SAINT PAUL, MN – -(Ammoland.com)- While many facts remain unknown at this time, information indicates that Amir Locke was a law-abiding citizen who was lawfully in possession of a firearm when he was shot and killed by Minneapolis Police on the morning of February 2nd, 2022.
“As seen in the body-worn camera video released by Minneapolis Police, Mr. Locke appears to be sleeping on the couch during the execution of a no-knock warrant, “ stated Bryan Strawser, Chair, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus. “He is awoken with a confusing array of commands coming from multiple officers who are pointing lights and firearms at him.”
“Mr. Locke did what many of us might do in the same confusing circumstances, he reached for a legal means of self-defense while he sought to understand what was happening, “ added Rob Doar, Senior VP, Governmental Affairs.
Mr. Locke was not a suspect in the crime for which the warrant was issued and was not named at all in the search warrant.
“The tragic circumstances of Mr. Locke’s death were completely avoidable, “ stated Doar. “It’s yet another example where a no-knock warrant has resulted in the death of an innocent person. In this case, as in others, the public should expect and receive full transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies that serve and protect our local communities.”
“Amir Locke, a lawful gun owner, should still be alive, “ added Strawser. “Black men, like all citizens, have a right to keep and bear arms. Black men, like all citizens, have the right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable search and seizure.”
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus expects a transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances of this tragic incident.
About Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus
The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus is a non-partisan, single-issue Minnesota nonprofit advocacy organization that serves as the trusted voice of Minnesota’s gun owners to defend and restore the right to keep and bear arms. The Minnesota Gun Owners Political Action Committee is the Caucus’s Minnesota Political Fund.
The Caucus is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(4) organization.
Learn more at www,gunowners.mn.
I was a cop for 30 years as a narcotics detective and tactical operator for one of the largest jurisdictions in the country. I never saw a justified need for a NO KNOCK warrant and always believed them to be a huge RED FLAG for LEO’s and suspects. This is insane. How would anyone expect an armed citizen NOT to defend their lives inside their own home if there was an unknown intruder. There are criminals who break into homes and shout “POLICE SEARCH WARRANT”.
Exactly why no knock warrants should be outlawed!
I would like to see the accountability of each and every NK that has occurred in the United States and the outcomes of each and every case leading to full accountability.
No knock has got to stop. These “SWAT” members could have handled this in a much better way. IE locate the real suspect and catch him on his way to some where and pulled over by awaiting LEOs as if a traffic stop. Shooting and killing INNOCENT people as they are awakened by surprise in their own homes HAS TO BE brought to an end. I support Police, but NOT when they do things like this. This is totally UNSUPPORTABLE. I too have been awakened at 6:00AM to a yard full of trigger happy “agents”. I hope these SWAT guys… Read more »
Police department appear to be losing officers in droves across the nation. I don’t think they have the numbers to hang around and wait for TurDarious for 3-6 hours, then call their buddies to assist, so you don’t get shot full of lead. “Some” of the blame belongs at the feet of the black community for never ratting out the thousands of felons living amongst them (OR in dey own house). YOU snitch – You a dead bitch! (or whatever it is) I guess in a lawless part of town – your first reaction to shouts, an unfamiliar car coming… Read more »
I sometimes criticize @Dee for seeing racism in every post and poster. In your case I’d have to strongly agree with him.
This same result could be seen with any ammoland reader. All it takes is a typo on a warrant, and the no knock raid comes to your house. What would you do if 5 men barged into your house at 3am while you’re asleep and shouted unintelligibly at you while shining bright lights in your face? Reach for your gun, of course! Even if you heard them say “police”… so what! How many times have we seen home invaders pretend to be police to rapidly disarm and take control of victims?
this is why my doors and windows are rated for rpgs made by west Texas bullet proof were left overs from Haitian capitol refit that earth quake stopped
Also: Happened to a friend of mine in SC. They stormed his house, tore it all to hell, and realized they had the wrong house.
