Black Cop Is The First Minnesota Police Officer Convicted Of An On-Duty Shooting
Former Minneapolis police officer Mohamed Noor has been found guilty on murder and manslaughter charges for the 2017 shooting death of Justin Ruszczyk (also known as Justine Damond).
Noor was convicted of third degree murder and second degree manslaughter in the killing of Ruszczyk. He was acquitted of second degree murder. Sentencing is scheduled for June 7 and Noor could face over 30 years behind bars.
The incident began after Rusczcyk called police on the evening of July 15, 2017. She was reporting a possible sexual assault in the alley behind her Minneapolis home and was later shot by Noor, who was one of the responding officers.
Noor’s defense argued during the month-long trial that he fired to protect his fellow officer after hearing a thump on their vehicle in the alley and then seeing a figure by the driver’s side window raising an arm.
Prosecutors disagree, claiming that Ruszczyk approached the squad car in her pajamas and not posing a threat. Ruszczyk’s fingerprints were not found on the outside of the squad car and prosecutors brought in two police use-of-force experts who argued Noor was reckless in his decision to fire.
The verdict in Minnesota comes almost two years after the officer who shot and killed Philando Castile was found not guilty of all charges against him. That tragic incident was caught on video with Castile informing the officer who pulled him over he had a firearm but told him he was reaching for identification.
Mohamed Noor becomes the first officer in his state to be convicted of an on-duty shooting death of a citizen.
Some on social media questioned how Philando Castile's account didn't result in punishment of the cop who killed him
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