The two officers involved in the fatal shooting of a black man in Minneapolis have both received past recognition for their work as police officers.
The Latest on the fatal shooting of a Thurman Blevins Jr. by Minneapolis police officers (all times local):
5:55 p.m.
The two officers involved in the fatal shooting of a black man in Minneapolis have both received past recognition for their work as police officers.
The Minneapolis Police Department released redacted personnel files of Officers Ryan Kelly and Justin Schmidt on Friday.
The two officers were involved in Saturday’s shooting death of Thurman Blevins Jr. The 31-year-old Blevins was shot after the officers chased him into an alley. Authorities say Blevins had a gun, but some witnesses dispute that.
Files released Friday show Schmidt received numerous awards, including Officer of the Month in February. Schmidt was part of the department’s bicycle rapid response team. Kelly has two lifesaving awards and a medal of commendation, and has had SWAT training.
Schmidt joined the department in 2014 and Kelly in 2013. Data released earlier this week shows both officers also have complaints against them. Most were closed without discipline, but one against Schmidt is still open.
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7:30 a.m.
Family members joined dozens of protesters to march and chant against the fatal police shooting of a black man in Minneapolis.
The Star Tribune says about 80 demonstrators chanted: « Six shots in the back! How you justify that! » at the rally Thursday night to decry the killing of 31-year-old Thurman Blevins Jr.
Police have said Blevins was armed Saturday when he was shot. His family members and several witnesses have said he was carrying a bottle. The mayor has ordered police to release body camera video.
Some of Blevins’ relatives addressed the crowd Thursday. Joseph Blevins said Thurman Blevins, his younger brother, could make anybody smile and that he was grateful he was in his life.