Insurance doesn’t pay because damage was caused by governmental action. All individuals involved have “qualified” immunity. You have to beg government permission to sue them, even if they let you sue they fight you tooth and nail before offering pennies on the dollar.
Was your friend one of the lucky ones “made whole”, or some rough approximation?
For fed agents actions there is the Federal Tort Claims Act. Most states have a state equivalent.
“Mr. Locke appears to be sleeping on the couch during the execution of a no-knock warrant”
Correction: Mr. Locke appeared to be sleeping on the couch during his execution.
OK, some judge, somewhere signed that warrant. I am wondering under what theory of probable cause that judge signed that warrant. More than likely this is another ‘War on Drugs” operation gone very, very wrong. Professional ethics and integrity are out the window when it comes to our two primary wars of America: the War on Drugs and the War on Terror (everything). WE have to ask if it is really worth it. And ask ourselves why young men die in droves here in the Continental United States for simple drug possession or other minor offenses and the very drug… Read more »
fishing expedition looking for someone who may have had something to do with a murder in another city… the premise is so lame the judge who issued this warrant needs to go to jail.
Just another way to kill Law Abiding Gun Owners ( Democrat Policies Suck!)
Many of these policies were enacted, and remain in place, by Republicans. This is a direct result of the insanely expensive and failed drug war. I’m not saying Democrats don’t have anything to do with it. They helped vote these policies into place and use these tactics every bit as often but Republicans need to be called out as well especially since it is the majority of Republicans who “back the blue” and are more likely to blindly support these government thugs.
Actually, truth be told, you are partially right. These policies were enacted by Progressives of both parties. You cannot tell the players without a score card. Call them for what they are. We have a uniparty in America, a singular Progressive party. The all hate our Constitution and our founding principles.
if constitution is first,no free anything social security only for those who pay in, a choice to be made between employee and employer privet or public retirement/disability fund arrive from somewhere else cant meet health requirement to bad so sad someone sponcres you it is on them no public dole no government job for life. most government jobs would go away if constitution was followed and the dead weight would have to plow or die
I have yet to see ANY “drugs” be prosecuted or held accountable… Much like guns.
I see continuously guns persecuted in court of public opinion. Does that count?
Recognize Soros’ DAs crimes committed using guns are no big deal, but possession of the wrong gun must be prosecuted regardless of laws.
“The APATHY by those of us within the 2nd Amendment arena is the biggest threat to our freedom and liberty.” – Gregory Romeu
Is totally irrelevant in this case.
No Knock warrants need
to be Abolished! WTF?
Absolutely.
The scary part is…this could of been anyone of us! This is total bull shit!
These police should be charged!
No knock warrants need to be outlawed!
The person requesting the NK warrant and the judge who signed it should be held responsible for ANYTHING that goes wrong on a no knock warrant. There probably won’t be many issued if their neck is on the line
I am pretty sure that their Oath’s of Office envelope that responsibility and duty. Something about, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Fourth Amendment | U.S. Constitution | US Law | LII …
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/fourth_amendment
As my son once told me, if the police did their homework they would not have to do a knock or no knock warrant. They would address the search for the subject in public. BTW he is a retired Marshal
Another senseless tragedy. Too bad Mr Locke was unable to take one or more jackbooted thugs with him for company. That is what it will take to slow this lunacy down.
Reminds me of the child burned to a crisp in the bassinet, after cops raided the wrong address and hurled a flash bang into the baby’s room. Cops mess up, innocents die, all because of bad tactics like no knock raids. This guy wasn’t who they were looking for, and was a ccw holder, so no crime background.
I remember the child injured grievously or killed by a flash bang grenade. I have long held, and I don’t care who you are, what badge or uniform you wear, or anything else; if you lob one if those things into my dwelling, and I can recover my senses about me, you just started a damn war.
Agreed. In fact, any forced entry is an act of war. Be civil, or expect a corresponding response to how you act.
have a 50 bmg beside my bed,dont care what armor you or the three behind you have the pieces will be flying, and humpty dumpty will be no more
I agree!
