Protests for killed Mpls. man continue
People protesting the fatal shooting of Terrance Franklin continued to demand prosecutions of Minneapolis police Saturday despite news of a pending grand jury investigation.
The protest in downtown Minneapolis drew about 100 people and was the latest in a series of demonstrations about Franklin's killing in May.
The 22-year-old was shot in Minneapolis after fleeing police, breaking in to a home, and being confronted by officers and a police dog in the basement. Police say Franklin tried to grab an officer's gun; Franklin's family disputes that account. Two officers were shot and recovered.
Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau said the Hennepin County Attorney's Office has told her the case will go before a grand jury next month.
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Protest organizer Thandi Sizwe Jackson-Nisan says she's cautiously optimistic about the role of the courts.
"We're hopeful but we're doubtful at the same time because we've been played before," Jackson-Nisan said. "I think that in certain circumstances they have done us justice, they have done right by us, but in certain circumstances like Trayvon Martin they have not done right by us."
MAD DADS president V.J. Smith sits on a new committee appointed by Harteau to recommend changes aimed at increasing accountability on the force. Smith said the protesters' concerns will be considered by that group as it searches for solutions.
"Everybody's not going to be happy, but [we'll] do the best we can to get law enforcement officers out there that give our citizens a decent opportunity to be held before the courts before we take jury in the streets," Smith said.
Harteau said she won't comment in the case until the grand jury makes its ruling.