Supporters and Opponents of Minnesota Trooper Accused of Murder Clash Outside Courthouse

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Tensions ran high outside a courthouse in Minneapolis as supporters and critics of white Minnesota state trooper, Ryan Londregan, clashed over the murder charges he faces for killing Black motorist Ricky Cobb II. The emotionally charged exchange took place ahead of a pretrial hearing in the case, with more than 300 people, including law enforcement officers, gathering in solidarity with Londregan.

Londregan is charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter, and assault for fatally shooting Cobb as he tried to drive away from a traffic stop last summer. The defense team, led by attorney Chris Madel, argued that Londregan’s use of deadly force was justified, citing sworn declarations from four current and former troopers.

However, the crowd aligned with the Black Lives Matter movement shouted down attempts by the defense team to hold a news conference, chanting slogans like “No good cops in a racist system” and “Prosecute the police.” The case has now been taken over by four former federal prosecutors from the law firm Steptoe LLC, after the original lead prosecutor stepped away from the case.

The judge set dates for future hearings, with the new prosecution team introducing itself on May 15 and a fuller hearing scheduled for June 10 to set a trial date. The defense has filed motions to dismiss the charges for lack of probable cause and alleged prosecution misconduct, including claims that the criminal complaint misrepresented statements by the lead use-of-force trainer for the Minnesota State Patrol.

As the case continues to unfold, the community remains divided over the actions of Trooper Londregan and the pursuit of justice for Ricky Cobb II.