The family of Thurman “June” Blevins–the man fatally shot by Minneapolis police last month–is calling for the two officers who shot him to be charged. Darlynn Blevins says her younger brother was murdered by police and says “it feels like the police violate our rights out here–they don’t give us equal opportunities like everyone else should get. I just feel like he didn’t get an equal opportunity to get a chance to say what was going on–they just ran him down and killed him.” Officials say on the day of the shooting, witnesses reported seeing a man fire a gun into the ground and air in north Minneapolis. When officers arrived, Blevins fled and officers opened fire. The BCA says a gun was recovered at the scene. Darlynn says her brother was not in to “gangs” or violence. Blevins’ cousin, Sydnee Brown, says the family is demanding justice for June, and adds “it is injustice to kill someone who doesn’t pose a threat, who doesn’t have visibly a weapon shown these officers should have had proper procedure.” Brown says officials have told the family they will get a chance to see body cam footage of the shooting before the public does. But she says the family wants to see what led up to the shooting as well. Here is audio of today’s press conference:
A community gathering and discussion on the incident is planned at Jenny Lind Elementary School tomorrow evening at 6:30 pm.