The Minneapolis City Council voted over the weekend to increase funding for local law enforcement agencies by $6.4 million just months after promising to “dismantle the department” in the aftermath of the George Floyd protests.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott weighed-in on the council’s decision on social media following the vote; saying “Looks like defunding police didn’t go well in Minneapolis.”
“Minneapolis on Friday backtracked on its original push to defund the city’s police department in the wake of George Floyd’s police custody death after residents begged the city to hire more officers, citing longer response times and increased violent crime,” reports Fox News.
Who could have seen that coming? 🤷🏻♂️ https://t.co/TEv7Fx6nU0
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 15, 2021
Looks like defunding police didn't go well in Minneapolis.
Now they're spending $6.4M to recruit more police officers.
It won't go well in Texas either.
That's why I want legislation preventing cities from defunding police.#BackTheBlue #txlegehttps://t.co/NkOru45fvO
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 14, 2021
“Days before the City Council vote, Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Medaria Arradondo promised to update the application process for police recruits to include questions about whether they have lived in Minneapolis, have degrees in criminology, social work, psychology or counseling, and whether they volunteer or participate in programs such as the Police Activities League,” adds Fox.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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.
BREAKING NOW: Minneapolis Officer’s Murder Charge UPGRADED, 3 Others Charged in Killing of George Floyd
Fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s charge will be upgraded to 2nd Degree Murder Wednesday, according to Fox News and other sources, adding the other 3 officers who were present during George Floyd’s death will also be charged.
“Chauvin will now be charged with second-degree murder, The Star Tribune first reported. The other three officers involved — Thomas Lane, J.A. Kueng and Tou Thao – will be charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder,” reports Fox News.
BREAKING: Attorney General Keith Ellison to elevate charges against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin to second-degree murder; three other officers to be charged with aiding and abetting murder, sources say. https://t.co/NTBkdBH4Oo
— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) June 3, 2020
“We expect all of the police officers to be arrested before we have the memorial here in Minneapolis tomorrow. Because we cannot have two justice systems in America – one for black America, one for white America. We must have equal justice for the United States of America,” said the attorney for the Floyd family.
Read the full report at Fox News.