Rochester Police: Conflicting Information on Racist Incident

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester Police have sent some new information to the City Attorney's Office concerning the investigation into a recent racist incident at a city park.

The investigation was launched after a video recording of the incident at Soldiers Field Park went viral and attracted millions of views on both social media and traditional media outlets worldwide. The video shows a woman being confronted for allegedly directing a racist slur at a young child and then repeating the slur multiple times at the person recording it.

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Rochester police earlier indicated their investigation into the incident had been completed and a decision concerning possible charges would be taken up by the City Attorney's office following its review of the report.

photo by Andy Brownell TSM-Rochester

Police Communications Coordinator Amanda Grayson says investigators obtained new information late last week that conflicts with original statements concerning the incident. She says, through continued and thorough investigation, Rochester police gathered additional statements and evidence related to the identities and the entered actions of those involved.

Grayson did not divulge details concerning the new information.

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It remains unclear when a decision will be made by the City Attorney's Office on whether any charges will be filed in the case.

The Rochester Branch of the NAACP issued the following statement this afternoon.

Statement from the Rochester Branch of the NAACP on Fund Disbursement
Allegations and Commitment to Transparency
Rochester, MN –Recent allegations suggesting that funds raised by the Rochester Branch of the NAACP have been directed to the wrong family are categorically false.

First, no funds have been disbursed at this time. The Rochester Branch of the NAACP continues to work diligently with the City of Rochester Police Department to ensure the accurate identification of the impacted family, as new evidence comes to light.

All funds collected will be placed in a trust dedicated to supporting the needs of the child. This trust will be established in coordination with appropriate legal representatives to ensure transparency, integrity, and long-term support for the child and their family. We have been aware for some time of multiple individuals claiming to be the correct family.

Amid this influx of misinformation, we have remained focused on working closely with the Police Department to ensure accuracy and protect the integrity of the process.

It is deeply irresponsible to circulate unverified information without working through the proper authorities. That is precisely why the Rochester Branch of the NAACP has refrained from issuing premature public statements. We remain focused on the work at hand and will not be distracted by repeated false claims.

Over the weekend, we met with the family validated by the City of Rochester Police Department. They expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the care and support shown by the Rochester Branch of the NAACP, our local community, and individuals around the world.

As stewards of this process, we remain committed to upholding the intent and spirit in which these contributions were made. We thank the community for its continued trust and patience as we move forward with care and responsibility.

The family has also asked for privacy as they focus on what matters most—their child. They are grateful for the continued encouragement and solidarity from so many and are seeking justice and accountability.

See How Minnesota's License Plates Have Evolved Since 1909

Nothing beats a nostalgia trip. It's always fun to see how things looked the year you were born and how much they've changed throughout the years.

Minnesota's license plates have certainly gone through many evolutions. The first "license plate" was actually a rectangular black leather automobile license tag with a brass number '1' on the center front. It was issued by the State Boiler Inspector in the State of Minnesota in 1903.

The first Minnesota license plate as we know it was issued in 1909. Let's take a look at that license plate and then all the plates that followed, along with some interesting Wikipedia knowledge as we go.

We've certainly come a long way, but it's also interesting that the now popular blackout plates have been around before.

Gallery Credit: David Drew