Black Lives Matter Protesters Stand Firm As Federal Investigators Arrive
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It's been one week since Black Lives Matter protesters started occupying a Minneapolis police precinct and Sunday night, the protest continues.
The protesters are camping out in front of the fourth precinct in north Minneapolis. They say they will stay there until tapes are released in the shooting of Jamar Clark. Investigators with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension say while answering a call early last Sunday, an officer's gun went off, killing Jamar. Witnesses say Clark was in handcuffs.
As federal investigators join in on this case, protesters are staying put.
Federal attorneys were scheduled to arrive in Minneapolis on Sunday. There no solid answers for protestors, but they say they are making progress.
Seven days and 30 degrees separate this Sunday from last. That's when Black Lives Matter protesters set up camp outside the fourth precinct.
"I've taken breaks but I was one of the first people on the scene when it happened," Jason Sole said.
Sole is one of hundreds who've joined the week-long cause dubbed "Justice for Jamar." The college professor has juggled protests with his classes.
"I think we're getting closer but we're in it for the long haul," he said.
As food and space heater donations come in, the crowds power through the Minnesota air. That's after a week of shutting down Interstate 94 and enduring chemical irritants.
"We got plenty of milk, plenty of strength, plenty of unity," one protester said.
One leader says the group is thriving.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the community I've been standing with, I'm incredibly proud," Kandace Montgomery said.
She says the passion is still burning and as for the camp out, "I'm not sure what's going to happen, I think it depends on how much the mayor and Chief Harteau are actually committed to allowing peaceful protesters to continue to peacefully protest," Montgomery said.
Now that was just after 3 p.m. when we spoke with Kandice. After she spoke with us, she went into a meeting where she says they will discuss what's next.
Montgomery says they are working closely with Jamar's brother as they wait to see tapes and get more information. Meanwhile there is a funeral set for Jamar Clark on Wednesday.
