A federal civil rights lawsuit was filed by the family of a Minnesota man who was fatally shot by a state trooper during a traffic stop. The lawsuit alleges that the shooting was unjustified and unlawful. The incident involved Troopers Ryan Londregan and Brett Seide, with Londregan facing murder charges for the killing of Ricky Cobb II, a Black man. The case has garnered significant attention in the city of Minneapolis, known for the high-profile murder of George Floyd by police.
Family attorney Bakari Sellers emphasized that Ricky Cobb was a valued member of the community and called for justice in the case. The lawsuit specifically targets the two troopers involved, as the state would be immune under federal law. However, the possibility of further legal action against the State Patrol has not been ruled out.
The sequence of events outlined in the lawsuit mirrors the criminal complaint. The traffic stop escalated when Cobb, who was wanted for violating a protection order, was asked to exit his vehicle. Subsequently, Trooper Londregan fired his weapon at Cobb, resulting in his tragic death at the scene.
The lawsuit argues that the use of force was unreasonable and that the troopers failed to perceive any threat from Cobb. The family is seeking unspecified damages for the loss of their loved one.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, who has faced criticism for charging Londregan, has been supported by the Cobb family. The case has sparked political debate, with calls for further investigation and accountability in law enforcement actions.
Rashad Cobb, the twin brother of the deceased, called for unity and emphasized the importance of justice over political divides. The family's plea for transparency and fairness in the legal process has resonated with the community.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case continues to highlight the complexities of police accountability and the pursuit of justice in cases of officer-involved shootings.
