Minneapolis Police Department Removes Homicide Suspect’s Suicide Video After Trying To Calm Protests

The Minneapolis Police Department has removed the video of a homicide suspect’s suicide after using the content to shut down rumors that he had been killed by officers.

On Thursday, the MPD shared a Facebook post explaining its decision. “Yesterday a video was posted by MPD in order to dispel rumors that caused significant public safety concerns for our city,” the statement read.

“After receiving feedback from the community, we have removed the video due to the graphic nature and out of respect to the individual, his family, and the community.”

The New York Times reported that video was initially posted on Wednesday night, a few hours after the suspect fatally shot himself. Although the unnamed Black suspect appeared to injure himself in the video as police are shown closing in on him, rumors spread that officers had shot and killed him.

“People need to know the facts,” Chief Arradondo said. “We have teams assembled. We will clear out our downtown. And for those who choose to cause destruction or cause violence, you will be arrested.”

Chief Arradondo believes there were as many as 500 protestors in the downtown area after rumors of a police shooting began to spread. In one video making its rounds on social media, looters can be seen causing damage at a local Target.

The suspect was wanted in a homicide that occurred Wednesday afternoon. The police claim he fatally shot a man after he and a woman got into an argument with the victim. The woman was later apprehended by officers and the suspect was located shortly after. Authorities said he shot himself at around 6 p.m. in the doorway of a building in downtown Minneapolis as officers approached him.

During a Wednesday night news conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz reflected on the unrest in the city. “The pain that people are feeling is real,” he said. “But to come together and fix those issues, they’re not going to be fixed with violence or looting Target.”