National NAACP head joins Minneapolis protest over police shooting
MINNEAPOLIS -- The head of the national NAACP is joining a rally in Minneapolis Friday night to call attention to the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man by a police officer on Sunday night which has sparked week-long protests.
On Monday night, protesters managed to close an Interstate and shouted, "We're shutting it down!"
"What's happening with the police department is one aspect of what causes this to be a tale of two cities. The worst of times if you're black and the best of times if you're white," said Nekima Levy-Pounds who is president of the Minneapolis NAACP.
The demonstrations were prompted by the police shooting of an unarmed black man -- 24-year-old Jamar Clark -- on Sunday night.
The turmoil spilled over into the city council chambers this morning as activists demanded to be heard.
"I am surprised that we continue to have such anger and frustration and not as much movement forward," said Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau.
The police union says Clark resisted when confronted during a domestic disturbance call and tried to take an officer's gun. Others who say they were there said Clark was on the ground with his hands cuffed.
The officers involved have been put on administrative leave while surveillance video at the scene is being reviewed. Protesters are claiming a cover-up, and are demanding the video's release.
Harteau said that she is concerned that misinformation will spread during the event.
The Minneapolis police have turned the investigation over to the state police, and the FBI is also looking into it now. Chief Harteau said she had no idea how long the inquiry will take, but hopes it is quick and accurate.
