At Issue: May 2 — Rep. Omar explains police accountability proposal

Police accountability measures continue being top-of-mind for lawmakers both here in Minnesota and in Washington, D.C., where U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar is pushing a new package of reforms that would tighten investigations surrounding police use-of-force.

This week on “At Issue,” Omar, a Democrat from the 5th Congressional District, explains her reasoning behind a proposal that would create a new federal agency to investigate police. She says it’s “proactive.”

“We realize that it’s really important to celebrate what the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act will do once it’s enacted, but we also need further guardrails to be created in order for there to be justice in this country,” Omar told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS. “We hope this agency will get involved in every single case regardless of whether it’s garnering attention or not because every case should matter. People should feel confident in knowing that there was justifiable use of force that took place and take confidence and know that there was no abuse in the death or bodily harm that was caused by police.”

Meanwhile, Gov. Tim Walz is pressuring lawmakers — specifically Senate Republicans — to pass new accountability measures. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, R-East Gull Lake, said he’s open to the discussion but there also needs to be a focus on crime victims. It comes as the Legislature’s time is winding to a two-week close with plenty of budget negotiations still taking shape — a big topic for our political analysts.