Killing of Amir Locke#Officials

Amir Locke was a 22-year-old Black man born in Maplewood, Minnesota, and raised in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul suburbs. According to his mother, Locke was starting a music career and had planned to move to Dallas the week after his death. In the three days leading up to the February 2 shooting, Locke had been staying at his cousin's apartment and sleeping on the couch.{{Cite news |last1=Sawyer |first1=Liz |last2=Simons |first2=Abby |date=2022-04-12 |title=BCA releases case file in Amir Locke death, including more officer bodycam video |newspaper=Star Tribune |url=https://www.startribune.com/bca-releases-case-file-in-amir-locke-shooting/600164148/ |access-date=2022-04-12 |archive-date=April 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419142058/https://www.startribune.com/bca-releases-case-file-in-amir-locke-shooting/600164148/ |url-status=live }}

Mark Hanneman had been a police officer in Minneapolis since 2015 and was a member of the Minneapolis Police Department's SWAT team.{{cite news|last1=Cleary|first1=Tom|date=February 4, 2022|title=Mark Hanneman, Minneapolis Police Officer: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know|work=Heavy.com|url=https://heavy.com/news/mark-hanneman/|access-date=February 5, 2022|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204105051/https://heavy.com/news/mark-hanneman/|url-status=live}} According to personnel records released by the department, Hanneman had three past complaints, all closed without disciplinary action. Prior to working with the police department, Hanneman was employed as a police officer in Hutchinson, Minnesota, starting in 2010. After an administrative suspension following the fatal shooting of Locke, Hanneman returned to active duty on February 28, 2022, but did not return to the SWAT team.

Locke was shot while police were executing a search warrant in relation to a homicide. Locke's cousin, a 17-year old at the time, was a suspect in the fatal shooting of Otis Elder in nearby Saint Paul on January 10, 2022. The Saint Paul Police Department applied for a "knock and announce" warrant, and the Minneapolis police department insisted on a no-knock warrant, according to the St. Paul Police Department.{{cite news|last1=Abdollah|first1=Tami|last2=Yancey-Bragg|first2=N'dea|date=February 10, 2022|title=In raid that killed Amir Locke, Minneapolis police insisted on 'no-knock' search warrant|work=USA Today|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/02/10/amir-locke-no-knock-warrant-insisted-minneapolis-police/6737816001/|access-date=February 11, 2022|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210235242/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/02/10/amir-locke-no-knock-warrant-insisted-minneapolis-police/6737816001/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Sawyer|first1=Liz|last2=Jany|first2=Libor|last3=Walsh|first3=Paul|date=February 5, 2022|title=Minneapolis police insisted on 'no knock' warrant that led to Amir Locke's shooting death; city announces moratorium|work=Star Tribune|url=https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-police-insisted-on-no-knock-warrant-before-amir-locke-shooting-city-sets-moratorium/600143065/|access-date=February 8, 2022|archive-date=February 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207230809/https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-police-insisted-on-no-knock-warrant-before-amir-locke-shooting-city-sets-moratorium/600143065/|url-status=live}} Police also had "probable cause pick up and holds" for three people.{{cite news|last1=Jimenez|first1=Omar|last2=Nickeas|first2=Peter|last3=Kirkos|first3=Bill|date=February 8, 2022|title=Teenager wanted in connection with no-knock warrant that led to Amir Locke's death was his cousin|work=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/08/us/arrest-no-knock-warrant-amir-locke-investigation/index.html|access-date=February 10, 2022|archive-date=February 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210132256/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/08/us/arrest-no-knock-warrant-amir-locke-investigation/index.html|url-status=live}} Amir Locke was not named in the search warrant and was not a target of the homicide investigation. A Hennepin County judge, Peter Cahill, authorized the release of warrant documents connected to the investigation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kare11.com/article/news/special-reports/amir-locke/warrants-released-in-the-investigation-that-led-to-the-shooting-of-amir-locke/89-9ecbb825-d2b0-4535-a491-946cd714e4a0 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220411141511/https://www.kare11.com/article/news/special-reports/amir-locke/warrants-released-in-the-investigation-that-led-to-the-shooting-of-amir-locke/89-9ecbb825-d2b0-4535-a491-946cd714e4a0 |archive-date=April 11, 2022 |title=Search warrants released in police raid that led to Amir Locke's death |work=KARE 11|date=February 10, 2022}}{{Cite web |url=https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/judge-unseals-search-warrants-at-center-of-police-shooting-of-amir-locke/ |first=Kyle |last=Brown |work=KSTP-TV |access-date=April 11, 2022 |title=Judge unseals search warrants at center of police shooting of Amir Locke |date=February 10, 2022 |archive-date=April 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412170051/https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/judge-unseals-search-warrants-at-center-of-police-shooting-of-amir-locke/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/10/amir-locke-killing-mekhi-speed-search-warrants-released/ |access-date=April 11, 2022 |title=Search Warrants That Led to Amir Locke's Killing Released |work=WCCO-TV |date=February 10, 2022 |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324130352/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/10/amir-locke-killing-mekhi-speed-search-warrants-released/ |url-status=live }}

