The Minneapolis police officer who shot and killed Amir Locke during a no-knock raid in 2022 and who was later named the lead use-of-force trainer has been reassigned.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara announced Friday that Sgt. Mark Hanneman is being moved to MPD’s new wellness unit and that Thursday was his last day in the training division.
The decision follows backlash from community members, racial justice advocates and the family of Amir Locke. They said placing the man who killed a 22-year-old Black man in that position undermined MPD’s efforts toward reform and was a slap in the face to Locke’s family and the community.
MPR News first reported on Hanneman’s role as use-of-force trainer last week.
O’Hara said the decision followed conversations with Mayor Jacob Frey and public safety commissioner Todd Barnette.
“We have been working relentlessly to reform our policing practices while repairing community relationships and trust in our department. We can’t afford to have anything distract from that progress. After speaking with Sgt. Hanneman, Mayor Frey and Commissioner Barnette, we determined that a reassignment was the right decision,” said Chief Brian O’Hara. “This move allows Sgt. Hanneman to continue supporting the department’s progress while also acknowledging the importance of maintaining community trust.”
Earlier this week, a group of police accountability and racial justice advocates took to City Hall to speak out. That included representatives from groups like Communities United Against Police Brutality. Amir Locke’s parents were also there.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
