Rumors after St. Cloud officer’s shooting draw protesters
Photo: CIty of St. Cloud
June 16, 2020
ST. CLOUD, Minn.-– The shooting of a police officer who was struggling to arrest a man early Monday morning led to rumors on social media that drew protesters to police headquarters and prompted officers used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
St. Cloud Police Chief Blair Anderson expressed frustration with the role social media had in spreading a rumor that two black men had been shot by police. Officers were attempting to stop and detain the 18-year-old early Monday for what Anderson later said was a suspicion that he had a gun.
Police say he resisted arrest, drew a handgun and fired a shot that hit the officer in the hand. The police station was damaged by people throwing rocks.