File:Amir_Locke_body_camera_still_image_February_2_2022.jpg

On February 2, 2022, police unlocked and opened a door to an apartment at approximately 6:48 a.m.{{cite news |last1=Bailey |first1=Holly |title=Parents of Amir Locke say he was 'executed' by Minneapolis police during no-knock raid |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/02/04/parents-amir-locke-say-he-was-executed-by-minneapolis-police-during-no-knock-raid/ |access-date=February 6, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 5, 2022 |archive-date=February 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205005907/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/02/04/parents-amir-locke-say-he-was-executed-by-minneapolis-police-during-no-knock-raid/ |url-status=live }} Police body camera footage reviewed by reporters "showed several officers quickly rushing into the apartment at the same time", several yelling "Police! Search warrant!", one officer yelling "Hands, hands!", and another yelling "Get on the ground!"{{cite news |last1=Jiménez |first1=Jesus |last2=Holpuch |first2=Amanda |title=Minneapolis Suspends No-Knock Warrants After Police Killing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/03/us/amir-locke-minneapolis-police-shooting.html |access-date=February 6, 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=February 3, 2022 |archive-date=February 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205180609/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/03/us/amir-locke-minneapolis-police-shooting.html |url-status=live }} Locke was lying on a couch wrapped in a blanket,{{cite news |last1=Karnowski |first1=Steve |last2=Forliti |first2=Amy |title=Parents: Amir Locke 'executed'; mayor halts no-knock entries |url=https://apnews.com/article/amir-locke-shooting-minneapolis-95adf64a9efdee7f0b98e00ab1748369 |access-date=February 5, 2022 |work=AP News |date=February 4, 2022 |language=en |archive-date=February 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205000620/https://apnews.com/article/amir-locke-shooting-minneapolis-95adf64a9efdee7f0b98e00ab1748369 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|date=February 3, 2022|title=Amir Locke Shooting: Minneapolis Releases Body Cam Footage Of Deadly Police Encounter|work=WCCO-TV|url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/04/amir-locke-minneapolis-police-body-cam-video/|accessdate=February 4, 2022|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204143329/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/04/amir-locke-minneapolis-police-body-cam-video/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Winter|first=Deena|date=February 2, 2022|title=Minneapolis police officer shoots and kills man in early morning raid|work=Minnesota Reformer|url=https://minnesotareformer.com/2022/02/02/minneapolis-police-officer-shoots-and-kills-black-man-in-early-morning-raid/|access-date=February 2, 2022|archive-date=February 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202220718/https://minnesotareformer.com/2022/02/02/minneapolis-police-officer-shoots-and-kills-black-man-in-early-morning-raid/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Jany|first=Libor|date=February 3, 2022|title=Sources: Man shot and killed by Minneapolis police during raid was not target of investigation|work=Star Tribune|url=https://www.startribune.com/sources-man-shot-and-killed-by-minneapolis-police-during-raid-was-not-target-of-investigation/600142720/|access-date=February 3, 2022|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203202444/https://www.startribune.com/sources-man-shot-and-killed-by-minneapolis-police-during-raid-was-not-target-of-investigation/600142720/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Jimenez|first=Omar|date=February 4, 2022|title=Body camera video shows Minneapolis officers shooting Black man during no-knock warrant. Attorneys say he wasn't the target|work=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/04/us/minneapolis-police-shooting-no-knock-warrant-amir-locke/index.html|access-date=February 4, 2022|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204160650/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/04/us/minneapolis-police-shooting-no-knock-warrant-amir-locke/index.html|url-status=live}} and an officer kicked the couch. Locke then sat up and turned toward the officers while holding a gun, and in a still image released by police, his trigger finger is along the barrel of the gun, not the trigger. Hanneman then shot him twice in the chest and once in the wrist. The time from when police entered the unit, to when Locke was shot, was less than 10 seconds.

Locke was treated at the scene and transported to Hennepin Healthcare, where emergency medics pronounced him dead at 7:01 a.m.{{cite news |title=Amir Locke Fatal Shooting By MPD: What We Know (And Don't Know) So Far |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/05/man-killed-in-mpd-shooting-what-we-know-and-dont-know-so-far/ |work=WCCO-TV |access-date=February 7, 2022 |date=February 7, 2022 |archive-date=February 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205213214/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/05/man-killed-in-mpd-shooting-what-we-know-and-dont-know-so-far/ |url-status=live }}

