Protest at Minneapolis City Hall Condemns Officer’s Promotion in Amir Locke Killing
A protest at City Hall on July 22 condemned the Minneapolis Police Department’s decision to promote Sgt. Mark Hanneman—who fatally shot Amir Locke in 2022—as its new use-of-force training officer. Activists say the move is part of a dangerous pattern of elevating officers involved in fatal shootings and called on Mayor Jacob Frey to be held accountable.
“Amir Locke Should Be Alive.”
That was the message displayed on banners and signs during a powerful press conference and protest at Minneapolis City Hall on July 22, organized by Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB). The gathering denounced the Minneapolis Police Department’s decision to promote Sgt. Mark Hanneman—the officer who fatally shot Locke during a 2022 no-knock raid—as its new use-of-force training officer.
Hanneman killed 22-year-old Amir Locke within seconds of entering a downtown Minneapolis apartment during a pre-dawn raid. Locke, who was not named in the warrant, was asleep on a couch when officers burst in. No criminal charges were filed against Hanneman. Civil litigation by Locke’s family is ongoing.
Speakers at the event included attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, CUAPB’s Michelle Gross, Toshira Garraway of Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence, and Andre Locke, Amir’s father. Their message was unified and urgent: Hanneman’s promotion is part of a troubling pattern of violent officers being elevated to positions of influence within MPD.
Critics pointed to past cases involving field training officers like Derek Chauvin (who killed George Floyd), Kim Potter (who killed Daunte Wright), and Jason Schmidt (who fatally shot Dolal Idd). “We must stop promoting the people who have caused the most harm,” Garraway said.
Community members also called out Mayor Jacob Frey, who has sole authority over MPD under the city’s strong mayor system. Though the appointment was made under a previous chief, activists said Frey must be held accountable—especially as the city operates under a state consent decree for systemic racial discrimination within its police force.
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder was present to document the protest. Scroll through the photo gallery below for images of the speakers, community members, and powerful moments from the demonstration.
📍 Location: Minneapolis City Hall
📆 Date: July 22, 2025
📸 Photography: Riley Bruce/MSR
