Trooper Returns to Work After Shooting Incident
- A White state trooper who shot and killed a Black man during a traffic stop in Minneapolis last summer is now back on duty.
- The incident has raised concerns and sparked discussions about police conduct and racial bias in law enforcement.
- The trooper's return to work has reignited debates on police accountability and justice for the victim's family.
Minneapolis — Ryan Londregan, a White state trooper involved in the fatal shooting of Black man Ricky Cobb II during a traffic stop last summer, has returned to active duty. Londregan faced serious charges, including second-degree unintentional murder and manslaughter, after shooting Cobb on July 31, 2023, during a stop for inactive taillights. However, he pleaded not guilty, and the charges were dropped in June when the Hennepin County Attorney's Office concluded it could not meet the burden of proof. Following the dismissal of charges, an investigation by the Minnesota State Patrol exonerated Londregan, allowing him to resume his duties. The Minnesota State Patrol confirmed on Monday that he is no longer on paid leave and is now stationed in Golden Valley. Londregan's attorney, Chris Madel, stated that their focus is on dismissing the civil case filed by Cobb's family and seeking recognition for Londregan's actions during the incident. Cobb's family filed a civil suit in April against Londregan and another trooper, Brett Seide, alleging unreasonable seizure and excessive use of force, violating constitutional rights. In response to the dropped charges, Cobb's family has called for a federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice, citing concerns over training and procedural failures within the Minnesota State Patrol, as highlighted in a report from the Hennepin County Attorney's Office.