File:Amir Locke (51861919918).jpg

Immediately after the shooting, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension opened an investigation and Hanneman was placed on paid administrative leave.{{cite news|last1=Chappell|first1=Bill|date=February 4, 2022|title=Minneapolis police kill a Black man while executing a no-knock warrant|language=en|work=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/02/04/1078313707/amir-locke-killed-minneapolis-police-no-knock-warrant|access-date=February 5, 2022|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204221025/https://www.npr.org/2022/02/04/1078313707/amir-locke-killed-minneapolis-police-no-knock-warrant|url-status=live}} An autopsy report published on February 4, 2022, by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner classified the manner of Locke's death to be homicide due to gunshot wounds.{{Cite news |date=February 4, 2022 |title=Medical Examiner: Amir Locke Died Of Multiple Gunshot Wounds, Manner Of Death A Homicide |work=WCCO-TV |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/04/medical-examiner-amir-locke-died-of-multiple-gunshot-wounds-manner-of-death-a-homicide/ |access-date=February 4, 2022 |archive-date=February 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204183159/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/04/medical-examiner-amir-locke-died-of-multiple-gunshot-wounds-manner-of-death-a-homicide/ |url-status=live }} The office of the Attorney General of Minnesota and the Hennepin County attorney's office jointly reviewed the case.

On April 6, 2022, state attorney general Keith Ellison and county attorney Michael Freeman jointly announced that they would not file criminal charges against Officer Mark Hanneman for fatally shooting Locke.{{Cite web |first1=Omar |last1=Jimenez |first2=Brad |last2=Parks |title=No charges will be filed in fatal police shooting of Amir Locke, killed during a no-knock warrant service |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/06/us/amir-locke-shooting-police-no-charges/index.html |date=April 6, 2022 |access-date=April 6, 2022 |website=CNN |archive-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406152223/https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/06/us/amir-locke-shooting-police-no-charges/index.html |url-status=live }} Ellison and Freeman said in a joint statement that there was not enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Hanneman had violated Minnesota Statutes regarding use-of-force in shooting Locke. Ellison said, "It would be unethical for us to file charges in a case in which we know that we will not able to prevail because the law does not support the charges."{{Cite web |date=April 6, 2022 |title=No charges filed in no-knock warrant killing of Amir Locke |url=https://apnews.com/article/amir-locke-keith-ellison-minneapolis-minnesota-shootings-8991aa0d4d817a591ea9200a8b17a70f |first=Steve |last=Karnowski |access-date=April 6, 2022 |work=Associated Press |language=en |archive-date=April 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406151054/https://apnews.com/article/amir-locke-keith-ellison-minneapolis-minnesota-shootings-8991aa0d4d817a591ea9200a8b17a70f |url-status=live }} The residents of the apartment and officers at the scene of the shooting made statements during the investigation, including Hanneman, who explained his justification for his use of deadly force.{{cite news |last1=Mannix |first1=Andy |last2=Walsh |first2=Paul |title=Minneapolis officer who fatally shot Amir Locke won't be charged |url=https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-officer-who-fatally-shot-amir-locke-wont-be-charged/600162670/ |access-date=6 May 2022 |work=Star Tribune |date=April 7, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706021838/https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-officer-who-fatally-shot-amir-locke-wont-be-charged/600162670/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Van Den Einde |first1=Hanna |title=Report details how MPD officer Mark Hanneman killed Amir Locke |url=https://mndaily.com/272181/news/report-details-how-mpd-officer-mark-hanneman-killed-amir-locke/ |access-date=6 May 2022 |newspaper=The Minnesota Daily |date=April 24, 2022 |archive-date=May 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506213828/https://mndaily.com/272181/news/report-details-how-mpd-officer-mark-hanneman-killed-amir-locke/ |url-status=live }}

During a news conference that announced the decision to not file charges, Attorney General Ellison said "Amir was a victim. He never should have been called a suspect" and that a gun raised in the direction of a police officer "constitutes a specifically articulable threat". During the press conference, Ellison also advocated for Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to change some policing practices, increase training and oversight, and enhance federal prosecution of alleged police misconduct.

File:No More No-Knock - Justice for Amir Locke Protest - Downtown Minneapolis.jpg

Following the killing of Amir Locke, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey imposed a moratorium on no-knock warrants on February 4, with an exception for "an imminent threat of harm to an individual or the public and then the warrant must be approved by the Chief", such as hostage situations or extreme domestic violence.{{cite news |last1=McLaughlin |first1=Eliott C. |last2=Almasy |first2=Steve |date=February 8, 2022 |title=Amir Locke's family calls for a full ban on no-knock warrants as the Minneapolis mayor answers City Council questions about city's policies |work=CNN |publisher=Cable News Network |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/07/us/no-knock-warrants-minneapolis-shooting/index.html |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208032505/https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/07/us/no-knock-warrants-minneapolis-shooting/index.html |url-status=live }} On February 7, the Minneapolis City Council Policy and Government Oversight Committee began discussion about no-knock warrants.{{cite news |last1=Mahamud |first1=Faiza |date=February 7, 2022 |title=Minneapolis council revives talk of replacing police department, banning no-knock warrants |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-council-revives-talk-of-replacing-police-department-banning-no-knock-warrants/600144178/ |access-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208012826/https://www.startribune.com/minneapolis-council-revives-talk-of-replacing-police-department-banning-no-knock-warrants/600144178/ |url-status=live }} The Minneapolis Office of Police Conduct Review announced a review of the no-knock warrant policy.{{cite news |last1=Bailey |first1=Holly |date=February 15, 2022 |title=What to know about the police shooting of Amir Locke, the Minneapolis man killed during a 'no-knock' raid |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/02/15/amir-locke-police-shooting-explainer/ |access-date=February 16, 2022 |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215152309/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/02/15/amir-locke-police-shooting-explainer/ |url-status=live }}

