Harteau asks public to 'withhold judgment' in Franklin case

Protestors
People gathered in front of the Minneapolis City Hall Thursday, June 13, 2013 to renew calls for an independent investigation into Terrance Franklin's death.
MPR Photo/Rupa Shenoy

As protestors continue to call for an independent investigation into the death of a man killed in a Minneapolis basement, Chief of Police Janee Harteau Thursday said she has not provided more answers because she does not want to compromise the investigation.

On May 10, Franklin, 22, was fleeing officers who suspected him of burglary. Police said he tried to grab an officer's gun. Two officers were wounded, but police have not said how they were shot.

Harteau said the Hennepin County Attorney's Office has asked her not to speak about the case. The office is reviewing the case and will send it to a grand jury.

"Being able to share facts when we get them may not be as fast as people would like them, but the facts don't change," Harteau said. "I would hope to get to a place where people trust in me and trust in this police department to do the right thing and withhold judgment until all the facts are out."

Her comments did not satisfy people who gathered in front of the Minneapolis City Hall Thursday evening. They renewed calls made at previous protests for more information.

"There's historically contentious relationships that have happened with the police and people of color, especially people of color who happen to live in impoverished neighborhoods," said protest organizer Matthew McGlory. He said African Americans have no reason to trust Minneapolis police.