Supporters and protesters of a white Minnesota state trooper facing charges for the murder of a Black motorist clashed outside a courthouse, showing strong emotions surrounding the case. Trooper Ryan Londregan is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter, and assault for fatally shooting Ricky Cobb II during a traffic stop last summer. Over 300 people, including law enforcement officers, gathered at the Hennepin County Government Center in support of Londregan, while Black Lives Matter activists protested the trooper’s actions. Londregan’s defense team attempted to hold a news conference but was shouted down by protesters chanting “No justice, no peace. Prosecute the police.”
Four former federal prosecutors from a Washington-based law firm will take over the case from the Hennepin County Attorney’s office after the previous lead prosecutor stepped away. The shift in leadership comes amid calls from law enforcement and Republican leaders for Gov. Tim Walz to transfer the case to Attorney General Keith Ellison. Walz has expressed concerns about the case but has not taken any action yet. Londregan’s defense attorney criticized the new prosecution team, expressing a preference for someone who prioritizes justice over hourly fees. The case has generated political controversy due to its implications for police accountability in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.
Troopers had pulled over Cobb on Interstate 94 for a minor traffic violation and discovered he was wanted for violating a protection order. During the incident, as Londregan and other troopers tried to apprehend Cobb, he attempted to drive away, prompting Londregan to fire his weapon, fatally shooting Cobb. Cobb’s family has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging that the stop and shooting were unjustified. Two future hearings have been scheduled, allowing the new prosecution team to introduce themselves to the court and discuss motions by the defense to dismiss the charges based on lack of probable cause and alleged prosecution misconduct.
During the court hearing, Londregan’s defense attorney argued that the charges against him lack sufficient grounds, pointing out that the prosecution has not named an expert witness who could testify against Londregan’s actions. The defense also accused prosecutors of misrepresenting statements by the State Patrol’s lead use-of-force trainer in the criminal complaint. The defense contends that the trainer’s conclusion, stating that Londregan did nothing wrong, was omitted from the complaint. The judge set dates for further hearings and discussions of the defense’s motions.
The political tension surrounding the case has led to calls for a change in leadership and concerns about the fairness of the prosecution. While supporters of Trooper Londregan maintain his innocence and emphasize his adherence to training, activists advocating for justice for Ricky Cobb II argue that the shooting was unjustified. The clash of perspectives outside the courthouse reflects broader societal divisions over issues of race, policing, and accountability. As the case moves forward with a new prosecution team, the spotlight remains on the unfolding legal proceedings and their implications for law enforcement practices and public trust in the justice system. With upcoming hearings and motions scheduled, the battle over justice and accountability in cases of police violence continues to be a focal point of public discourse and activism.
