Free Republic

MINNEAPOLIS — Over three months ago, a majority of the Minneapolis City Council pledged to defund the city’s police department, making a powerful statement that reverberated across the country. It shook up Capitol Hill and the presidential race, shocked residents, delighted activists and changed the trajectory of efforts to overhaul the police during a crucial window of tumult and political opportunity. Now some council members would like a do-over. Councilor Andrew Johnson, one of the nine members who supported the pledge in June, said in an interview that he meant the words “in spirit,” not by the letter. Another councilor,...

The Minneapolis City Council president said the city is aiming to have a "police-free future" as it shifts to dismantle its police department following the death of George Floyd. Council President Lisa Bender noted on Monday that the change will take time but said that the city is aspiring to change the department completely with the goal of eventually eliminating police altogether. "I think the idea of having a police-free future is very aspirational, and I am willing to stand with community members who are asking us to think of that as the goal because so many folks in our...

Minneapolis City Council President Lisa Bender said Americans ought to check their privilege when they voice concerns over the inevitable anarchy that comes from the removal of community law enforcement. “Do you understand that the word dismantle our police free also makes some people nervous? For instance, what if in the middle of the night my home is broken into? Who do I call?” CNN’s Alisyn Camerota asked Bender on CNN Monday. “Yes, I mean I hear that loud and clear from a lot of my neighbors – and myself, too, and I know that that comes from a place...

On Sunday afternoon, a veto-proof majority of Minneapolis City Council members will announce their commitment to disbanding the city’s embattled police department, which has endured relentless criticism in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, on May 25. “We’re here because we hear you. We are here today because George Floyd was killed by the Minneapolis Police. We are here because here in Minneapolis and in cities across the United States it is clear that our existing system of policing and public safety is not keeping our communities safe,” Minneapolis City Council President Lisa...

President Donald Trump is planning to host a rally in Minneapolis next week, but local officials are already opposed to the decision. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said Trump was not welcome. “Our entire city will stand not behind the president, but behind the communities and people who continue to make our city — and this country — great,” Frey said in a statement. The rally is scheduled for October 10 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Despite his opposition, Frey admitted he could not block Trump from hosting the rally for his local supporters. “While there is no legal mechanism...