Black Lives Matter Wants Cop Charged for Urging Drivers to Run Over Demonstrators   

The St. Paul, Minn., chapter of Black Lives Matter called Friday for authorities to criminally charge the police sergeant who posted the “Run them over” message on social media, the Pioneer Press reports.

Sgt. Jeffrey Rothecker apologized Wednesday for his post, which appeared ahead of a planned demonstration that blocked traffic on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

His post stated: “Run them over. Keep traffic flowing and don’t slow down for any of these idiots who try and block the street.” Rothecker then explains to drivers how to avoid being charged for striking a demonstrator.

The sergeant is now on paid administrative leave. But the local Black Lives Matter chapter said his punishment must go further.

At Friday’s news conference, Trahern Crews said Rothecker’s comments go beyond being hateful. It constitutes a crime under the state’s terroristic threats statute, he stated.

“His admission, although not heartfelt … is an admission of guilt, and we expect (the) city attorney … to proceed with criminal charges. … It’s ridiculous to think that this guy is on paid administrative leave after admitting to terroristic threats,” Crews said.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman said he’s “outraged and disgusted by the post,” and he vowed to “take the strongest possible action allowed under law,” according to the Pioneer Press.

His spokeswoman, Tonya Tennessen, said an internal investigation is underway and pursing criminal charges is possible.

The process, however, can be lengthy. State law and the city’s contract with the police union dictates the punishment and appeal process.

While the St. Paul Police Federation condemned what Rothecker’s post “seems to suggest,” the organization is representing him and will protect his due process rights.

Read more at the Pioneer Press.

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