SAINT PAUL, MINN – After the shooting death of Justine Damond, State Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-Minneapolis) released the following statement:
"I’m deeply heartbroken and disturbed by the death of Justine Damond, in the hands of Minneapolis Police Department Officer Mohamed Noor. The idealist in me continues to be surprised, but I know this incident is another result of excessive force and violence-based training for supposed peace officers. The BCA needs to release information as fast as they can about this incident—our city has questions that need to be answered. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with Justine’s family and friends—with my wounded city.
Changing the body camera policy won’t solve the inherent problem. The current officer training program indoctrinates individuals of all races into a system that teaches them to act first, think later, and justify with fear. It’s time we explore solutions beyond improved training and cameras to capture evidence. We need to look at a complete shift in the culture of the police department, away from the use of lethal force and deadly weapons."