Yes, be civil. Also call every neighbor that can come over so that they can be civil and take lots of photographs, too!
Just another reminder to reinforce the castle, to buy time for waking, evaluating and arming up – so as to gain a shot at surviving the conflict. Maybe a claymore is in order – covering ground between perimeter gate and front door. OTOH – police statement about Amir Locke “he had no prior criminal history” could then legitimately be used. Said like that – it implies the victim was engaged in criminal behavior when he was shot. So far nothing I’ve seen suggests that Locke did anything criminal before being gunned down. Since possession of a claymore is illegal these… Read more »
I agree!
Somebody is getting their jollies by downvoting everyone. I guess they don’t have the balls to argue, just downvote.
This has been going on for quite some time. If someone points out something that doesn’t look good for enforcers (and a couple other groups), they downvote the person and anyone who agrees with him.
Enjoy the experience – it’s very telling and a good source of information.
The other interesting observation is only a few enforcers/ex-enforcers will ever write anything that goes against their tribe.
The discussion taking place on AR15.com is interesting:
https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/Minneapolis-to-BURN-Amir-Locke-Murder-Had-Pro-2A-Black-Catholic-Republican-KofC-LEO-family/5-2527659/?page=1
I am retired LE. That said, I have no sympathy for thugs who bust in on citizens in their homes on what at best, is highly questionable intel or for any but the most violent or heinous of crimes.
You are one of the few I referred to who speak up.
so few good cops and so many lame excuses for lazy and or stupid saw it from dea almost left out ignorant
they wont stand up for him ,he was too white
we have so many trash leos here , they are for Criminals On Prowl whatever they can steal im the bossman instead of referee
front door booby trapped with a claymore
Just put a fake house number out. If they list your real house number in the warrant, they can not invade your house. If they put the fake house number on the warrant and invade your house, you will have one heck of a law suit!
I have said it before No Knock warrants should be outlawed. And if needed for kidnapping, possibly. The judge, LEO, Lawyers & all parties involved in executing such a warrant should be held responsible, personally. Not the taxpayers. Maybe they should purchase Ins for their misdeeds ?
Our mantra should be, Back Constitutional Blue. Any cop not capable and willing to enforce the Bill of Rights first and foremost should be retrained, repurposed or fired.
cant read it or understand it, give them a picker and a bag liter police, they can do parking at same time
No knock warrants have to go.
As do the “officers” that feel they are a valid choice vs. freedom and liberty.
This is your rogue government at work.
HANSOBS anyone?
Indeed. They claim “he should have known we were police and dropped his legally owned firearm”. Yeah, after you employed a tactic designed to cause maximum confusion, with five people screaming unintelligibly at him, he was supposed to magically know you were not home invaders?
Correct. When a reasonable person cannot distinguish between a ‘no knock’ warrant execution and a home invasion robbery we are asking for this kind of trouble.
All the Masons I know are good men. I haven’t seen a bad side to the group.
I never said the Masons are good. I don’t even know one out of a million of them. But my granddad was a Mason and no on ever asked him to be a banker or rule the world.
An AP article in todays Bird Cage Liner. Minneapolis mayors has imposed a moratorium on no knock warrants!
I think maybe the democrats let these things happen on purpose to further their agenda. and that state is one of the worst in the country
Commiefornia? Yes. Illinoistan? Definitely. New York? No doubt!
However, unlike the Twin Cities, Northern Minnesota is deep red. Not so bad!
Every state has a certain percentage of leftists polluting the voter pool, but let’s not omit the RINOs that are as bad as the commiecrats!
i used to live there when i was young and that is one reason i left. i could see the blue twin cities controlling the red northern and southern parts. just like other leftist controlled states. progressivism is a cancer in America and needs to be excised to prevent death.
As a cop we never had influence from political types, except for sheriffs, that were always looking for way to minimize any negative press. If anything they were very much into self-preservation and wouldn’t do anything to injure their reputation. Many were gutless men.
