Locke was living on a couch in the apartment when authorities broke into him on Feb. 2 without knocking as part of a homicide investigation into nearby St. Paul.
Attorney General Keith Ellison and Hennepin County Attorney Michael Freeman, whose offices examined the case, said that after examining all the evidence, they found that Officer Mark Hanneman was justified in firing his weapon.
They said in a press conference that the camera footage of Hahnemann’s body showed Lock pointing his gun at the officer.
Locke’s parents said that from what they saw in the video of another officer’s camera released shortly after the shooting, it appeared that their son was surprised. His mother, Karen Wells, called his death an “execution.” Through their lawyers, they said they were “deeply disappointed” by the decision.
Amir Locke’s parents, Karen Wells, left, and Andre Locke, attend a press conference in Minneapolis on February 4, two days after he was shot by police. (Kerem Yucel / AFP / Getty Images)
Locke, who was not named on the warrant, was shot seconds after pointing a gun. The body camera video shows Locke holding a gun before being shot.
Ellison and Freeman said Locke might never have been shot if the warrant had not been issued. However, they said there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Hanneman had violated any of the legal elements of state law governing when police could use deadly force.
“It would be immoral for us to prosecute in a case where we know we will not be able to prevail because the law does not support the charges,” Ellison said.
Locke’s death came as three former Minneapolis police officers were on trial in St Paul’s federal court for the murder of George Floyd.
It provoked protests and a review of search warrants without strikes. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced an immediate moratorium on such warrants and on Tuesday formalized a new policy that will take effect on Friday, requiring officers to strike and wait before entering a home.
Some lawmakers have also pushed for a nationwide ban on non-strike orders, except in rare cases.
Locke’s family was angry that police initially described him as a suspect, which he later said was wrong.
“Amir was not a suspect. Our investigation found no evidence that he played a role in the homicide investigation that brought police to his door at 6:48 a.m. on Feb. 2,” Ellison said. “Amir was a victim. He should never have been identified as a suspect.”
Students at St. Paul, Minn., Are on strike across the state demanding justice for Amir Locke on February 8. (Ben Brewer / Reuters)
In their requests for search warrants in the Minneapolis district and elsewhere, authorities said a no-hit warrant was needed to protect the public and officers as they searched for weapons, drugs and clothing worn by people suspected of violent murder. Authorities demanded that police be allowed to conduct the search without knocking, and outside 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., because the suspects wanted in the January 10 murder of Otis Elder had a history of violence.
Locke was killed seconds after the SWAT team entered the apartment where his family said he was staying. The body camera video shows a police officer using a key to unlock the door and enter, followed by at least four police officers in uniform and protective vests, at about 6:48 a.m. As they enter, they shout repeatedly: “Police, search warrant!” They also shout “Hands!” and “Go to the ground!”
The video shows an officer kicking a couch and Locke seen wrapped in a duvet holding a pistol. Three shots are fired and the video ends.
Ellison and Freeman said they had a lengthy conversation with Locke’s parents on Wednesday before announcing they would not file charges.
“They, like us, are very frustrated with the strike warrants. They, like us, believe that if a non-strike warrant had not been used, Amir Locke might well have been here today,” Freeman said. give more. details of their reaction.
A statement from the Locke family said, all responsible for the pointless interruption of Amir’s life. “
Priest Al Sharpton, left, and Locke’s mother, Karen Wells, in the center, arrive at the 22-year-old Minneapolis funeral on February 17. (Nicole Neri / The Associated Press)
Ellison did not confirm Locke’s family’s claims that he was allowed to carry a gun. He said it was “irrelevant” to his and Freeman’s analysis and did not influence their decision, as Locke was in a house and legally owned the gun because he was not legally barred from having it.
Although Locke was not named in the warrant, his 17-year-old cousin, Mexi Camden Speed, was named and charged with two counts of second-degree murder in Elder’s murder.
The search warrants were issued as part of an investigation into Elder’s death. Elder, a 38-year-old father, was found shot and lying on the street in what police believe was an obvious robbery. Drugs and money were found in Elder’s SUV, according to court documents.
The police department hired Hanneman in 2015. City records show that three allegations were made against him and that all were closed without discipline, but did not provide details. Data on the Communities United Against Police Brutality website shows a fourth complaint, in 2018, that remains open. No details were given for this.
