MN AG Sues Trump Admin Over Withheld Shooting Evidence

Minnesota AG Sues Trump Administration Over Withheld Evidence in Federal Shootings

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The suit claims federal agencies are withholding crucial evidence needed to investigate three separate fatal shootings involving federal agents. The attorney general, along with Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent, are seeking to fulfill their duty to investigate these matters. However, they have been denied access to critical evidence by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.

State Denied Access to Critical Evidence

The lawsuit highlights a pattern of federal agencies refusing to share information with state authorities. This practice, according to the suit, actively hinders the state’s ability to conduct its own investigations. “We have in good faith said, ‘Look, we need to see the evidence.’ As a sovereign, a state sovereign with, you know, Tenth Amendment rights to be treated as a dual sovereign with the federal government, we are trying to investigate these matters and have been denied access to the file,” stated the Attorney General. The federal government has taken possession of evidence and refused to allow state officials to review it, which the AG argues impairs their responsibility to the people of Minnesota.

Allegations of Routine Evidence Withholding

The legal action specifically accuses the Department of Justice of making the withholding of evidence a routine practice. A quote from the lawsuit states, “DOJ’s refusal to share evidence reflected a policy or practice by DOJ made by officials with authority to do so that the department would categorically withhold evidence from state authorities related to federal uses of force during Operation Metro Surge.” This suggests a deliberate and systematic approach by the federal government to prevent states from accessing information relevant to federal agent-involved shootings. This policy is seen as making it more difficult for states to hold federal agents accountable for their actions.

Masks Impede Accountability, AG Argues

The lawsuit also points to the use of masks by federal agents as a significant barrier to accountability. Masks not only conceal agents’ identities from the public but also make it challenging for state and local investigators to identify agents involved in shootings or other potentially unlawful incidents. The Attorney General expressed skepticism regarding the necessity of these masks, noting that ICE agents are often seen in public spaces like airports without them. “To me, the masks are a very clear sign that one, they know what they’re doing is wrong, and two, they don’t want their identity known,” the AG stated. He believes the masks are a symbol that the federal government does not fully embrace due process and accountability.

Skepticism Towards New DHS Secretary

The Attorney General also addressed the remarks of the new Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Mark Wayne Mullen, who pledged to protect everyone equally regardless of state political affiliation. While acknowledging Mullen’s past service in Congress, the AG expressed cautious optimism. “I’m going to take Mark Wayne Mullen at his word,” he said, adding that Mullen must know that the previous approach was not working. The AG emphasized that trust and cooperation are essential for any federal agency, especially if they expect state and local authorities to work with them. He stated his intention to assume the new leadership will uphold the Constitution, but his position remains one of watchful expectation.

Broader Implications for Justice and Oversight

This lawsuit raises significant questions about the balance of power between federal and state governments, particularly in cases of law enforcement misconduct. The refusal to share evidence and the use of masks by federal agents create a challenging environment for state-level oversight and accountability. The AG’s action underscores a growing concern that federal agencies may be operating with insufficient transparency, potentially undermining public trust and the principles of due process. The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent for how federal agencies interact with states in investigations involving federal officers.

Looking Ahead

The legal battle initiated by Minnesota’s Attorney General is expected to shed light on federal practices regarding evidence sharing and agent accountability. All eyes will be on the court’s decision and the federal government’s response. The AG’s office will continue to pursue access to the necessary evidence to ensure justice for the victims and their families. The public will be watching to see if the new DHS leadership fosters greater cooperation and transparency, or if the patterns of withholding information persist.

Source: ‘We had to sue': MN AG files suit against Trump admin for withholding evidence in federal shootings (YouTube)