“We are the plan,” says #Mpls community activist Cathy Spann. She & several other residents have filed a lawsuit, claiming city is not meeting its legal obligation to fund a minimal level of policing. Lawsuit arguments just wrapped up. Judge did not issue a ruling today. @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/3LcTQ3BqAb
— Paul Blume (@PaulBlume_FOX9) October 19, 2020
Residents of Minneapolis, Minnesota, are suing that city’s government, alleging police patrols have fallen below required minimums. Carjackings, murders, assaults and other violent crime have skyrocketed in the months since the Minneapolis City Council voted to disband their police force.
“We are here because of people’s safety,” said activist Cathy Spann during an impassioned press conference. “We want law and order. We want reform. But we are in this city to say enough is enough.”
“We have made the emotional appeal,” former City Council member Don Samuels said. “We have demonstrated the statistical uptick and now this is the legal action we are exercising because it seems as if the City Council cannot hear us and doesn’t feel what we feel.”
Don Samuels, former #Mpls city council member has also signed onto the lawsuit demanding adequate police staffing levels out on the streets. City wants suit dismissed. Claims, it is meeting minimum obligations spelled out in city charter. @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/reBLLIaA4U
— Paul Blume (@PaulBlume_FOX9) October 19, 2020
Minneapolis’ charter mandates minimum staffing levels for law enforcement. The city claims it is meeting those obligations, but the lawsuit alleges otherwise.
“This is like all they are focused on is having a reimagined police department while we’re focused on staying alive,” said resident Sondra Samuels.