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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A progressive Minnesota prosecutor who was elected on a platform of police accountability has reluctantly dropped charges against a state trooper who fatally shot a Black man after a traffic stop.
After months of heavy criticism, even from the state’s Democratic governor, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty on Monday stood by her initial decision to charge Trooper Ryan Londregan in last summer’s killing of Ricky Cobb II. She says that new evidence makes the case would difficult to prove.
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In a recent turn of events in Minnesota, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, elected on a platform of police accountability, reluctantly dropped charges against a state trooper involved in a fatal shooting. Trooper Ryan Londregan was charged in the killing of Ricky Cobb II after a traffic stop, but new evidence surfaced, making the case challenging to prove.
Moriarty, a former chief public defender, faced criticism for her decision, even from Governor Tim Walz. Despite standing by her initial charges, new information, including claims that the trooper believed Cobb was going for his gun and statements from State Patrol officials, led to the dismissal of the case.
The dismissal highlights the complexities of charging officers and the politicization of the criminal justice system. Progressive prosecutors in other regions have also faced challenges, illustrating the growing public safety concerns nationwide.
Governor Walz supported Moriarty’s decision, emphasizing the need for ethical and courageous choices in prosecuting such cases. While the State Patrol reviews the shooting, the community awaits potential reforms to reduce deadly force incidents in the future. The case serves as a reminder of the intricate balance between accountability and justice in law enforcement.\
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