FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/4/2022
We are deeply saddened and outraged by the shooting death of Amir Locke in Minneapolis. As a Minneapolis-based organization led 100% by gun violence survivors, we expect better from Minneapolis leaders–Jacob Frey in particular, as he is in singular control of the Minneapolis Police Department.
The video we viewed showed MPD entering the apartment on a no-knock warrant. Amir Locke appeared to be sleeping on the couch when police, who did not announce themselves until already inside the apartment unit, roused Amir by kicking the back of the sofa he slept on and firing multiple shots. Those of us who’ve survived combat, community gun violence, domestic violence and more know that a bullet travels faster than the speed of sound. By the time you hear the shot, it’s too late. It is from personal experience that we know no lawful gun owner could react in any other way when faced with yelling and a confusing multitude of commands from multiple police officers, who stood pointing their flashlights and firearms at Locke as he woke.
Mayor Frey urged transparency while releasing a photo of Locke’s firearm before the public had even learned his name. This was a blatant attempt to stoke fear and racism in order to mislead the public. Amir Locke, the victim of this preventable shooting, was a 22-year-old, young Black man, who did not deserve to be murdered in his sleep. If Mayor Frey had merely kept his promise banning no-knock warrants in Minneapolis, Amir Locke would still be alive today. Mr. Locke was not a suspect in the crime for which the warrant was issued, nor was he named in the search warrant.
Survivors Lead stands strongly with all victims and survivors of gun violence. We demand more from our community leaders than days of silence followed by our Mayor storming out of a press conference. We expect a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation of Mr. Locke’s murder. Mayor Frey’s behavior does not represent that of a public safety leader.
Frey was recently entrusted with oversight of the entire Minneapolis Police Department and that trust has been violated. Survivors of violence in the Black community have waited long enough for the serious work of improving public safety to begin. This is work we do not trust Jacob Frey to partner in. We are calling for the immediate resignation of Mayor Jacob Frey due to:
Allowing MPD to execute a no-knock warrant for another police jurisdiction.
Violating Amir Locke’s Second Amendment rights.
Violating Amir Locke’s right to life and liberty.
Complete silence from city leadership following the preventable shooting of Mr. Locke, despite the Mayor stating “we’re committed to transparency and answering uncomfortable questions.”
Releasing a photo of Mr. Locke’s firearm in an attempt to brand him as a “bad guy.”
Storming out of a press conference rather than being present and accountable.
Releasing the victim’s name to campaign supporters before the general public.
Violating the public trust.
We call for Jacob Frey’s immediate resignation with the hope that other individuals, community members, and organizations will join us in doing so.
ABOUT SURVIVORS LEAD:
Survivors Lead is the nation’s first gun reform and direct service organization led 100% by survivors. Survivors Lead provides unique peer support and advocacy for survivors of gun violence. We take a municipality-based approach to curbing gun violence, focused on survivor-led efforts to end gun violence in our cities. We work with families and assist them in advocating for their murdered loved one in unsolved/active cases, provide survivor peer support throughout the trial process and beyond.
For more information, visit www.survivorslead.com.
Contact: Rachael Joseph, Founder, gun violence survivor
E-mail: info@survivorslead.com
Website: www.survivorslead.com