ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today released the following statement on Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman’s decision in the Jamar Clark case.
"I extend again my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jamar Clark, for their loss. It is terribly unfortunate that this tragedy had to be inflicted upon them and upon our state.
“I am not the authority to evaluate evidence reviewed by the Hennepin County Attorney and will await the findings of the investigation by the United States Department of Justice.
"These events should require all Minnesotans to take a hard look at our criminal justice system, where it works, and where it does not. County Attorney Freeman has set an important precedent for openness and accountability. We must also confront the serious racial disparities, which wrongfully deny full and equal opportunities to Minnesotans of color. I again urge the Legislature to improve upon, but then pass, my proposals to begin to eliminate those disparities.
"All of us must come together and pursue the mutual understanding that will improve relations between ourselves and our communities. We must continue to work together to achieve fuller measures of opportunity, justice, and safety for all Minnesotans.”
