Minneapolis Mayor Frey after Noor verdict: 'Our city must come together'
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey released a statement Tuesday following the verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor. Noor was found guilty of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the 2017 shooting death of Justine Ruszczyk Damond.
On July 15, 2017, Noor shot and killed Damond in the alley behind her home on the 5000 block of Washburn Avenue South in Minneapolis after she called 911 twice to report a possible sexual assault.
“While today’s verdict may bring closure to some, it will also serve as a reminder of how far we must go to foster trust where it’s been broken. We must acknowledge that historical and ongoing racialized trauma continues to impact our society," Frey said in part.
Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo also released a statement Tuesday, apologizing to Damond's friends and family, saying in part, "Moving forward, I remain committed to all communities the MPD has taken an oath to serve by continuing to build trust by focusing on our procedural justice efforts."
Full statement from Mayor Frey
“Justine Damond was a healer who lived her values. She was a daughter, a fiancé, a step mom, and a neighbor. Across the board, her presence quite simply made people happy.
“I know these things about Justine because Don Damond, members of her family, and those who knew her best have shared their memories and stories.
“I’ve also come to appreciate that there are moments in every city’s history that leave its residents searching for answers – as to why, as to how things could have been different.
“What matters most for Minneapolis is how we respond in the days and weeks ahead. Our city must come together – not for any single person, entity, or organization – not for any reason beyond our love for each other and the values that hold us together.
“Let me be clear, we will stand with our Somali community. We will stand together for the city we love.
“And we will also stand behind Chief Arradondo and our Minneapolis police officers who are committed to improving community-police relations.
“While today’s verdict may bring closure to some, it will also serve as a reminder of how far we must go to foster trust where it’s been broken. We must acknowledge that historical and ongoing racialized trauma continues to impact our society.
“Wherever a person’s beliefs may part ways with today’s decision, we should find comfort in knowing that not one person in Minneapolis hoped for what transpired that July night.
“Every Minneapolis resident is united in the shared belief that such a tragedy should never happen. That shared belief should guide us all forward.”
Full statement from the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis
"From the very onset this was an extremely unfortunate situation for all involved. The tragic loss of life; an officer convicted of murder charges while on duty. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Justine Ruszczyk Damond. Our thoughts are with former Officer Noor. The Federation respects the legal process and the findings of the jury."