Jamar Clark: Anger and outcry after prosecutors fail to charge white officers over shooting death of young black man
The 24-year-old was shot and fatally injured in Minneapolis last year
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Your support makes all the difference.Activists have reacted with anger and dismay after a Minneapolis prosecutor announced he would not bring criminal charges against two white police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a young black man last year.
In a press conference on Wednesday morning, County Attorney Mike Freeman detailed the events of 15 November 2015 that led to the death of 24-year-old Jamar Clark, who was shot in the head during a scuffle with officers Mark Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze.
Mr Freeman presented evidence that he said indicated the two officers were “objectively reasonable” in their actions against Mr Clark. Although, many witnesses believed they saw Mr Clark in handcuffs when he was shot by one officer, the prosecutor said forensic evidence found at the scene confirmed the officers’ accounts that they believed they were threatened.
Activists were immediately critical of Mr Freeman’s account at the press conference. During a question-and-answer session with attendees, NAACP-Minneapolis spokesperson and city council candidate Naeisha Williams accused Mr Freeman of not giving a fair account of the incident.
“All you did was push the information from the officers, who were the ones who victimised and ultimately murdered Jamar,” she said.
“You, Mr Freeman, did not give a fair and accurate depiction of what took place during the investigation. Let me tell you, if this city burns, it’s on your hands.”
Ms Williams did not immediately respond to request for comment.
Congressman Keith Ellison responded to the decision not to charge the officers in a statement issued later on Wednesday.
“This decision to decline charges does not absolve our broken criminal justice system,” he said.
“It does not foreclose federal action or civil action for violation of Jamar Clark’s civil rights. It does not change the persistent, systemic disparities facing the residents of North Minneapolis, some of which are the worst in the nation.
“It’s going to take all of us - elected officials, activists, residents - to make the changes our community desperately needs.”
The Star Tribune reported that protesters assembled at the site of Mr Clark’s death. Minneapolis Black Lives Matter organisers have planned a formal demonstration for later.
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