BLM does not support Amir Locke because he was an employed, law-abiding black man. To them he’s an oreo, after all hard-work is white privilege! Perhaps they recognize that race has nothing to do with this murder. Hard for them to claim moral superiority when they claim a position very few white people would not also support. More likely they recognize that protesting would also mean supporting 2A rights – which is antithetical to their patron saint Cackla, and would likely cost them all future bloomberg funding. I suspect they do not recognize how legitimizing such protest would be. Burn-Loot-Murder… Read more »
It’s coming sir!! Check who’s the family lawyers are:)
Glad to hear it. Hopefully any protests, and better legal cases – prompt criminal prosecution for this execution. May be largely due to successful propaganda regarding previous victims, but for many of the protests I was unable to garner all that much sympathy for victims they were supporting. I was certainly impacted by revelation that George Floyd had suffered at the hands of the Goine’s gang. Could see false arrest, imprisonment and life impacts of the arrest record – dramatically changing the course of one’s life. My trust in police has been dramatically reduced by all the stories I’ve read… Read more »
It would be nice to know why and what for the warrant was issued.
I think these police officers have a lot of ‘splainin’ to do. It would be interesting to know how this would all shake out if the young man had fired his weapon and wounded or injured a police officer. He apparently had every right to do so from the report.
this is how Dictators take over
Get a rope! Hang ’em all!!!
This is just a shame that the police can away with this. Legal murder is all it is.
This is another sad example of why no knock warrants are dangerous and should be banned. I personally believe they are unconstitutional. I don’t know why the cops were there BUT, from what I watched on the video, the cops murdered this man. If he had a gun, why would you not expect him to go for it? How did they get keys to his house/door? Why did the cop shoot? Why did the cop with the body cam shoot? There was no visible threat, there were no verbal threats —- nothing. Just a sleeping man being attacked by armed… Read more »
Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, please provide an update when you have more facts. It would be interesting to know if these points are true: People at the St. Paul Police department provided all the information for the warrants. The St. Paul Police obtained information from a confidential informant. Warrants were issued, by two different judges, for four locations. The murder suspect was not found at any of the four locations. The St. Paul Police executed a knock warrant in St. Paul. The Minneapolis Police objected to the knock warrants that were issued and insisted on getting no-knock warrants. The… Read more »
That was murder, plain and simple.
WTF downvoted this comment? If you are going to do so – have the gonads to comment as well.
The person who gave the cops a key to the front door lock are just as guilty as the ones who ambushed the sleeping guy.
exactly, where did they get the key from? will the person that gave them the key become an accomplice to the murder?
The report needs to add the information on who, what, when, where, how and why the warrant was issued and why they were at the victims door.
Kill first, ask questions later. This is a recurring pattern. You’re hundreds of times more likely to be killed by your government than by non-government terrorists!
You never see elected Sheriffs, Constables, and Marshals doing this… because they answer directly to the People, not to some commie tyrant!
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2020/09/25/retired-hpd-officer-files-complaint-against-harris-county-sheriffs-office-over-raid-at-wrong-house/
Spamming me is not a proper reply. Also, I’m not saying cops never get the wrong address. I’m saying that I cannot recall elected lawmen ever killing someone in a mistaken-identity “shoot first and ask questions later” incident.
You need to up your reading comprehension a bit before you go running at your mouth.
