Dayton Seeks Federal Investigation of Fatal Police Shooting

St. Paul, MN – Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton is requesting an independent federal investigation of a fatal police shooting that took place Wednesday night during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights.

The man killed was identified as Philando Castile, 32, a cafeteria supervisor at J.J. Hill Montessori School in St. Paul.

"This morning, I spoke by phone with White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough to request that the U.S. Department of Justice begin an immediate independent federal investigation into this matter," Dayton said in a statement.

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"Overnight, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension began an independent investigation at the state level. They are currently collecting all necessary evidence, and interviewing witnesses, to determine what happened, and to assure that justice in this case is served. I will do everything in my power to help protect the integrity of that investigation, to ensure a proper and just outcome for all involved."

Diamond Reynolds, Castile's girlfriend, was in the passenger seat as she captured the immediate aftermath of the shooting on Facebook live.

Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., also made a statement about the shooting.

"I am horrified and heartbroken by the death of Philando Castile," Franken said.

"I am horrified that we are forced to confront yet another death of a young African-American man at the hands of law enforcement. And I am heartbroken for Philando's family and loved ones, whose son, brother, boyfriend, and nephew was taken from them last night. They deserve nothing less than a full and independent investigation into Philando's death by the Department of Justice. As Philando's mother said this morning, 'All we want is justice.' We need to make sure that justice is pursued swiftly and thoroughly in this case, and we must also recognize that it is our job as lawmakers to help address and dismantle the systemic racial inequalities that lead to far too many of these deaths."

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