NAACP Demands Justice In North Minneapolis Police Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minneapolis NAACP is calling for justice following an officer-involved shooting early Sunday morning on the city's north side.

The group says police shot Jamar Clark "execution-style" at the intersection of James and Plymouth avenues.

They said Clark was killed, although officials say he is being treated at Hennepin County Medical Center.

In a press release, the NAACP says several witnesses watched the shooting unfold. According to witness accounts, officers responding to a domestic situation placed Clark in handcuffs and then slammed him on the ground.

"The young man was just laying there; he was not resisting arrest," said Teto Wilson, a north side resident quoted in the NAACP statement. "Two officers were surrounding the victim on the ground, an officer maneuvered his body around to shield Jamar's body, and I heard the shot go off."

Nekima Levy-Pounds, the president of the Minneapolis NAACP, said the group is demanding the officers involved in the shooting be fired and prosecuted. They also want grief counselors for the witnesses and a public apology from city leaders.

Earlier in the afternoon, Chief Janee Harteau of the Minneapolis Police Department announced that the BCA will head an independent investigation into the shooting.

She said two officers are on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting. They have not been named.

Harteau also added that a preliminary investigation showed that Clark, whom officials have yet to identify, was not handcuffed at the time of the shooting.

"We need to know exactly what happened, we need to know the truth," said the police chief, speaking on the independent investigation. "Everyone involved needs that and deserves that."

The NAACP says it'll be part a rally and march for justice. The rally is slated to start at 3 p.m. at the intersection of James and Plymouth avenues.