Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender stunned citizens across the country Monday morning; telling CNN she “imagines a future without police” after vowing to dismantle her own city’s law enforcement agency.
“Yeah, and you know a lot of us were asked if can you imagine a future without police back in 2017 when we were running for office,” Bender told CNN’s Camerota. “And I answered ‘yes’ to that question. To me that future is a long way away and it would take an enormous amount of investment in things that we know work to keep people safe.”
Minn. City Council President Lisa Bender (@MplsWard10) on vote to “dismantle” police department: “Yes,” I can imagine a “police-free future.” pic.twitter.com/tLL6bEwzm0
— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) June 8, 2020
“What if in the middle of the night my home is broken into. Who do I call?” asked CNN’s Alisyn Camerota.
“Yes, I hear that loud and clear from a lot of my neighbors. And I know — and myself, too, and I know that that comes from a place of privilege,” said Lisa Bender.
CAMEROTA: "What if in the middle of the night my home is broken into. Who do I call?"
BENDER: "Yes, I hear that loud and clear from a lot of my neighbors. And I know — and myself, too, and I know that that comes from a place of privilege." pic.twitter.com/WhubQ9yJIf
— Eddie Zipperer (@EddieZipperer) June 8, 2020
Watch Bender’s bizarre comments above.
MINNEAPOLIS UPDATE: President Trump Says Military Available to Stop Looting, Restore Peace
President Trump offered to send in the National Guard and US Military Friday to restore calm after three days of rioting rocked Minneapolis, Minnesota following the death of George Floyd while in police custody.
….These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2020
Mayor Jacob Frey says his decision to evacuate the 3rd Precinct. #minneapolisriots #GeorgeFloydprotest pic.twitter.com/jbudUfR28o
— Paul Blume (@PaulBlume_FOX9) May 29, 2020
“I can’t stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis. A total lack of leadership. Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right….. These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!” posted the President on Twitter.
Read the full report at Fox News.
BREAKING NOW: Fired Minneapolis Police Officer Arrested for Death of George Floyd
Former Minneapolis Police Office Derek Chauvin has been arrested and taken into custody for his role in the death of George Floyd.
From CBS News Minnesota:
Fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has been arrested days after George Floyd’s fatal arrest that sparked protests, rioting and outcry across the city and nation.
On Friday, John Harrington, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, announced that Chauvin has been taken into custody in connection with the May 25 death.
Chauvin is the former officer in the video seen around the world with his knee on Floyd’s neck. He’d been with Minneapolis police for 19 years.
It was not immediately clear what the expected charges Chauvin could face are.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Read the full report here.