Jamar Clark Shooting: No Charges For Officers Involved

Jamar Clark, 24, was fatally shot by Minneapolis police officers in November 2015. Prosecutors announced today that the officers responsible will not be charged with any wrongdoing in the shooting.

The announcement brought some members of Jamar Clark’s family to tears as they listened to a graphic description of the shooting, which county prosecutors claim was legally justified. Jamar Clark was, according to county prosecutors today, not handcuffed when he was shot. The claim was disputed by protesters and by the Clark family, who state that Jamar Clark was handcuffed and subdued when he was shot execution-style by police, reports the Guardian.

“The only time murder or manslaughter charges can be brought against a police officer is when the use of deadly force is not justified. To repeat, evidence must show that use of deadly force was not necessary to protect the officer and the public from harm,” said county prosecutor Mike Freeman today, announcing that he would not pursue charges against the police officers who fatally shot Jamar Clark last November.

The county prosecutor’s account of the events differs from the description put forth by the Clark family and by supporters of the theory that Jamar Clark was handcuffed and executed by police. County Attorney Mike Freeman claimed today that the Minneapolis police officers who fatally shot Jamar Clark were “in fear for their lives.” According to forensic evidence, Jamar Clark was not handcuffed when he was fatally shot by police.

Freeman’s account of the events concluded that Jamar Clark was not handcuffed, his DNA was found on one of the officer’s firearms, and police were unable to handcuff Clark because he was resisting arrest at the time, claims the county prosecutor.

The decision comes after county prosecutor Mike Freeman decided in February that he would not use a grand jury to determine whether or not charges would be brought against the officers who fatally shot Jamar Clark. He explained that he would make the determination himself. The decision came amid protests throughout Minnesota, including some violent clashes with white supremacist groups and police.

The two officers who fatally shot Jamar Clark last November testified today and claimed that they were unable to handcuff Jamar Clark during his confrontation with police. The testimony of the police officers was backed up, Freeman claims, by forensic evidence, including an analysis of Jamar Clark’s wrists that showed no signs of bruising consistent with being handcuffed.

Freeman characterized the incident as a confrontation with police, where Jamar Clark struggled against the officers, attempted to grab one officer’s gun, and refused to be handcuffed. The officers who fatally shot Jamar Clark claimed he said “I’m ready to die” just prior to being shot in the head by police, reports the Daily Beast.

Minnesota authorities will announce if they'll charge 2 officers in the fatal shooting of Jamar Clark. A look back: https://t.co/gJyBFXcrrg

— AJ+ (@ajplus) March 30, 2016

“These officers were called upon to respond to a person who assaulted his girlfriend and intervened with paramedics,” said county prosecutor Mike Freeman during a press conference today, announcing his decision in the Jamar Clark shooting case.

Freeman also outlined that in his belief, the Jamar Clark shooting is unlike the other high-profile shootings of unarmed black men and teens throughout the U.S. This case, Freeman claims, is different in that the officers involved could not have withdrawn, nor could they have used reduced force. Freeman stands firm that the use of deadly force against Jamar Clark was justified.

Freeman supports the Minneapolis Police officers’ account of the shooting, which suggests Jamar Clark resisted arrest, lunged for an officer’s gun, and was shot as a result. One officer allegedly said, “He’s got my gun,” to his partner after Clark reportedly grabbed the officer’s firearm, causing the other officer to fear for his life and respond with deadly force.

As of this reporting, Minneapolis police have not yet released video of the Jamar Clark shooting.

[Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images]