Justice Department Declines Civil Rights Probe in Minneapolis Shooting
WASHINGTON – The Justice Department has stated that there is currently no reason to begin a criminal civil rights investigation into the recent shooting in Minneapolis involving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer.
This decision comes after the shooting of Renee Good. The FBI is still looking into the matter, but the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will not be involved at this time, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that “there is currently no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation.” The department has not provided further details on how it reached this conclusion.
Federal officials have indicated that the ICE officer acted in self-defense. They stated that the driver of the vehicle moved towards the officer in a threatening manner.
The Justice Department’s decision means that the federal government will not pursue a civil rights case in this instance. Some may view this as a sign of support for law enforcement officers who are acting in what they believe is self-defense while carrying out their duties.
Several federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned this week. Some supervisors in the Civil Rights Division in Washington have also given notice of their departure.