It was announced that racial justice activist DeRay Mckesson and professor of police studies Peter Kraska of Eastern Kentucky University would work with the city to review possible changes to the no-knock warrant policy during the moratorium.{{cite news|last1=Bellware|first1=Kim|date=February 6, 2022|title=Minneapolis suspends use of no-knock warrants as scrutiny of contentious police tactic mounts|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/02/05/no-knock-warrants-amir-locke/|access-date=February 6, 2022|archive-date=February 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206082155/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/02/05/no-knock-warrants-amir-locke/|url-status=live}} Several Minnesota lawmakers announced intentions to consider legislation that would ban most no-knock warrants; Governor Tim Walz indicated he would sign such legislation.

On April 8, 2022, Minneapolis implemented a new ban on "no knock" warrants, described by NBC News as "being called one of the strongest of its kind in the nation." Minnesota state lawmakers were unable to reach agreement before the end of the 92nd Minnesota Legislature in mid-2022 on further limits to "no-knock" warrants, after objections by Republicans.{{Cite news |last1=Lavoie |first1=Denise |last2=Tatyana |first2=Monnay |last3=RIhl |first3=Juliette |date=2022-11-01 |title=States struggle with pushback after wave of policing reforms |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/death-of-george-floyd-amir-locke-richmond-minneapolis-86370ae1c735d44525e37eed80b293b2 |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=November 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114201620/https://apnews.com/article/death-of-george-floyd-amir-locke-richmond-minneapolis-86370ae1c735d44525e37eed80b293b2 |url-status=live }}

The 93rd Minnesota Legislature in mid-2023 enacted new restrictions on no-knock warrants, but not a complete ban. Beginning July 1, 2023, police had to demonstrate in an application to the courts that a warrant could not reasonably be conducted while no one was home and that the people inside were threatening death or harm to others. Officers were also required to loudly announce themselves before entering.{{Cite news |last=Ibrahim |first=Mohamed |date=2023-07-05 |title='It would have saved Amir's life': Family praises new no-knock warrant restrictions in Minnesota |work=Minn Post |url=https://www.minnpost.com/public-safety/2023/07/it-would-have-saved-amirs-life-family-praises-new-no-knock-warrant-restrictions-in-minnesota/ |access-date=2023-07-19}}

File:Impacted Families of Police Violence Hold Press Conference at MN State Capitol-06.jpg

Locke's parents called his death an "execution". They added that their son did not live at the apartment.{{cite news |last1=Forliti |first1=Amy |last2=Karnowski |first2=Steve |title=Police video shows man shot by officer was on couch, had gun |url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Activist-Man-killed-by-police-didn-t-live-in-16829510.php |access-date=February 5, 2022 |work=mySA |date=February 4, 2022 |archive-date=February 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205162817/https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Activist-Man-killed-by-police-didn-t-live-in-16829510.php |url-status=live }} The family said Amir was "a deep sleeper" and may have been startled and "grabbed for his gun".{{cite news | last = Burnett | first = Sara | date = February 6, 2022 | title = Amir Locke, killed by Minneapolis cop, wanted music career | url = https://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/celebrities/article258082813.html|agency=Associated Press | work = Miami Herald}} The family also said he had a gun license and a concealed carry permit, and had a gun for protection due to his work for DoorDash.{{cite news|title=Minneapolis police killed Amir Locke while serving a no-knock warrant|language=en|work=NPR|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/02/04/1078358147/minneapolis-police-killed-amir-locke-while-serving-a-no-knock-warrant|date=February 4, 2022|first=Jon|last=Collins|access-date=February 5, 2022|archive-date=February 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205003641/https://www.npr.org/2022/02/04/1078358147/minneapolis-police-killed-amir-locke-while-serving-a-no-knock-warrant|url-status=live}} The BCA case file released two months after Locke's death revealed the origin of the gun, which had been purchased in April 2021 by a 25-year old Saint Paul man who declined to be interviewed by investigators.

