Family of Thurman Blevins demands release of body camera video in St. Paul protest

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - Along Maryland Avenue in St. Paul, dozens of people took to the streets urging the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to release body camera footage in a Minneapolis officer-involved shooting.

“There’s no better time than to ask for the release of those tapes than now,” said activist Andre Freidman. “And if our politicians and officials in Minneapolis don’t want to do it. We’ll go to the street and do it for them.”

It’s now been more than a month since 31-year-old Thurman Blevins was fatally shot by police in north Minneapolis and patience is running thin.

“We want the truth, the public wants the truth, and I believe that this will set the truth,” said Rashaun Brown, Thurman’s cousin.

Activists and the family of Blevins are critical of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who last Friday promised the release of the police body cam footage before the end of July.

“The problem with waiting is - how long are we supposed to wait that’s the real question?” said Brown. “How long are we supposed to wait for true answers? It’s been a month.”

The group walked nearly two miles to the BCA’s office where they didn’t get past the front door.
“That is not justice, public building! Open until 4:30 p.m. and the doors are locked, why?” said Freidman. “Because we’re demanding justice, the people are demanding justice and the people aren’t getting it.”