Minnesota prosecutors finally receive federal evidence in protest shooting deaths
After months of delays, federal prosecutors handed over key evidence to Minnesota state investigators probing the fatal shootings of two people during immigration enforcement protests in Minneapolis.
Minnesota prosecutors finally receive federal evidence in protest shooting deaths
State-level investigators in Minnesota have secured evidence that federal authorities had previously refused to share, concerning two fatal shootings that occurred during demonstrations against immigration enforcement operations earlier this year.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty disclosed on Monday that federal prosecutors in Minnesota delivered hard drives containing recorded statements, footage from officers' body-worn cameras, and additional materials tied to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The federal government also released Good's severely damaged vehicle.
Good, aged 37 and a mother of three children, was shot and killed on January 7 while driving away from a demonstration opposing immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis. Pretti, also 37 and working as an intensive care nurse, died from gunfire by federal officers on January 24 during another protest in the same city.
The shootings took place amid "Operation Metro Surge," characterized as the most extensive immigration enforcement effort ever carried out in the region. That operation ended in February.
Court filings referenced by AP News indicate the breakthrough followed a quid pro quo arrangement. State prosecutors had consented to provide materials regarding ICE agent Christian Castro—who is charged with assault over a nonlethal shooting on January 14—provided that federal agencies reciprocated with evidence from the deadly incidents.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison voiced frustration that obtaining the materials required over half a year, stating such delays should never occur. Moriarty noted she is not ready to withdraw the lawsuit seeking access to evidence across all three shooting cases, though she remains willing to settle the dispute.
Since the immigration enforcement initiative launched last year, at least nine individuals have lost their lives nationwide. No one has been criminally charged in any of these deaths, and federal officials have argued that state authorities do not possess legal authority to investigate federal officers.
Source: AP News
Source: Google News MT