – Nekima Levy Armstrong with Racial Justice Network.
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: Monday, June 22 at 11:00 am
WHERE: Hallway outside of Mayor Frey’s office
Minneapolis City Hall, 350 S 5th Street, Room 331
“This is yet another hollow act by city leaders who have failed to adopt even the most basic police accountability measures. We can no longer play politics with people’s lives and safety. We must adopt robust real accountability measures now, including community control of the police.” – Jess Sundin with Twin Cities Coalition for Justice 4 Jamar.
This press conference is planned by a broad coalition of organizations including Council on American Islamic Relations Minnesota, Communities United Against Police Brutality, Minnesota Disability Justice Network, Black Lives Matter Minnesota, Black Lives Matter Twin Cities Metro, Racial Justice Network, Cop Watch Minneapolis, and others.
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