Twin Cities Pride Reverses Decision, Invites Police to Parade

Twin Cities Pride officials on Friday, June 23, reversed its decision on not allowing uniformed, off-duty police officers to participate in its annual parade and also issued an apology.

The group had asked the department to sit out the parade in light of the recent acquittal of a former St. Anthony Police officer in the shooting death of Philando Castile. The shooting and acquittal has sparked protests by activists.

The decision to reverse course came hours after Twin Cities Pride officials met with Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau.

Harteau, the city’s first lesbian chief, issued a short video response in which she said she wanted to recognize and acknowledge everyone’s viewpoints. She also said police and pride officials had a “thoughtful conversation.”

“I look forward to future discussions. I look forward to seeing everyone out at the parade on Sunday,” she said.

Harteau had sent a letter on Thursday expressing her disappointment in the organization’s decision to exclude officers from the parade. Credit: Minneapolis Police Department via Storyful