A man charged with attempted murder after firing on Minneapolis cops during a George Floyd protest in May 2020 has been acquitted of all counts.
Attorneys for Jaleel Stallings, 29, of St. Paul, argued he acted in self-defense, saying he fired three shots from a handgun at an unmarked white van after being struck by rubber bullets, believing he was under attack by civilians, the Associated Press reports.
He surrendered after realizing he was firing at police, while no officers were injured, court documents show.
Stallings had been facing two counts of second-degree attempted murder, multiple counts of assault and other charges.
His case generated new interest this week when the Minnesota Reformer released body camera footage showing officers punch and kick Stallings as he lay on the ground.
A protester carries an upside-down US flag next to a burning building in Minneapolis during the George Floyd protests on May 28, 2020. AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Bodycam footage shows Minnesota police pinning down, kicking and detaining protester Jaleel Stallings. Footage courtesy The Minnesota Reformer
Police officers stand guard against a group of protesters in Minneapolis during the George Floyd protests on May 27, 2020. Carlos Gonzalez/Star Tribune via AP, File
Protesters demonstrate outside of a burning Minneapolis 3rd Police Precinct in Minnesota on May 28, 2020. AP Photo/John Minchillo
Protesters gather outside the burning Minneapolis 3rd Police Precinct in on May 28, 2020. AP Photo/John Minchillo
Jaleel Stallings is accused of shooting at Minneapolis authorities during a George Floyd protest. Hennepin County Sheriff's Office via APThe verdict comes amid heated local debate over a November ballot question that would eliminate the Minneapolis Police Department and replace it with a new Department of Public Safety.