Minnesota attorney Jeff Storms and civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci were announced by Locke's family as legal counsel.{{cite news|date=February 4, 2022|title=Attorneys, parents of Amir Locke call for justice following release of bodycam video in his death|work=KSTP-TV Eyewitness News|url=https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/family-of-amir-locke-civil-rights-attorneys-respond-to-mpd-bodycam-video-release/|access-date=February 5, 2022|archive-date=February 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204173711/https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/family-of-amir-locke-civil-rights-attorneys-respond-to-mpd-bodycam-video-release/|url-status=live}} On February 4, Crump stated, "If we've learned anything from Breonna Taylor, it's that we know no-knock warrants have deadly consequences for Black American citizens."{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Zoe Christen |title=Mother of Amir Locke, Black man fatally shot by Minneapolis police: "He will get justice" |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/amir-locke-minneapolis-ben-crump-press-conference/ |access-date=February 14, 2022 |work=CBS News |date=February 4, 2022 |archive-date=February 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214025243/https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/amir-locke-minneapolis-ben-crump-press-conference/ |url-status=live }} At a press conference on February 7, Crump stated, "Warrants create chaotic, confusing circumstances that put everyone present at risk and those people are disproportionately marginalized people of color."{{cite news|last1=Alfonseca|first1=Kiara|date=February 10, 2022|title=What to know about no-knock warrants, following Amir Locke's fatal shooting|work=ABC News|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/knock-warrants-amir-lockes-fatal-shooting/story?id=82725760|access-date=February 14, 2022|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214035045/https://abcnews.go.com/US/knock-warrants-amir-lockes-fatal-shooting/story?id=82725760|url-status=live}}

On February 10, family members of Locke and Breonna Taylor held a press conference with Crump, Storms, and Romanucci, and called for a ban on no-knock warrants.{{cite news |last1=Gillmer |first1=Matt |title=Parents of Amir Locke demand no-knock warrants be abolished |url=https://video.startribune.com/parents-of-amir-locke-demand-no-knock-warrants-be-abolished/600145385/ |access-date=February 14, 2022 |work=Star Tribune |date=February 10, 2022 |archive-date=February 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210232619/https://video.startribune.com/parents-of-amir-locke-demand-no-knock-warrants-be-abolished/600145385/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=2/10/22 Families of Amir Locke and Breonna Taylor Demand No-Knock Warrant Abolishment |url=https://www.courttv.com/title/2-10-22-families-of-amir-locke-and-breonna-taylor-demand-no-knock-warrant-abolishment/ |access-date=February 14, 2022 |work=Court TV |date=February 10, 2022 |archive-date=February 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214142114/https://www.courttv.com/title/2-10-22-families-of-amir-locke-and-breonna-taylor-demand-no-knock-warrant-abolishment/ |url-status=live }}

File:Amir Locke (51875909761).jpg protest, February 11, 2020]]

On February 3, Minneapolis interim police chief Amelia Huffman said both a knock and no-knock warrant were obtained as part of a St. Paul Police Department homicide investigation so the SWAT team could make its best assessment, and that it was "unclear" if Locke was connected to the St. Paul investigation. A spokesperson for the police department refused to comment due to the ongoing nature of the homicide investigation. Body camera footage was released to the public after Representative Ilhan Omar and members of the Minnesota House of Representatives called for the immediate release of the footage.

Based on a still shot from the body cam footage, Huffman stated "That's the moment when the officer had to make a split-second decision to assess [...] an articulable threat, that the threat was of imminent harm, great bodily harm or death, and that he needed to take action" to protect himself and other officers.{{cite news |date=February 4, 2022 |title=Sources: Minneapolis Police Would Not Serve Search Warrant Unless It Was 'No-Knock' |first=Kirsten |last=Mitchell |work=WCCO-TV |url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/04/amir-locke-shooting-search-warrant-released-in-bcas-investigation-into-fatal-mpd-shooting/ |access-date=February 5, 2022 |archive-date=February 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205003628/https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/02/04/amir-locke-shooting-search-warrant-released-in-bcas-investigation-into-fatal-mpd-shooting/ |url-status=live }} Huffman also stated, "Ultimately, that decision of whether that threshold was met will be examined by the county attorney's office that reviews this case." Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated "Amir Locke's life mattered" when it was announced that his office will work with the Hennepin County attorney's office in its review.

Minnesota Representative Esther Agbaje, who resides in the building where Locke was shot and was home at the time, said "We need to continue to have a serious conversation about what does policing look like in this city, so it's safe—not only for the police officers but also for the people who live here."{{cite news |last1=Brooks |first1=Jennifer |title=Brooks: For lawmaker, a shooting by police hits home |url=https://www.startribune.com/jennifer-brooks-a-police-shooting-hits-home-for-minnesota-lawmaker-esther-agbaje/600142427/ |access-date=February 8, 2022 |work=Star Tribune |date=February 2, 2022 |archive-date=February 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207230747/https://www.startribune.com/jennifer-brooks-a-police-shooting-hits-home-for-minnesota-lawmaker-esther-agbaje/600142427/ |url-status=live }} Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler said, "Minnesotans deserve a thorough and impartial investigation into the events that led to Mr. Locke's death, including the Minneapolis Police Department sharing inaccurate information in the immediate aftermath."{{cite news |title=Amir Locke's death elicits outrage among officials, activists |url=https://www.startribune.com/public-officials-react-to-amir-lockes-killing/600143232/ |access-date=February 8, 2022 |work=Star Tribune |date=February 4, 2022 |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208014419/https://www.startribune.com/public-officials-react-to-amir-lockes-killing/600143232/ |url-status=live }}

