Word that Police Chief Janeé Harteau had stepped down added an element of celebration to a protest rally and march Friday night in Minneapolis.
Cheers erupted from the multiracial crowd of about 200 attending the rally at Loring Park when they heard the news of Harteau's resignation, which broke just as the rally began at 6 p.m.
Later, a smaller group marched to City Hall in downtown Minneapolis, where they planned to attend a late news conference by Mayor Betsy Hodges.
Upon their arrival, doors at City Hall were closed, and the marchers blocked off the Government Center light-rail station.
When organizers heard that the doors were opening, groups of marchers rushed inside City Hall. Once inside, they went to Hodges' news conference and chanted for her resignation. Later, they took center stage to demand change and applaud Harteau's resignation.
Hodges was able to speak later, only to reporters and other media members. She said that she will not resign.
Earlier, the procession went along city streets, which included several stops in intersections, causing delays in several Metro Transit bus routes. Among the signs the protesters hoisted were some saying "Stop killer cops" and "Justice for Justine."
Damond, a 40-year-old Australian, was fatally shot by officer Mohamed Noor July 15 after calling 911 to report a possible sexual assault in her south Minneapolis neighborhood. Critics have said that Harteau's response failed to address what they believe are systemic problems in the city's police department.
