An officer-involved shooting during the serving of a no-knock warrant in Minneapolis last week led to the killing of 22-year-old Amir Locke, who was later revealed to not be a suspect subject to the warrant but an innocent civilian. Public outcry against his tragic death has renewed policy discussion on the use by law enforcement of no-knock warrants and their efficacy and safety.
Senate DFLers voted last year on no-knock warrant reform, passing a bill that would increase accountability while using these warrants and ensuring that law enforcement was doing its due diligence before using no-knock warrants. House DFLers have brought forward a proposal this session that would go further in severely limiting the use of no-knock warrants.
Senate Republican Warren Limmer, Chair of the Judiciary Committee in the Senate, won’t commit to having any discussion regarding these important public safety discussions. He has a history of refusing to hear a number of public safety bills, including gun violence prevention bills and many other important proposals that would help Minnesotans be and feel safe in their communities. There is plenty of time left in session to have these difficult, important discussions, but only if Senate Republicans let them happen.
