Son Says Kmetz Entered New Hope City Hall Hoping To Die
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Nathan Kmetz says his father, Raymond, had nothing to live for.
His father lost his house, his business and his family and felt his life was over.
That's why Kmetz believes his father walked into the New Hope city hall armed with a weapon, hoping to die.
Kmetz said his father kept meticulous notes and organized every document from his more than 50 court appearances over a six-year period.
"We were bogged down with so much paper work from the city and the courts," Kmetz said.
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He wanted to "prove that he is not the culprit he is being made out to be," Kmetz said.
Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek said Raymond Kmetz was mentally ill and had lots of run-ins with police.
Stanek said the day of the shooting Raymond Kmetz purchased ammo for a gun he should not have had.
Kmetz has no idea where his father got the gun but believes, in the end, his father let what life dealt him govern how he died.
"I think that's what he was thinking--he could only be heard if something was done drastically," Kmetz said.
He said all his father left behind in his notes will likely be buried with him.
"No, I'm not blaming anybody," Kmetz said.
He said he is thankful the officers shot were not seriously hurt.
"They are innocent bystanders," he said. "It's a terrible thing that something like that would happen. Thank God that they didn't get hurt worse."
He said his father loved his family and helped a lot of people. Those are the memories he will keep close to his heart.
"Just remember the happy times," he said.
Nathan said he did not always agree with the way his father did things, but he does believe he should have had a trial to hash out his concerns with the city of New Hope.