Greetings,
Just one week ago our city of Minneapolis was torn apart by the death of a
woman by one of our Minneapolis police officers. Justine Damond's death is a
tragedy and we must do everything in our power to find the truth of what
happened. It is our moral responsibility to demand justice for Justine and her
family and to advocate for police reform.
Since Justine Damond's death there has been an intense focus on Officer Noor,
blaming his action on his race, ethnicity and religion. Former Congresswoman
Michelle Bachman insinuated that Noor might have shot Damond for โculturalโ
reasons. Iโve heard others describe this tragedy as a terrorist act carried out
by a Muslim against a Christian.
These statements are dangerous and purely divisive, and they undermine our
American Values. They seek to divide us, and I can tell you firsthand that they
hurt our East African neighbors and friends.
I do not know all the facts of this case. What I know is that our city has been
once more changed forever. I have not spoken to Officer Noor nor have I spoken
to anyone who has spoken with Officer Noor. But we must find the truth of what
happened. As the laws of our country dictate, when a crime has been committed,
the person responsible must be held accountable at the bar of justice.
At the same time, the East African community has been told the justice system
must be blind and that people will be judged by their actions and no other
factor. Race, religion, sex are not relevant to this inquiry.
There are many things that need to be done in our society to deal with
policing, both in this city and our country. Change must happen. I support
rebuilding an independent civilian oversight board, including changing state
law and city policy so the board has subpoena power for investigations and can
discipline police misconduct. I support a city budget that prioritizes
community violence prevention and reform above adding sworn police personnel. I
support finding innovative solutions to building positive lasting relationships
between people of color and the Police Department.
My hope is that the new police chief Medaria Arrandondo will be an agent of
change. In his confirmation process and hearing, I will ask forceful and direct
questions about what he will do to bring about that change. My support for him
will only come if he is forthright and prepared to deal with the serious
policing challenges our city faces.
The time of accepting the status quo is over. The time is also at hand to
respect our East African and immigrant communities and our entire Minneapolis
community. Now is not a time for racial hatred. Now is the time for
accountability, justice, and change. I promise to you today that I will be
force for accountability and change in this city and I will do everything in my
power to demand justice and better policing moving forward.
Council Member Warsame. Ward 6
Just one week ago our city of Minneapolis was torn apart by the death of a
woman by one of our Minneapolis police officers. Justine Damond's death is a
tragedy and we must do everything in our power to find the truth of what
happened. It is our moral responsibility to demand justice for Justine and her
family and to advocate for police reform.
Since Justine Damond's death there has been an intense focus on Officer Noor,
blaming his action on his race, ethnicity and religion. Former Congresswoman
Michelle Bachman insinuated that Noor might have shot Damond for โculturalโ
reasons. Iโve heard others describe this tragedy as a terrorist act carried out
by a Muslim against a Christian.
These statements are dangerous and purely divisive, and they undermine our
American Values. They seek to divide us, and I can tell you firsthand that they
hurt our East African neighbors and friends.
I do not know all the facts of this case. What I know is that our city has been
once more changed forever. I have not spoken to Officer Noor nor have I spoken
to anyone who has spoken with Officer Noor. But we must find the truth of what
happened. As the laws of our country dictate, when a crime has been committed,
the person responsible must be held accountable at the bar of justice.
At the same time, the East African community has been told the justice system
must be blind and that people will be judged by their actions and no other
factor. Race, religion, sex are not relevant to this inquiry.
There are many things that need to be done in our society to deal with
policing, both in this city and our country. Change must happen. I support
rebuilding an independent civilian oversight board, including changing state
law and city policy so the board has subpoena power for investigations and can
discipline police misconduct. I support a city budget that prioritizes
community violence prevention and reform above adding sworn police personnel. I
support finding innovative solutions to building positive lasting relationships
between people of color and the Police Department.
My hope is that the new police chief Medaria Arrandondo will be an agent of
change. In his confirmation process and hearing, I will ask forceful and direct
questions about what he will do to bring about that change. My support for him
will only come if he is forthright and prepared to deal with the serious
policing challenges our city faces.
The time of accepting the status quo is over. The time is also at hand to
respect our East African and immigrant communities and our entire Minneapolis
community. Now is not a time for racial hatred. Now is the time for
accountability, justice, and change. I promise to you today that I will be
force for accountability and change in this city and I will do everything in my
power to demand justice and better policing moving forward.
Council Member Warsame. Ward 6
