Tuesday July 25, 2017
Justine Damond, of Sydney, Australia, who was fatally shot by police in Minneapolis. Photo: AP
Los Angeles: Minneapolis' Somali-American police officers are "afraid" after a wave of community and online anger in response to last week's fatal police shooting of Australian Justine Damond.
Abdi Warsame, a Minneapolis City Council member, hit back at racist and anti-Muslim comments aimed at the US city's large Somali and East African community since Somali-born officer Mohamed Noor shot dead Australian yoga instructor Ms Damond in a residential alley last week.
"I've heard others describe this tragedy as a terrorist act, as a Muslim against a Christian," Mogadishu-born Mr Warsame told a press conference.
"These statements are dangerous and purely divisive, and they undermine our American values."
Mr Warsame pointed to Minnesota politician and former Republican US presidential candidate Michele Bachmann "talking trash" at a hog roast event when she described Mr Noor as an "affirmative-action hire by the hijab-wearing mayor of Minneapolis".
"I've spoken with a number of officers who are afraid," Mr Warsame said. "I've seen young children who are afraid."
The state of Minnesota is home to the largest Somali community in the US, about 25,000 people according to 2010 census figures.
The Somali and East African communities in the state have been targeted with suspicion after multiple arrests and convictions in recent years of locals with links to Islamic State.
Ms Hodges last week issued a statement on her Facebook page reassuring her support for the Somali community in the state.
"The strength and beauty of the Somali and East African communities are a vital part of what makes Minneapolis so strong and beautiful. I am grateful to be your neighbour," she said.
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Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges tries to talk to the media as she is shouted at by protesters demanding her resignation on Friday. Photo: Star Tribune/AP
Mr Warsame described the shooting of Ms Damond, 40, formerly from Sydney's northern beaches, as a tragedy and said everything must be done to find the truth about why she was killed.
"Now is not a time for racial hatred. Now is the time for accountability, justice, and change," he said.
Ms Damond called 911 last Saturday after hearing a woman's screams and fearing a sexual assault was taking place near her house.
Mr Noor's partner Matthew Harrity told investigators Mr Noor shot Ms Damond when she appeared at their vehicle's window.
Mr Noor, following legal advice, has declined to be interviewed by investigators or speak publicly about the shooting.