WOODBURY, MN (WNN) – The criminal trial for Sen. Nicole Mitchell (DFL-Woodbury) will be held July 14-18, according to a spokesperson for the Minnesota Judicial Branch. It was scheduled to start June 16 but was postponed after the assassination of Minnesota’s House Democratic leader and her husband.
Mitchell’s attorneys filed the request for the postponement. “Ms. Mitchell requests that the trial be continued out of reverence for Saturday’s unspeakable tragedy, and to allow the partisan political temperature in Minnesota time to cool down,” the motion states. “Given the unprecedented circumstances, the State of Minnesota, through Becker County Attorney Brian McDonald, does not object to Ms. Mitchell’s motion.”
Judge Michael D. Fritz agreed and set the July trial date. Mitchell allegedly broke into the home her late father shared with her stepmother in Detroit Lakes. Mitchell denies the two felony burglary charges she faces.
Hortmans Murdered
Saturday, Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were murdered at their home in Brooklyn Park. The suspect also shot state Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, at their home in Champlin. The Hoffmans survived.
Gov. Tim Walz described the shooting as politically motivated. Officials say they found a hit list in the suspect’s vehicle. It reportedly included several Democratic politicians including Mitchell. The suspect was taken into custody Sunday night.
Walz called Hortman “a formidable public servant” and said: “We are not a country that settles our differences at gunpoint. We have demonstrated again and again in our state that it is possible to peacefully disagree, that our state is strengthened by civil public debate. We must stand united against all forms of violence – and I call on everyone to join me in that commitment.”
House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican from Cold Spring, said in a statement that few legislators have had as large an impact on the state as Hortman: “She was respected by everyone at the Capitol…. She battled fiercely but never let it impact the personal bond that we developed serving as caucus leaders.”
The governor ordered flags flown at half-staff in Hortman’s honor.
Identifying A Police Officer
The shootings prompted Woodbury police to post on Facebook about how to identify a legitimate city police officer. The post states officers wear official uniforms with the department patch as well as a department-issued badge that includes the city’s name and badge number.
Other tips:
Vests and outerwear have defining markers on them, such as the word “Police” or the department’s patch.
Officers wear a duty belt and carry a radio and a City of Woodbury Public Safety ID badge.
Most Woodbury police officers drive vehicles that are clearly marked with decals and lights.
Unmarked vehicles and undercover officers are used in specific circumstances.
If you’re unsure if an officer is legitimate, call Washington County Dispatch at 911 or 651-439-9381. “It is okay to remain in your vehicle or home and not open the window or door until you receive confirmation from dispatch,” the post states. “Our community’s safety, support and trust matter deeply to our team.”
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