The Minneapolis police chief, Janee Harteau, resigned on Friday at the mayor’s request, less than a week after one of the city’s officers fatally shot an unarmed Australian woman who had called 911 for help.

Mayor Betsy Hodges said in a statement that “I’ve lost confidence in the chief’s ability to lead us further” and that “it is clear that she has lost the confidence of the people of Minneapolis as well.”

The fatal shooting of the Australian woman, Justine Damond, last weekend by Officer Mohamed Noor led to outpourings of grief in Minnesota and outrage in Ms. Damond’s home country, where the prime minister condemned the shooting and Ms. Damond’s family members have expressed frustration with how little they have been told about what happened.

Last Saturday, Ms. Damond, 40, called 911 twice to report a possible sexual assault near her home. Officer Noor and his partner, Officer Matthew Harrity, arrived at the scene in a dark alley several minutes later. Officer Harrity told state investigators that he had been startled by a loud noise just before Ms. Damond approached their cruiser. Officer Noor then shot her through the open window.</s>Mayor Betsy Hodges and Assistant Police Chief Medaria Arradondo address the latest developments in the death of Justine Damond, Tuesday in Minneapolis, Minn. Damond, of Australia, was shot and killed on Saturday by a Minneapolis police officer after she called 911 to report what she believed to be a possible assault. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP)</s>Chaos erupted at a Minneapolis press conference Friday night as the city’s mayor nominated a new police chief amid city-wide anger in the wake of the officer-involved shooting of an Australian bride-to-be.

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Minneapolis residents and demonstrators attended the news conference, and one man began shouting down Mayor Betsy Hodges, yelling, “we do not want you as mayor” and that she is “ineffective” to applause from those gathered. As Hodges left the room, the demonstrators chanted “Bye Bye Betsy!” Signs with the phrases "Messy Betsy" and "You are next" were seen in the crown, The Associated Press reports.

About an hour later, Hodges returned to speak to the gathered press and take questions. The mayor had asked for Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau resignation after she “lost confidence in the chief’s ability to lead.” She announced that she has nominated Assistant Chief Medaria "Rondo" Arradondo to lead the department.

Earlier Friday night, Harteau had announced that she is resigning in the wake of the deadly shooting last weekend.

Maria Alejandra Cardona/Minnesota Public Radio via AP

"[L]ast Saturday’s tragedy, as well as some other recent incidents, have caused me to engage in deep reflection," Harteau said in part in a statement posted on the police department's Facebook page.

She continued: "The recent incidents do not reflect the training and procedures we’ve developed as a Department. Despite the MPD’s many accomplishments under my leadership over these years and my love for the City, I have to put the communities we serve first. I’ve decided I am willing to step aside to let a fresh set of leadership eyes see what more can be done for the MPD to be the very best it can be."

Justine Ruszczyk, 40, who went by her fiancé Don Damond's last name, was killed by a police officer on July 15 after she called 911 to report what she believed was a sexual assault occurring near her home.

Authorities said officers Matthew Harrity and Mohammed Noor responded to Ruszczyk's 911 call, but never found a suspect. They were startled by a loud noise and then Ruszczyk approached the driver's side of the car and Noor, who was on the passenger side, fired his gun through the open driver's side window, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Harrity's attorney, Fred Bruno, told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that it was "certainly reasonable" for the police officers to assume they could be the target of an ambush.

Noor has not made any statements to investigators and has declined to be interviewed, according to Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Both officers have been placed on standard paid administrative leave pending the investigation. Ruszczyk's death has been ruled a homicide.

Police have launched an internal affairs review of the officers' use of force.

Harteau faced criticism for her notable absence in the days following Ruszczyk's death, but she told reporters Thursday that she was in a remote area, "backpacking in the mountains," which made it difficult for her to return. She was scheduled to return on Aug. 1, she said.

Hodges said in a statement that she asked for Harteau's resignation.

"I've lost confidence in the Chief’s ability to lead us further — and from the many conversations I've had with people around our city, especially this week, it is clear that she has lost the confidence of the people of Minneapolis as well," Hodges said. “In conversation with the Chief today, she and I agreed that she would step aside to make way for new leadership. I asked Chief Harteau for her resignation, she tendered it, and I have accepted it.”

On Wednesday, the Minneapolis Police Department released transcripts from Ruszczyk’s Saturday’s 911 call, detailing what she believed was a sexual assault occurring near her home in Minneapolis' Fulton neighborhood.

"I can hear someone out the back and I -- I'm not sure if she's having sex or being raped," Ruszczyk tells the 911 operator, according to the transcript released by police.

Robert Bennett, the attorney representing both Damond and family of Ruszczyk, told ABC News this week "the family wants justice in its largest sense."

