Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Statement on DOJ Move to Dismiss Minneapolis Police Consent Decree

WASHINGTON – Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) issued the following statement on the Department of Justice’s decision to dismiss the Consent Decree.

“Five years after George Floyd's murder in our city, the Department of Justice is now walking away from the very reforms his death demanded. This decision by the Trump Administration is truly a disgrace and a betrayal of the people who took to the streets demanding change and to the families who have lost a loved one to police violence.

“The consent decree was about honoring George Floyd’s life with real systemic change and addressing the unconstitutional policing that has harmed Black and Brown communities for decades at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department. For the Trump Administration to dismiss this decree during the anniversary week of George Floyd’s murder is cynical. It sends a chilling message that police violence can be swept under the rug and that federal oversight is expendable when political winds shift.

“Despite this disappointing decision, I’m encouraged that Minneapolis city leaders have publicly stated their intent to implement the crucial reforms in the Consent Decree. Their commitment to reform is critical for the sake of police accountability but it does not absolve the federal government of its responsibility. Real change requires partnership and transparency at every level of government and the DOJ turning its back on this process undermines that trust we are working to rebuild.

“I stand with our community, with the Floyd family, and with everyone fighting for a world where an innocent man’s life cannot be taken without consequence.” 

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