Not spam. It was a small number (out of a very large population) of sheriff department employees willfully doing bad things or making horrendous mistakes to the detriment of “civilians.” It was a response to this comment you made: “You never see elected Sheriffs, Constables, and Marshals doing this… because they answer directly to the People, not to some commie tyrant!” Even if looking at only cases where sheriff department employees killed the wrong person, the Donald Scott incident resulted in Scott being killed. They mistook him from someone who was growing weed (or maybe not – it’s an interesting… Read more »
Franklin County Deputy kills wrong guy and then lies about seeing a firearm:
https://www.yahoo.com/now/former-ohio-sheriffs-deputy-charged-170349075.html
I did not know about this one, Thank you
Arm up and carry on
https://www.ajc.com/news/national/dozens-sheriff-deputies-fbi-agents-raid-wrong-florida-home/tbPMCzpWNPHmA6iul44lpO/
https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/police-raid-wrong-home/1885725/
https://www.11alive.com/article/news/investigations/the-reveal/henry-county-no-knock-warrant-wrong-house/85-3af2b307-8a6a-4f8c-8355-3ebe58a8c508
https://www.police1.com/drug-interdiction-narcotics/articles/nc-deputies-raid-wrong-house-in-drug-investigation-JG4vKgOyLZdURI9u/
https://www.katc.com/st-landry-parish-sheriffs-office-mistakenly-raids-wrong-home
https://www.reddit.com/r/Bad_Cop_No_Donut/comments/1tgszx/spokane_wa_sheriffs_deputies_raid_wrong_house/
https://www.hymeldavis.com/blog/2018/01/90000-award-for-no-knock-raid-on-wrong-house-affirmed/
And the infamous Captain Dan Weanburg (sp?) of the McLennan County Sheriff Department, per the testimony of Lieutenant Gene Barber of the McLennan County Sheriff Department:
https://www.c-span.org/video/?66289-1/waco-investigation-day-1-part-2#!
Then there is Donald Scott, but he was an evil wealthy person.
“Later, the lead agent in the case, sheriff’s deputy Gary Spencer and his partner John Cater posed for photographs arm-in-am outside Scott’s cabin, smiling and triumphant, says Larry Longo, a former Los Angeles deputy district attorney who now represents Scott’s daughter, Susan.”
https://www.saveourguns.com/scott001.htm
going to have to disagree with you on that last statement. never is a very definitive statement, easily proven wrong. that being said, there should be no no knock warrants issues for law enforcement.
i haven’t been able to find out what the search warrant was for, but a search warrant is usually less confrontational than an arrest warrant. plus, leo’s have all kinds of gear to protect themselves from the “suspect”.
this should not have happened. bad cops should be held accountable and punished for their crimes, just like we would be.
Request for update on hold.
Trust me there’s outrage!!! Sometimes the news cycle is slow when winter storms are upon us!! I can tell you I’m truly outraged. How you guys say it: “Arm up and march on!!”
If the victim was an overweight, white, male in his 70s or 80s, who was a life-long government employee, and who lived in a rural area and the shooters were BATFE agents, 87 comments would have already been posted expressing outrage at the armed government employees.
Yup. No knock raids are unconstitutional and terrible tactics, ending in bodybags for the homeowner and/or police, pretty much every time. It must be outlawed immediately.
it IS illegal see constitution under 4th amendment, like civil forfeiture but the leos have decided they are armed so they can
These so “Public Servants” are nothing more than murderous, freebooters and pirates, and should be dealt with accordingly! Unfortunately, it won’t happen! They’ll all high five each other and drink to celebrate! Scum of the Earth, they are!
Statistically speaking it is no where close to “pretty much every time.” In the US police carry out many tens of thousands (100k?) of these raids every year. Don’t have hard statistics, but given way under a hundred total “in line of duty” deaths (most of those traffic fatalities) and some 1k death-by-cop per year – clearly the vast majority of no-knocks are carried out without causing death. However one wrongful death at hands of governmental agents is too many. Death is not the only adverse outcome for victims, everything from injuries, property damage, killing pets, reputational damage, to being… Read more »
You need to read the ODMP.org to get the actual stats on officers shot and killed in the line of duty. Many are killed while just waking up to the suspects door while investigating a call where they knock on the door. They get shot down for no reason.
