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Four off-duty Minneapolis police officers, assigned to provide security at a WNBA Lynx game, abruptly walked off their posts after seeing the players’ pre-game shirts. The black T-shirts honored Philando Castile and another Black man shot by police, while also commemorating five Dallas officers killed in the line of duty, and featured “Black Lives Matter” on the back.
The players explained at a press conference that the shirts were meant to mourn the dead and advocate for change. Rebekkah Brunson shared her own childhood police encounter, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against racial profiling and senseless violence.
The Minneapolis Police Federation said the officers were offended and asked the team to remove the shirts. When the team refused, they left. Federation President Lt. Bob Kroll called the protest “anti-police,” claiming players were pushing a “false narrative” and should “stick to playing ball.”
Minneapolis Police Chief Janee’ Harteau condemned the walkout, stressing that officers must honor their oath. Mayor Betsy Hodges also criticized Kroll’s comments, saying he did not represent her or the city’s stance on the Lynx.
