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Dear Neighbors,
A short while ago the jury in the trial of former Minneapolis Police Officer Mohamed Noor announced their verdict. Noor is found guilty of third degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of Justine Damond Ruszczyk. He was found not guilty of second-degree murder.
No outcome can bring Justine back. My thoughts have been and continue to be with the Damond and Ruszczyk families. Justine was a beloved daughter, fiancé, neighbor, and educator who lived her life pursuing the healing and bettering of her community. Her life left an impact on me and so many of us, and it is my hope that the end of this trial will allow her loved ones and the community to take a step towards the healing that Justine championed.
My heart also goes out to our Somali-American neighbors who have been deeply impacted by this tragedy and trial. The best way to honor Justine is to simultaneously remember the pain our Somali community has endured during this tragedy. The Islamophobic, racist and anti-immigrant remarks that have accompanied the discourse of this trial have no place in society.
I continue to place the values of safety and equity at the forefront of my work. Something that, far too often, members of our communities of color have historically not experienced. The work we must do is not simple or easy but it can be achieved through collaboration. I have been and am committed to pursuing these priorities in a way that both honors Justine’s legacy and produces equitable outcomes for every resident of Minneapolis.
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