(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 6/16/23) – The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) welcomed the findings of a two-year U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) investigation into the practices of the Minneapolis Police Department – a probe prompted by the killing of George Floyd in 2020 – showing a pattern of officers violating constitutional rights and discriminating against Black and Native American community members.
SEE: After George Floyd’s killing, DOJ probe finds Minneapolis police show pattern of violating rights
That report found in part:
“For years, MPD used dangerous techniques and weapons against people who committed at most a petty offense and sometimes no offense at all. MPD used force to punish people who made officers angry or criticized the police. MPD patrolled neighborhoods differently based on their racial composition and discriminated based on race when searching, handcuffing, or using force against people during stops. The City sent MPD officers to behavioral health-related 911 calls, even when a law enforcement response was not appropriate or necessary, sometimes with tragic results. These actions put MPD officers and the Minneapolis community at risk.”
In a statement, CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said:
“We welcome the findings presented in this report, which shed light on a disturbing pattern of discriminatory and unlawful policing practices in Minneapolis that contributed to the tragic murder of George Floyd. This report serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for systemic reform within law enforcement agencies to ensure justice, equality, and the protection of every individual’s rights.
“By exposing the deeply-rooted issues in policing, this investigation provides an opportunity for meaningful reflection and a catalyst for comprehensive changes that prioritize accountability, community engagement and the eradication of racial bias in policing. It is imperative that we collectively address these injustices and work toward creating a more just and equitable society for all.”
Earlier this year, CAIR-MN joined other civil rights organizations to respond to the Consent Decree agreed to by the city of Minneapolis and Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Police Reforms after the murder of George Floyd.
CAIR-MN’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR-MN es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-MN Executive Director Jaylani Hussein, 612-406-0070, jhussein@cair.com