Protesters criticize Minnesota congressman who backs cause

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — In the tense days after a black man's death at the hands of police, Minnesota's first African-American congressman stood with protesters as they besieged a police station, even tweeting what he called an "agonizing" photograph showing his son with hands raised in a confrontation with officers in riot gear.

The Minneapolis Democrat, who gained international attention as the first Muslim elected to Congress, has been playing a delicate balancing act with protesters whose goals of police accountability he shares and officials who might be able to make changes they want.

Ellison, 52, came home from Washington to support community members upset over the death of Jamar Clark and a difficult history of relations between the north Minneapolis black community and police.

The 24-year-old Clark was shot in the head Nov. 15 during what authorities said was a struggle with two officers after he interfered with paramedics who were trying to help an assault victim.

Ellison supports releasing the videos but has been saying for days that the protesters need to break camp, reopen the street and turn to other ways of pressing their cause, which he considers "righteous."

Steven Belton, interim president and CEO of the Minneapolis Urban League, who also spoke at the mayor's news conference, said their critics need to understand that they're not asking them to stop protesting, just to end the occupation.