‘Prosecute Minneapolis cops who killed Jamar Clark’

Militant/Jacquie Henderson

MINNEAPOLIS — More than 300 people marched here Dec. 19 demanding the prosecution of Minneapolis cops Mike Ringgenberg and Dustin Schwarze, who killed 24-year-old Jamar Clark Nov. 15. The march, which was organized by the Twin Cities Coalition 4 Justice 4 Jamar Clark, also demanded release of videos the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has of the killing.

Clark was shot in the head in front of several neighbors who spoke out in protest. They said Clark was handcuffed when he was shot, which police officials dispute.

The spirited march began outside the 4th Precinct police station in North Minneapolis, down the street from where Clark was killed, and marched to the Government Center downtown. Rallies were held at a number of stops along the way. The majority of participants were young, including college and high school students.

Dave Scherer, a musician who joined the march along with a group of more than 50 people from the Redeemer Lutheran Church, explained how he and others made signs and organized their contingent along with one of Clark’s relatives who is part of their congregation.

“I don’t think they know how serious we are and how dedicated we have become,” Alexander Clark, a cousin of Jamar Clark, told the press.

Mel Reeves, one of the organizers, encouraged participants to keep on protesting until their demands are met.

— JACQUIE HENDERSON