File:Amir_Locke,_activists_demand_transparency_in_Minneapolis_Police_shooting_death.jpgOn February 2, local civil rights activists held a vigil and asked police and city leaders for more information, including who authorized the SWAT team.{{Cite news|last1=Jany|first1=Libor|last2=Simons|first2=Abby|date=February 2, 2022|title=Interim chief: Man shot, killed by Minneapolis police during search was armed|work=Star Tribune|url=https://www.startribune.com/police-shoot-kill-man-in-downtown-minneapolis/600142243/|access-date=February 2, 2022|archive-date=February 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203160152/https://www.startribune.com/police-shoot-kill-man-in-downtown-minneapolis/600142243/|url-status=live}} On February 4, during a press conference by Interim Chief Amelia Huffman and Mayor Jacob Frey after the body camera footage was released, reporters and community members, including civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, challenged Huffman about her initial description of the body camera footage. Huffman had initially stated officers "loudly and repeatedly announced police search warrant before crossing the threshold into the apartment" and then later encouraged people to "make their own assessment" after the footage was released.

On February 7, the Minneapolis NAACP called for a moratorium on no-knock warrants throughout the state, "pending a determination by the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Board as to whether the no-knock procedure is an appropriate use of police power".{{cite news|last1=Montemayor|first1=Stephen|date=February 7, 2022|title=Amir Locke's killing prompts new scrutiny of state's no-knock warrant laws|work=Star Tribune|url=https://www.startribune.com/amir-lockes-killing-prompts-new-scrutiny-of-states-no-knock-warrant-laws/600144103/|access-date=February 8, 2022|archive-date=February 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207235816/https://www.startribune.com/amir-lockes-killing-prompts-new-scrutiny-of-states-no-knock-warrant-laws/600144103/|url-status=live}} The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) noted a lack of a police command to Locke to drop the gun or a warning that he would be shot.{{cite news|date=February 5, 2022|title=Amir Locke: US gun group defends armed man killed by police|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-60268142|access-date=February 14, 2022|archive-date=February 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211025926/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-60268142|url-status=live}} The ACLU of Minnesota called for a ban on no-knock warrants.

At George Floyd Square in Minneapolis, a Black Power fist sculpture was wrapped in white blankets in recognition of Locke.{{Cite news |last1=Oursler |first1=Alyssa |last2=DalCortivo |first2=Anna |date=2022-02-23 |title=In Minneapolis, the Cycle of Police Violence Continues |work=The Nation |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/society/minneapolis-police-daunte-wright/ |access-date=2022-02-23 |archive-date=March 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318222226/https://www.thenation.com/article/society/minneapolis-police-daunte-wright/ |url-status=live }}

According to Rob Doar, the senior vice president of governmental affairs in the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, "Mr. Locke did what many of us might do in the same confusing circumstances, he reached for a legal means of self-defense while he sought to understand what was happening."{{cite news|last1=Alfonseca|first1=Kiara|date=February 11, 2022|title=Amir Locke's death highlights perils for Black gun owners: Advocates|work=ABC News|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/amir-lockes-death-highlights-perils-black-gun-owners/story?id=82774710|access-date=February 14, 2022|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214035013/https://abcnews.go.com/US/amir-lockes-death-highlights-perils-black-gun-owners/story?id=82774710|url-status=live}} According to the Chair of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, Bryan Strawser, "Black men, like all citizens, have a right to keep and bear arms. Black men, like all citizens, have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable search and seizure."{{cite news|last1=Abdollah|first1=Tami|date=February 6, 2022|title=No-knock warrants: A growing legacy of controversy, revised laws, tragic deaths|work=USA Today|publisher=Yahoo News|url=https://news.yahoo.com/no-knock-warrants-growing-legacy-100115250.html|access-date=February 14, 2022|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214235139/https://news.yahoo.com/no-knock-warrants-growing-legacy-100115250.html|url-status=live}} A statement from the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, the local police union, includes: "Policing, particularly with a SWAT team, is a dangerous, high-stress profession where officers are forced to make important split-second decisions in defense of themselves and fellow officers, especially when weapons are involved".

