Fire Officials Talk Safety Concerns With Protesters Ahead Of Snowstorm
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Officials with the Minneapolis Fire Department say they met with Black Lives Matter protesters Sunday afternoon to talk about safety conditions at the 4th Precinct encampment.
While media was blocked from the discussion, it appears nothing has changed outside the north side precinct, where protesters have been living since the Nov. 15 police shooting of Jamar Clark.
Some witnesses say Clark was in handcuffs when police shot him in the head. Police dispute that, saying there was a struggle with two officers.
Sunday's meeting happened at 3 p.m., with Chief John Fruetel talking to protesters about fire hazards and emergency access. They are concerned about access to Plymouth Avenue ahead of a snowstorm that threatens to dump a half-foot of snow on the city.
Protesters appeared suspicious of the fire officials and said they'd talk about safety, nothing else. Prior to the meeting, fire officials said they wouldn't make any demands on the protesters.
"I was received very well. Open, obviously they are concerned. Being honest about why we're here, public safety. That's what we're all here about, taking care of the community and that's what we're going to try to do," Fruetel said.
Protesters vow to stay until video of Clark's shooting is released. Some witnesses say Clark was unarmed and handcuffed, but the police union says he'd grabbed an officer's gun.
On Sunday, many of those on hand took part in a prayer service outside the precinct.
