Felony Stupidity - Minneapolis PD Edition

I'm surprised this video wasn't released sooner. Attorney for man cleared of returning fire at Mpls. police during riots releases evidence, body camera footage

Minneapolis cops, during the Floyd Riots, were driving around in an unmarked van shooting at people without identifying themselves or giving warning. They were shooting rubber bullets, but even so. They were shocked when a law-abiding citizen returned fire. So they kicked him in the head after he surrendered.

Oh, and they charged him with a bunch of things, because they are cops and how dare you (insert Greta T. voice here) question their authority!

Following a trial in July, a Hennepin County jury acquitted Jaleel K. Stallings, 29, of eight counts, including second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault and second-degree riot regarding the May 30, 2020, incident, five days after Floyd's death.

There is bodycam footage of the whole evening, including audio of what they were saying to one another, while they shot at people with no warning.

• Footage from Stetson's body camera shows him repeatedly firing marking rounds at protesters before yelling "Gotcha!" while officer Kristopher Dauble laughs and the two fist-bump.

• Footage from officer Michael Osbeck's body camera shows him speaking with Lt. Johnny Mercil, who said "[Expletive] these media," and mockingly said, "Hold on a second, let me check your credentials, make a few phone calls to verify ..."

There is more evidence of cops being guilty of both felony stupidity (they knew there were cameras), as well as felony asshole-ishness. Unfortunately I don't think they can be charged with either of those counts anywhere but the court of public opinion.

I am all in favor of enforcing the Law, but driving around in an unmarked van shooting rubber bullets at people is not that. That is just being a bunch of idiot thugs, and none of them - not one - should still be on the force. And the DA who decided that this was a good case to prosecute should also be collecting unemployment.

On a similar note, I do expect that there will be some lawsuit filed somewhere on behalf of someone. That won't cost the cops anything, because the city will have to pay.