"I think Justine is the last person you’d expect to be killed by police," Bennett said.

Bennett said that the idea that Justine Damond could have been thought of as a threat is "patently, utterly, ridiculous."

"If that’s the excuse they want to use to shoot people, I guess they can use any excuse they want, we’re all in danger," the attorney said.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Friday that a witness to the shooting has been identified and interviewed, though the agency did not disclose what the witness, a bicyclist, said.</s>FILE PHOTO: Minneapolis Chief of Police Janee Harteau takes part in a round table discussion on ways to reduce gun violence during a visit to the Minneapolis Police Department Special Operations Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. on February 4, 2013.

(Reuters) - Minneapolis police chief Janee Harteau resigned on Friday at the request of the city's mayor, who said that she had lost confidence in Harteau following the fatal police shooting of an unarmed Australian woman.

The death of Justine Damond, 40, from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen fired through an open window of a police patrol car, has outraged her relatives and the public in Australia. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called it "shocking" and "inexplicable."

Mayor Betsy Hodges said in a statement that she and Harteau agreed during discussions on Friday that Harteau would step aside.

"As far as we have come, I've lost confidence in the Chief's ability to lead us further - and from the many conservations I've had with people around our city, especially this week, it is clear that she has lost the confidence of the people of Minneapolis as well," Hodges said in her statement.

"For us to continue to transform policing -- and community trust in policing -- we need new leadership at MPD," she added.

Damond, who had made Minneapolis her home and was engaged to be married, had called police about a possible sexual assault in her neighborhood just before midnight on Saturday. She was shot as she approached the driver's side of the patrol car.

Harteau's resignation come a day after she told reporters during her first news conference following Damond's death that the shooting violated department training and procedures and that the victim "didn't have to die."

"Last Saturday's tragedy, as well as some other recent incidents, have caused me to engage in deep reflection," Harteau said in her statement. "Despite the MPD's many accomplishments under my leadership over these years and my love for the city, I have to put the communities we serve first."

Harteau rose through the ranks of the Minneapolis Police Department during her three decades with the force, her statement said.</s>FILE PHOTO: Minneapolis Chief of Police Janee Harteau takes part in a round table discussion on ways to reduce gun violence during a visit to the Minneapolis Police Department Special Operations Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. on February 4, 2013.

(Reuters) - Minneapolis police chief Janee Harteau resigned on Friday at the request of the city's mayor, who said that she had lost confidence in Harteau following the fatal police shooting of an unarmed Australian woman.

The death of Sydney native Justine Damond, 40, from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen fired through an open window of a police patrol car, has outraged her relatives and the public in Australia. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called it "shocking" and "inexplicable."

Mayor Betsy Hodges said in a statement that she and Harteau agreed during discussions on Friday that Harteau would step aside.

"As far as we have come, I've lost confidence in the Chief's ability to lead us further - and from the many conservations I've had with people around our city, especially this week, it is clear that she has lost the confidence of the people of Minneapolis as well," Hodges said in her statement.

"For us to continue to transform policing -- and community trust in policing -- we need new leadership at MPD," she added.

Damond, who had made Minneapolis her home and was engaged to be married, had called police about a possible sexual assault in her neighborhood just before midnight on Saturday. She was shot as she approached the driver's side of the patrol car.

Harteau's resignation comes a day after she told reporters during her first news conference following Damond's death that the shooting violated department training and procedures and that the victim "didn't have to die."

"Last Saturday's tragedy, as well as some other recent incidents, have caused me to engage in deep reflection," Harteau said in her statement. "Despite the MPD's many accomplishments under my leadership over these years and my love for the city, I have to put the communities we serve first."

Hodges said in a statement that she would nominate the police department's assistant chief, Medaria Arradondo, as police chief. The police department's website on Friday evening had already been updated to show Arradondo, who joined the department in 1989, as the chief.

Harteau, who was Minneapolis' first female police chief, said in her statement that she rose through the ranks during three decades with the department.

The officer who fired the fatal shot, Mohamed Noor, has refused to be interviewed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which is conducting the investigation.

The police department said on Friday that bureau investigators interviewed a person who was bicycling in the area immediately before the shooting and stopped at the scene and watched as the officers provided medical assistance to Damond. No further details were provided.</s>(CNN) Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau resigned Friday, less than a week after a city officer shot and killed a woman who had called officers for help.

Harteau, chief since 2013, said the killing of Justine Ruszczyk was among several factors that led her to step down.

"Last Saturday's tragedy, as well as some other recent incidents, have caused me to engage in deep reflection," she said in a statement. "I've decided I am willing to step aside to let a fresh set of leadership eyes see what more can be done for the MPD to be the very best it can be."

