Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said his department will conduct an investigation to find “the source” of a leaked video from Friday’s fatal crash.
Five women were killed Friday night after a speeding driver ran a red light and t-boned their vehicle at the intersection of Lake Street and Second Avenue, according to police. The victims have been identified as Sabiriin Ali, 17, Sahra Gesaade, 20, Salma Abdikadir, 20, Sagal Hersi, 19, and Siham Adan, 19. All five victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have not identified the suspect, but sources told Alpha News that he is Derrick John Thompson, the son of former Democratic state Rep. John Thompson. Alpha News reporter Liz Collin obtained a video from the crash.
WARNING: Disturbing video shows moment of impact from reckless driver speeding & running a red light before killing five people and fleeing the scene. Sources have identified the driver as Derrick John Thompson, the son of former DFL state Rep. John Thompson. pic.twitter.com/JVvNDwuaOV
— Liz Collin (@lizcollin) June 18, 2023
O’Hara called the release of this information “very concerning.”
“We do not know who shared the Metro Transit surveillance video to be posted online, but we will conduct an internal review along with Metro Transit PD to try to determine the source. I will also review and consider policy changes to limit how video of evidentiary value may be received from an outside agency by members of the MPD,” he said.
The chief pushed back on comments from Minneapolis City Council Member Jamal Osman, who claimed “senior law enforcement members” gave him “direct assurances that this video would not be released until after the families had a chance to view it.”
“The only family arrangements the MPD is aware of concerned the viewing of dashcam video from the [Minnesota State Patrol] — not Metro Transit surveillance video,” O’Hara said.
The suspect, who fled from the scene, remains hospitalized and has not been formally arrested yet, police said.
“This incident is senseless and incredibly tragic,” O’Hara added. “I personally responded to this horrific scene with dozens of members of the MPD, MFD, MTPD, and MSP. Our hearts break for the families and loved ones of these innocent, young victims who had their entire lives ahead of them.”
A fundraiser has been started to support the victims’ families. A prayer and burial ceremony is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
Anthony Gockowski
Anthony Gockowski is Editor-in-Chief of Alpha News. He previously worked as an editor for The Minnesota Sun and Campus Reform, and wrote for the Daily Caller.
