'I wish he would make a statement': Mayor says of Justine Damond's shooter

Minneapolis Police have launched a review into the use of force following Australian woman Justine Damond's shooting.

Justine Damond Ruszczyk was shot dead after calling 911 about a possible sexual assault.

Justine Damond Ruszczyk was shot dead after calling 911 about a possible sexual assault. Source: AAP

The mayor of Minneapolis has pleaded with the US policeman who shot dead Australian woman Justine Damond to make a statement and explain what happened.

Mayor Betsy Hodges says it’s frustrating that the public still does not have the full picture of the incident in which the 40-year-old Australian was shot in the stomach near her Fulton home.

Ms Hodges also urged a man, believed to be aged between 18-25, who was on a bicycle and may have witnessed the incident, to come forward.

She said police officer Mohamed Noor, who is believed to have fired across his partner toward Ms Damond while sitting inside a police car, could not be compelled by law to make a statement.
“I wish that he would make a statement," she said.

"I wish that he would because he has a story to tell that no-one else can tell."

The mayor said there were several unanswered questions including why Mr Noor drew his gun and why body cameras were not turned on.

Local police have launched an internal affairs use of force review into the shooting, as per standard protocol.

It will also look at the issue of body cameras.

In Australia, friends and family of Ms Damond held a vigil at a Sydney beach to remember Ms Damond. 

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says Australia wants answers.

"She was in her pyjamas, she was clearly no threat to them and how it came about that a police officer shot her - it’s inexplicable - but there will be an explanation," he said.

"It seems an extraordinary, extraordinary tragedy and it’s hard to imagine how it could have happened."



A transcript of the 911 call of the incident will be made public after Ms Damond's family has seen it.

Minneapolis Police Assistant Chief Medaria Arradono said the shooting was an isolated incident.

"This doesn't occur every day," he said.

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2 min read
Published 19 July 2017 11:53am
Updated 19 July 2017 7:22pm
By Rashida Yosufzai

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