Mayor Betsy Hodges said she asked Harteau to resign because "I've lost confidence in the chief's ability to lead us further -- and from the many conversations I've had with people around our city, especially this week, it is clear that she has lost the confidence of the people of Minneapolis as well."

Ruszczyk's death didn't lead to street protests, but protesters drowned out Hodges when she tried to announce the replacement chief Friday night at city hall.

"We don't want you as our mayor of Minneapolis anymore," shouted activist John Clark. "We ask that you take your staff with you. We don't want you to appoint anyone anymore."

"Bye-bye, Betsy," the crowd chanted. Unable to finish her statement, Hodges and the city communications staff walked out of the room.

Hodges returned to the microphone about 20 minutes later, after the protesters left, and announced that Assistant Chief Medaria "Rondo" Arradondo will move into Harteau's job. The mayor said she would not resign.

Ruszczyk, 40, was an Australian native who moved to Minnesota in 2014 and was active in the community as a yoga and meditation instructor. Her wedding was scheduled for next month.

She had called 911 to report a possible assault near her home. Minneapolis police officers Mohamed Noor and Matthew Harrity arrived about 11:30 p.m. Saturday.

Police said a squad car entered an alley and Ruszczyk, 40, approached the driver's side to talk with the officers.

The officer in the passenger seat, Noor, shot and killed the unarmed Ruszczyk, police said.

Police have not offered a complete explanation for the killing and the department has come in for heavy criticism because the two officers wore body cameras but had not turned them on.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation and her death is being investigated as a police shooting.

Police violence is a major issue in the Minneapolis area.

A fatal police shooting that happened in Minneapolis also led to street protests.

Jamar Clark, a 24-year-old African-American, was killed in a scuffle with white Minneapolis officers in front of an apartment building during the early hours of November 15, 2015.

Bob Kroll, president of the Police Officers Federation, applauded Harteau's resignation and the appointment of Arrando, and said Hodges should step down, too.

"I don't think people should be confused and obviously by what's going on there now (the news conference interruption), they're not. The next one to resign should be Mayor Hodges," he said.

Harteau's resignation heartened protesters who came out to demonstrate at Loring Park.

"I think it's a really good sign," Lauren Rice said. "I think you need to start with those people at the top, and when you have this many citizens involved, that's how it trickles down. It starts at the top, and the citizens just keep pushing for change."

"I think we need to fundamentally change the way police operate in our city, and if this means a change in leadership ... then so be it, because we have a systemic problem," she said.

Harteau joined the Minneapolis Police Department as an officer in 1987, at age 22. She was the department's first female and openly gay chief.</s>MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau resigned Friday, less than a week after a city officer shot and killed a woman who had called officers for help.

Harteau, chief since 2013, said the killing of Justine Ruszczyk was among several factors that led her to step down.

“Last Saturday’s tragedy, as well as some other recent incidents, have caused me to engage in deep reflection,” she said in a statement. “I’ve decided I am willing to step aside to let a fresh set of leadership eyes see what more can be done for the MPD to be the very best it can be.”

Mayor Betsy Hodges said she asked Harteau to resign because “I’ve lost confidence in the chief’s ability to lead us further — and from the many conversations I’ve had with people around our city, especially this week, it is clear that she has lost the confidence of the people of Minneapolis as well.”

Ruszczyk’s death didn’t lead to street protests, but protesters drowned out Hodges when she tried to announce the replacement chief Friday night at city hall.

“We don’t want you as our mayor of Minneapolis anymore,” shouted activist John Clark. “We ask that you take your staff with you. We don’t want you to appoint anyone anymore.”

“Bye-bye, Betsy,” the crowd chanted. Unable to finish her statement, Hodges and the city communications staff walked out of the room.

Hodges returned to the microphone about 20 minutes later, after the protesters left, and announced that Assistant Chief Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo will move into Harteau’s job. The mayor said she would not resign.

Ruszczyk, 40, was an Australian native who moved to Minnesota in 2014 and was active in the community as a yoga and meditation instructor. Her wedding was scheduled for next month.

She had called 911 to report a possible assault near her home. Minneapolis police officers Mohamed Noor and Matthew Harrity arrived about 11:30 p.m. Saturday.

Police said a squad car entered an alley and Ruszczyk, 40, approached the driver’s side to talk with the officers.

The officer in the passenger seat, Noor, shot and killed the unarmed Ruszczyk, police said.

No charges have been filed, but the officers have been placed on administrative leave. Noor had been with the force for two years and was his precinct’s first Somali-American officer.

Police have not offered a complete explanation for the killing and the department has come in for heavy criticism because the two officers wore body cameras but had not turned them on.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is leading the investigation and her death is being investigated as a police shooting.

