Minneapolis Cop Who Shot Amir Locke Now Leading MPD's New Use-Of-Force Training

The Minneapolis Police Department has come under fire after confirming that Sgt. Mark Hanneman—the officer who fatally shot Amir Locke during a no-knock raid in 2022—is now leading the department's use-of-force training. Chief Brian O'Hara defended the decision, calling Hanneman an "outstanding" trainer who has helped develop the department's new use-of-force policies. But the news has devastated Locke's family and ignited backlash from city officials and community advocates, who see the move as a betrayal of promises to rebuild public trust and change department culture.

"If Hanneman is one of the best officers to become a training officer, why is my son Amir Locke not here?" asked Locke's mother, Karen Wells. "They show they don't care. They show that this is our culture." Wells and Locke's father are suing the city and Hanneman in federal court, alleging violations of their son's constitutional rights and systemic issues within MPD.

Locke was not a suspect in the investigation tied to the raid. He was asleep under a blanket at a relative's apartment when a SWAT team burst in. Within nine seconds, Hanneman shot Locke three times after shouting "he's got a gun," though Locke legally owned the weapon and had a permit to carry. Minnesota's attorney general and county prosecutors chose not to charge Hanneman, citing a law that gives officers broad leeway to use deadly force.

Critics say putting Hanneman in a leadership role contradicts efforts to rebuild trust after George Floyd's murder. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty stated, "Regardless of the professional skillset, choosing this individual undermines trust and ultimately harms our community." Council member Robin Wonsley added, "Officers who harm residents shouldn't be promoted."

Despite widespread criticism, Chief O'Hara insists the decision was carefully considered. "I know this is difficult," he said. "But based on all of the information I have, this is the best decision to advance the reform effort." Monitoring officials and some within MPD have supported Hanneman's training capabilities, but others, including MDHR Commissioner Rebecca Lucero, warned that without real cultural change, policy updates will be "meaningless."

Link: MPRNews

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