File:Amir Locke Student March (51870795184).jpg, February 8, 2022]]

File:Amir Locke Protest Minneapolis February 8 (51871657685).jpgOn the evening of February 4, protesters in cars began honking outside Minneapolis City Hall and then moved through downtown towards where the shooting occurred, until about 8:00 p.m. On February 5, hundreds of people in Minneapolis protested Locke's death.{{Cite news|first=Steve|last=Gorman|date=February 6, 2022|title=Hundreds in Minneapolis protest police killing of Black man in raid|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/hundreds-minneapolis-protest-police-killing-black-man-raid-2022-02-06/|access-date=February 6, 2022|archive-date=February 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206055024/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/hundreds-minneapolis-protest-police-killing-black-man-raid-2022-02-06/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Senter |first1=Jay |last2=Kasakove |first2=Sophie |last3=Olmos |first3=Sergio |title='We Need Something Different': Protesters March in Minneapolis After Police Killing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/05/us/amir-locke-minneapolis-police-shooting.html |access-date=February 6, 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=February 5, 2022 |archive-date=February 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206002951/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/05/us/amir-locke-minneapolis-police-shooting.html |url-status=live }} On February 6, protesters gathered outside Huffman's home in the Cedar-Isles-Dean neighborhood of Minneapolis to demand her resignation.{{cite web|url=https://www.startribune.com/2nd-minneapolis-caravan-calls-for-justice-in-killing-of-amir-locke-by-police/600143881/|title=Activists gather outside interim Minneapolis chief's home to protest death of Amir Locke|first=Christina|last=Saint Louis|work=Star Tribune|date=February 6, 2022|accessdate=February 8, 2022|archive-date=February 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208000536/https://www.startribune.com/2nd-minneapolis-caravan-calls-for-justice-in-killing-of-amir-locke-by-police/600143881/|url-status=live}}

On February 8, high school students in St. Paul and Minneapolis organized by MN Teen Activists walked out of class in protest and marched to the residence of the governor.{{cite news |last1=Chhith |first1=Alex |title=Minnesota students set walkout demanding justice in Amir Locke's death |url=https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-students-set-walkout-demanding-justice-in-amir-lockes-death/600144194/ |access-date=February 9, 2022 |work=Star Tribune |date=February 7, 2022 |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208232351/https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-students-set-walkout-demanding-justice-in-amir-lockes-death/600144194/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Verges |first1=Josh |title=St. Paul students walk out, call for change following Amir Locke police killing |url=https://www.twincities.com/2022/02/08/students-walk-out-call-for-change-following-amir-locke-police-killing/ |access-date=February 9, 2022 |work=Twin Cities Pioneer Press |date=February 8, 2022 |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208225548/https://www.twincities.com/2022/02/08/students-walk-out-call-for-change-following-amir-locke-police-killing/ |url-status=live }} Jerome Treadwell, the executive director of MN Teen Activists, stated, "Our message today is that we need to protect young black lives. We are humans, we deserve to live and we have hopes and dreams."{{cite news |title=St. Paul, Minneapolis student activists hold walk-out, rally in protest of Locke shooting |url=https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/st-paul-minneapolis-student-activists-protest-amir-locke-schools/ |access-date=February 9, 2022 |work=KSTP-TV |date=February 8, 2022 |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209205329/https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/st-paul-minneapolis-student-activists-protest-amir-locke-schools/ |url-status=live }}

On February 11, a protest of approximately 100 people marched through south Minneapolis during the evening to demand justice over the police killings of Amir Locke and Winston Boogie Smith, who had been killed by law enforcement on June 3, 2021. Along Lake Street, several properties were vandalized and tagged with anti-police and anarchist graffiti. Some demonstrators threw rocks at the Minneapolis Police Department's fifth precinct station building.{{Cite news|last=Uren|first=Adam|date=February 13, 2022|title=Group of protesters call for justice for Amir Locke, leave graffiti on Lake Street|work=Bring Me The News|url=https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/protesters-call-for-justice-for-amir-locke-leave-graffiti-on-lake-street|access-date=February 13, 2022|archive-date=February 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213173512/https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/protesters-call-for-justice-for-amir-locke-leave-graffiti-on-lake-street|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Quinn|first=Madison|date=February 12, 2022|title=VIDEO: Protests and vandalism in Downtown Minneapolis Friday night|publisher=KFGO|url=https://kfgo.com/2022/02/12/protests-vandalism-in-downtown-minneapolis-friday-night/|access-date=February 12, 2022|archive-date=February 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212161139/https://kfgo.com/2022/02/12/protests-vandalism-in-downtown-minneapolis-friday-night/|url-status=live}}

On February 16, approximately 40 protesters gathered outside the home of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to demand justice over Locke's death.{{Cite news|last=Miska|first=Cole|date=February 16, 2022|title=Protesters gather outside Mayor Frey's home to demand justice for Amir Locke|work=Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder|url=https://spokesman-recorder.com/2022/02/16/protesters-gather-outside-mayor-freys-home-to-demand-justice-for-amir-locke/|access-date=February 16, 2022|archive-date=February 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216230031/https://spokesman-recorder.com/2022/02/16/protesters-gather-outside-mayor-freys-home-to-demand-justice-for-amir-locke/|url-status=live}}

On February 20, protesters gathered outside the Minnesota State Capitol building in Saint Paul for a "Justice for Amir Locke" rally.{{Cite news|date=February 20, 2022|title='Justice for Amir Locke' rally at MN Capitol|work=KSTP-TV|url=https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/justice-for-amir-locke-rally-at-mn-capitol/|access-date=February 20, 2022|archive-date=February 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221004948/https://kstp.com/kstp-news/local-news/justice-for-amir-locke-rally-at-mn-capitol/|url-status=live}}

