WASHINGTON, D.C — Today, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) issued the following statement on the Department of Justice’s decision to withdraw the federal consent decree with the Minneapolis Police Department:
“I am deeply disturbed by the Trump administration’s decision to abandon the federal consent decree with the Minneapolis Police Department. This decree was based on the Justice Department’s own investigation, which found a pattern of unconstitutional and discriminatory policing practices that have hurt our community, especially Black and Native American people and people with mental illness, for decades.
“It’s especially painful that this decision comes on the eve of the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder—the very tragedy that sparked this investigation and the urgent push for reform. I led the call for that federal civil rights investigation because Minnesotans deserve accountability and reform. Walking away from this agreement, after confirming the need for it, is unconscionable.
“Thankfully, the City of Minneapolis and Minnesota state leaders continue to stand on the side of justice. I’m grateful that the state-negotiated consent decree remains in place to continue working toward meaningful reform. The Minneapolis Police Department has taken steps in the right direction and is committed to continuing that work even as the federal government walks away.
“Every Minnesotan deserves to be safe in their homes and neighborhoods, and that safety must include freedom from unconstitutional and discriminatory policing. This work isn’t finished yet, and we will keep holding ourselves accountable.”
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