Demonstrators call for independent review of shooting death

Rally in memorial of Philando Castile, outside Governor Mark Dayton residence, St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo: Lorie Shaull/Flickr)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Demonstrators are calling for an independent special prosecutor to review the shooting death of a black motorist by a police officer in suburban St. Paul last month.

The activists wanted to meet Monday with Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and hand him a petition with more than 7,000 signatures. But an assistant county attorney told the demonstrators Choi was busy, and that he would make sure Choi sees the petition.

The Star Tribune (http://strib.mn/2aq3ift) reports the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota, the Minneapolis NAACP and Neighborhoods Organizing for Change organized the protest. Choi announced Friday he will keep the case but will add an independent investigator to the team.

Philando Castile was fatally shot by a St. Anthony police officer on July 6 during a traffic stop in nearby Falcon Heights.

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Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com