On April 6, activists held a press conference and rally outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis to express their anger and frustration over the decision by state and county authorities to not file criminal charges against the officer who fatally shot Locke.{{Cite news |last=Miska |first=Cole |date=April 7, 2022 |title=Activists decry lack of charges, press for accountability in police killing of Amir Locke |work=Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder |url=https://spokesman-recorder.com/2022/04/07/activists-decry-lack-of-charges-press-for-accountability-in-police-killing-of-amir-locke/ |access-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407194817/https://spokesman-recorder.com/2022/04/07/activists-decry-lack-of-charges-press-for-accountability-in-police-killing-of-amir-locke/ |url-status=live }} A protest march in downtown Minneapolis followed on April 8 that featured a crowd of approximately 80 people.{{Cite news |last=Chhith |first=Alex |date=April 8, 2022 |title=Activists protest decision not to charge Minneapolis officer who fatally shot Amir Locke |work=Star Tribune |url=https://www.startribune.com/activists-protest-decision-to-not-charge-minneapolis-officer-who-fatally-shot-amir-locke/600163471/ |access-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409004628/https://www.startribune.com/activists-protest-decision-to-not-charge-minneapolis-officer-who-fatally-shot-amir-locke/600163471/ |url-status=live }}

In Chicago, Illinois, a protest over Locke's death was held on February 11.

A protest related to Locke's killing was planned in the Normandale Park area of Portland, Oregon, on February 19, 2022. According to court documents, a mass shooting near Normandale Park resulted in the death of one demonstrator and injured four,{{cite news |last1=Baumhardt |first1=Alexandra |last2=Timsit |first2=Annabelle |last3=Thebault |first3=Reis |title=One dead, five injured in shooting in Portland, Ore., near site of protests against police violence |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/02/20/portland-oregon-shooting/ |access-date=February 21, 2022 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 21, 2022 |archive-date=February 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220220153009/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/02/20/portland-oregon-shooting/ |url-status=live }} and ended after the shooter was shot by a bystander.{{Cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Destiny |last2=Vespa |first2=Maggie |date=2022-02-23 |title=Suspect in Normandale Park shooting charged with murder, 4 counts of attempted murder |work=KGW |url=https://www.kgw.com/article/news/crime/charges-benjamin-smith-normandale-shooting/283-98a40cc1-c684-4b70-a993-87e4cc2f7da3 |access-date=2023-02-06 |archive-date=February 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206201636/https://www.kgw.com/article/news/crime/charges-benjamin-smith-normandale-shooting/283-98a40cc1-c684-4b70-a993-87e4cc2f7da3 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Kirsch |first=Jeffrey |date=2022-09-01 |title=Plea agreement may be in the works for suspect in deadly mass shooting at Portland protest |work=KATU-TV |url=https://katu.com/news/local/plea-agreement-may-be-in-the-works-for-accused-normandale-park-shooter-benjamin-smith-deadly-mass-shooting-protest-portland-gun-violence |access-date=2023-02-06 |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213112229/https://katu.com/news/local/plea-agreement-may-be-in-the-works-for-accused-normandale-park-shooter-benjamin-smith-deadly-mass-shooting-protest-portland-gun-violence |url-status=live }}

On February 3, 2023, attorney's for the family of Locke filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit against the City of Minneapolis.{{Cite news |last=Mayerle |first=Jennifer |date=2023-02-03 |title=Family of Amir Locke files civil lawsuit against city of Minneapolis |work=CBS Minnesota |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/family-of-amir-locke-files-civil-lawsuit-against-city-of-minneapolis/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |archive-date=February 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206204241/https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/family-of-amir-locke-files-civil-lawsuit-against-city-of-minneapolis/ |url-status=live }}

• 2020–2022 United States racial unrest
• 2020–2022 Minneapolis–Saint Paul racial unrest
• List of killings by law enforcement officers in the United States, February 2022
• List of killings by law enforcement officers in Minnesota

{{reflist}}

• {{cite web |work=Government of Minneapolis |url=https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/public-safety/police-public-safety/police-reports-and-data-requests/frequently-requested/critical-incidents/feb-2-2022-officer-involved-shooting/ |date=February 2, 2022 |title=February 2, 2022 officer-involved shooting |access-date=April 11, 2022 }}
• {{cite web |work=State of Minnesota |url=https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Communications/2022/docs/AmirLocke_JointReport.pdf |title=Joint Report of the Hennepin County Attorney's Office and Minnesota Attorney General's Office Regarding the Death of Amir Locke |date=April 6, 2022 |access-date=April 11, 2022 }}

{{Black Lives Matter}}

{{Minneapolis Police Department|state=autocollapse}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Locke, Amir}}

Category:2022 controversies in the United States

Category:2022 in Minnesota

Category:2020s in Minneapolis

Category:February 2022 in the United States

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Category:African Americans shot dead by law enforcement officers in the United States

Category:No-knock warrant

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