Much as @Dee would disagree, color of the victim is irrelevant. How anyone could argue with a straight face that breaking into someone’s home and shooting him is (1) self defense or (2) consistent with constitutional protections. Had victim shot or killed officers it would have been self defense. When home invaders shoot anyone it is murder. Should be charged as such – and as with any group crime all involved should be charged. Yes that includes those who colluded with the crime such as commanding officer (whether or not on scene), any lawyers involved in getting the warrant and… Read more »
Dee and I have had many disagreements about different points of policy, but if Locke was the demographic I described and the shooters were BATFE agents, there is no doubt – this board would have been on fire with outraged commentors. There is an extremely weird double standard among many posters regarding what agency is involved in a controversial incident. In real life, many couldn’t care less if the body armor had “BATFE,” “Police,” “Sheriff,” “Army,” or “PLA” written on it. It will be interesting to see what additional facts come out of this incident. If warrants were served at… Read more »
and the same sham people down vote the truth
Ammoland should Post the up and down voters as other sites do.
I salute you sir for your honesty!!!
Thanks. Like I said, we disagree on a lot of policy (taxes, redistribution of wealth, the size & scope of government, race-based policy, etc.), but there does need to be reform in policing.
Looks like your comments are all going on hold. I hope that changes soon.
Agreed!! This morning I told my wife that this is one of the first stories on Ammoland that doesn’t require my comments because all of us as citizens understand this is wrong and every individual involved should be punished regardless of the color of their skin or political flags they may carry.
Only thing I’ll add is unfortunately this happened but in Minnesota they put law personnel in prison!! Minnesota let’s keep that energy!!!!
Did not know that about Minnesota. Unfortunately I highly doubt charges will be brought, much less convictions. After all cops were “just following orders” and “need to go home safe at night.” As @JSNMGC points out, we all see the world through our own racist lens. I acknowledge that despite priding myself on being color blind, I too am guilt of interpreting the world based on my life experience. Believe I was at least as outraged by this video as I would be by AFT doing the same to someone who looks like me – after all one expects such… Read more »
That reminds me of a typical rant from AOC or some other member of “the squad”.
Read it again.
I didn’t indicate the cops shot the guy because he was black.
I indicated there would have been more comments here if the victim was in the same demographic as many of the posters and instead of being local LEOs, the shooters were federal agents.
“I didn’t indicate the cops shot the guy because he was black.“
Did I say that you did? No! I merely stated that your comment reminds me of a typical rant from AOC or some other member of “the squad”, and it does.
AOC or other members of the squad might say the cops killed the guy because he was black. I doubt they would say a bunch of Ammoland posters would have posted more outrage, sooner, if the facts in the case were different, specifically: Substitute overweight, white, male in his 70s or 80s, who was a life-long government employee, and who lived in a rural area for young black man; and Substitute BATFE for Minneapolis police. If what I wrote reminds you of a typical rant from AOC or some other member of “the squad,” you haven’t been paying attention to… Read more »
What you fail to realize is that the topic you are arguing against is my opinion of your comment. It matters not what your opinion is of what type of comments AOC and/or any other members of The squad would have said. As a matter of fact, a number of comments you have made at times remind me of something that they… or someone else on the loony left… would have said.
I understand what you tried to do.
What you fail to realize is how illogical you are. The comments I made are nothing like what the squad would say.
What law enforcement department did you work for a long time ago?
Just because you fail to understand the basis for my opinion doesn’t make it illogical. Never been in law enforcement, but I do support the police. By the way you are inferring I used to be in law enforcement, you don’t sound too fond of law enforcement.
The fact that your opinion is illogical and ridiculous doesn’t mean I don’t understand it. I just disagree with your opinion – what I wrote does not sound like something the squad would write.
I support all good law enforcement. I don’t support enforcers who do bad things, do you?
That one is always insulting someone. He thinks that everyone else is illogical. I am afraid that you have slapped the tar baby.
There you go again.
Showing your colors huh Donny boy…lol. Trying to keep this divide amongst us going. Youre not American my guy. @JSNMGC don’t feed the monkeys. They don’t know what they’re saying or doing.
“Donny boy? Really? Getting a bit juvenile, don’t you think? No, you probably don’t. I thought this was a website for adults. I guess I was wrong. Not an American? I’m more an American than you are an adult!
Looks like your comments are all going on hold. I hope that changes soon.