Democrats at the State Capitol say Republicans are not willing to discuss compromise police reform legislation as lawmakers get ready for another special session likely next week. Senate Republicans are instead focusing on what they call missteps by state and local officials to stop the Twin Cities riots. Democratic Senator Jeff Hayden from Minneapolis responds, “Let’s get at the reason why we have the problem: It’s ’cause Derek Chauvin put his knee on George Floyd’s neck. That’s where this started. So if we want to start with anti-violence and [anti-] lawlessness, let’s start with the Minneapolis Police Department and the unfortunate way that they been treating black and brown people.”
Republicans are highly critical of efforts to replace M-P-D with a community-focused organization, warning it will put citizens’ safety at risk.