#federal-use-of-force

#federal-use-of-force

One came in the form of an open letter from more than 60 Minnesota-based CEOs, released by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. The letter exemplifies a now-familiar pattern of corporate timidity and reticence: it takes no position, names no facts, and identifies no responsible actor. Instead, it relies on generic language about "de-escalation" and "finding real solutions," urging officials at all levels of government to work together in response to what it vaguely describes as "yesterday's tragic news."

After the extrajudicial killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, federal officials were quick to put the blame on him. Pretti was accused of planning a "massacre" of cops, while videos depict him filming and rendering aid to a woman before he was shot in the back. This has been the Trump administration's playbook since federal agents occupied Minneapolis: A controversial use of force, then false accusations blaming the victim without evidence or investigation.