SAINT PAUL, MINN. –-(Ammoland.com)- The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus & Political Action Committee released the following statement today after the tragic death of Philando Castile during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights.
“While many facts remain unknown at this time, the video of the aftermath of the shooting of Philando Castile offers a heartbreaking view into a narrative that has occurred all too often across our state, “ said Bryan Strawser, Executive Director, MN Gun Owners Caucus.
“We believe strongly that all citizens deserve equal protection under the law. In this case, as in others, citizens should expect and receive full transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies that serve our local communities. We fully support the independent investigation being conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and join with Governor Dayton in asking for an independent federal investigation into this incident.”
“This tragedy may also offer an opportunity to take a hard look at police training and protocols related to interactions with armed citizens who are legally carrying a firearm.
Despite their portrayal by some, law-abiding permit holders are statistically among the safest populations in our state. With more than 221,000 Minnesotans holding a Permit to Carry, nearly 1 out of every 25 citizens encountered by police may legally be carrying a firearm.”
“As the investigation proceeds and the facts become clearer, the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus offers to work with any law enforcement agency that wishes to review their protocols and training for interactions with legally armed citizens.”
About Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus is a non-partisan, single-issue Minnesota nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to the full restoration of firearms freedoms in Minnesota. The Caucus is an IRS recognized 501(c)(4) organization. Learn more at https://gunowners.mn.
About Minnesota Gun Owners Political Action Committee
The Minnesota Gun Owners Political Action Committee (MNGOPAC) is the connected political fund of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus. MNGOPAC focuses on electing & supporting pro-Second Amendment candidates to state and county offices in Minnesota. Learn more at https://mngopac.org.
Paid for by the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus
PO Box 131718 – Saint Paul, MN – 55113
(612) 424-4032 – contact@gunowners.mn