Man Freed By Bail Fund Backed By Kamala Harris Charged With Murder In Minneapolis
Vice President Kamala Harris once backed a bail fund to help get protesters out of jail after the George Floyd riots. Kamala faced some blowback for her move but she is now going to face a full hurricane.
Because one of the people the fund helped with bail just got charged with murder. George Howard, 48, was involved in a road rage incident on an Interstate 94 that led to two cars pulling over on the highway ramp. One man got out of his car and approached Howard who shot the man according to Minneapolis police.
We don’t know if Kamala still supports the fund although you can be sure she will deny it now. But on Aug. 6 court records show the Minnesota Freedom Fund bailed Howard out. On Aug. 29 he was charged with two counts of second-degree murder.
The bail fund issued a statement but quickly deleted it which tells you everything you need to know. The statement said:
The Minnesota Freedom Fund Statement on Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis
“We are aware of reports of the tragic and fatal shooting in Minneapolis earlier this week allegedly involving George Howard, an individual the Minnesota Freedom Fund had previously provided with bail support.
MFF believes that every individual who has been arrested by the law enforcement is innocent until proven guilty, and if a judge deems them eligible for bail, they should not have to wait in jail simply because they don’t have the same income or access to resources as others.
Under new leadership, MFF has implemented changes to its policies and procedures, and we will continue to assess them to ensure that we are being responsive to the safety and needs of our community.
MFF is closely monitoring developments in the case and will share more information as additional facts become known.
From KTSP:
Surveillance video reportedly showed Ortiz, in a blue BMW, and Howard, in a white Volvo, “get into a road rage incident” on the ramp entering the interstate.
Ortiz could be seen getting out of his vehicle and approaching Howard’s vehicle. Ortiz then collapsed and Howard could be seen driving away. Ortiz got back into his vehicle, drove down the ramp and subsequently crashed, surveillance video showed.
Investigators were able to get the Volvo’s license plate via surveillance video and were able to track Howard to a nearby gas station. Surveillance video showed Howard exiting the Volvo and a passenger inside the Volvo taking the driver’s seat, then driving away from the gas station.
Investigators spoke with that passenger who drove the Volvo away from the gas station. The passenger told investigators Ortiz allegedly punched Howard before Howard allegedly fired a shot and left the scene.
The Minnesota Freedom Fund, the bail fund promoted by Kamala Harris during the riots last year, deleted the statement posted to Facebook and Twitter admitting someone the organization had bailed out has since been charged with murder. pic.twitter.com/3AF1FfySXj
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) September 8, 2021
If you’re able to, chip in now to the @MNFreedomFund to help post bail for those protesting on the ground in Minnesota. https://t.co/t8LXowKIbw
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 1, 2020