Attorneys, family members announce lawsuit against City of Minneapolis for death of Amir Locke
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A federal civil lawsuit has now been filed against the City of Minneapolis for the shooting death of Amir Locke a year ago while officers carried out a no-knock warrant at a downtown apartment.
Friday morning, civil rights attorneys Ben Crump, Jeff Storms and Antonio Romanucci, joined by Locke’s parents, announced the lawsuit during a press conference. The full news conference can be viewed above.
It comes a day after a rally at the Minnesota Capitol marking one year since the shooting.
“Amir was a bright light. Amir was a wonderful human being. He was everything to each of us. Most of all, he was our son. This entire family’s son, cousin, loved one,” said Andre Locke, Amir’s father.
Locke’s death led to changes within the Minneapolis Police Department, but his family and community members say there’s a lot that hasn’t changed.
The lawsuit alleges violations of Locke’s Fourth and 14th Amendment rights, as well as claims of unconstitutional policies and practices by police and a failure to properly train officers.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump (center) speaks during a press conference on Feb. 3, 2023, to announce the filing of a civil lawsuit against the city of Minneapolis for Amir Locke's death. Crump is joined by (left) Antonio Romanucci and Jeff Storms and (right) Locke's parents. (KSTP-TV)
“This city has known for decades that its officers engage in excessive uses of force overwhelmingly against people of color,” Storms said.
“The police can deescalate just fine when they want to, just fine, but they don’t do it when it’s Black and brown people,” Crump added.
5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reached out the city for comment on the lawsuit Friday morning and a spokesperson said the city will review the complaint when it receives it.
CLICK HERE for KSTP’s one-on-one interview with Locke’s parents.
Read KSTP’s full Amir Locke coverage
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