Thursday, in her first comments on the case, Harteau said the shooting “should not have happened. … On our squad cars, you will find the words: ‘To protect with courage and serve with compassion.’ This did not happen.”

Police violence is a major issue in the Minneapolis area.

Philando Castile was killed outside the city, but the trial of the officer who shot him — which ended in acquittal — was held in Ramsey County, Minnesota, 15 miles from Minneapolis. Protesters marched through the city afterward.

A fatal police shooting that happened in Minneapolis also led to street protests.

Jamar Clark, a 24-year-old African-American, was killed in a scuffle with white Minneapolis officers in front of an apartment building during the early hours of November 15, 2015.

The officers were not charged with a crime. A police internal investigation determined they did not violate department policies and will not face discipline.

Bob Kroll, president of the Police Officers Federation, applauded Harteau’s resignation and the appointment of Arrando, and said Hodges should step down, too.

“I don’t think people should be confused and obviously by what’s going on there now (the news conference interruption), they’re not. The next one to resign should be Mayor Hodges,” he said.

Harteau’s resignation heartened protesters who came out to demonstrate at Loring Park.

“I think it’s a really good sign,” Lauren Rice said. “I think you need to start with those people at the top, and when you have this many citizens involved, that’s how it trickles down. It starts at the top, and the citizens just keep pushing for change.”

At a Friday meeting, city council member Linea Palmisano said the Castile shooting could have happened in Minneapolis.

“I think we need to fundamentally change the way police operate in our city, and if this means a change in leadership … then so be it, because we have a systemic problem,” she said.

Harteau joined the Minneapolis Police Department as an officer in 1987, at age 22. She was the department’s first female and openly gay chief.</s>MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau resigned Friday in the wake of a deadly encounter in which an officer shot and killed a woman who called officers to investigate a possible sexual assault near her residence.

Mayor Betsy Hodges said she asked Harteau to resign.

“I’ve lost confidence in the chief’s ability to lead us further — and from the many conversations I’ve had with people around our city, especially this week, it is clear that she has lost the confidence of the people of Minneapolis as well,” Hodges said in a statement.

Harteau said the killing of Justin Ruszczyk led her to step down.

“Last Saturday’s tragedy, as well as some other recent incidents, have caused me to engage in deep reflection,” she said in her own statement. “I’ve decided I am willing to step aside to let a fresh set of leadership eyes see what more can be done for the MPD to be the very best it can be. The city of Minneapolis deserves the very best.”

Ruszczyk was an Australian native who’d moved to Minnesota in 2014 and was active in the community as a yoga and meditation instructor. Her wedding was scheduled for next month.

She called police last Saturday night about a possible sexual assault near her house, police said.

Police said a squad car entered an alley and Ruszczyk, 40, approached the driver’s side to talk with the officers.

The officer in the passenger seat shot and killed the unarmed Ruszczyk, police said.

No charges have been filed, but the officers have been placed on administrative leave.

In her first comments on the case Thursday, Harteau said the shooting “should not have happened. … On our squad cars, you will find the words: ‘To protect with courage and serve with compassion.’ This did not happen.”</s>Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges says she asked Chief Janee Harteau to resign because she had lost confidence in the chief.

Harteau stepped down Friday, almost a week after an Australian woman died after being shot by an officer responding to her 911 call. Harteau was away from the city until Thursday on personal matters.

Neither of the officers involved had their body cameras turned on at the time, which has drawn widespread criticism of the department.

Harteau was picked by Hodges' predecessor in 2012 to become the city's first female, first openly gay and first Native American police chief.

Hodges praised her work, but said she thought Harteau had lost the confidence of the residents of Minneapolis, too.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.</s>Taking one for the team.

In separate statements issued by the Minneapolis Police Department and the city, it was announced Police Chief Janee Harteau has resigned.

The resignation comes in the wake of the fatal officer involved shooting of 40-year-old Justine Damond.

n the statement from the Minneapolis Police Department, Harteau said she was proud of the work the department accomplished under her leadership, but the recent officer involved shooting had, “caused me to engage in deep reflection.”

“The recent incidents do not reflect the training and procedures we’ve developed as a department,” Harteau said in the statement. “Despite the MPD’s many accomplishments under my leadership over these years and my love for this city, I have to put the communities we serve first.”

Harteau said she was willing to step aside and, “Let a fresh set of leadership eyes see what more can be done for the MPD to be the very best it can be.”

The statement released by Mayor Betsy Hodges office said the mayor requested Harteau’s resignation.
Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau, upon reflection and at Mayor Betsy Hodges's request, resigns in the wake of last Saturday’s tragedy as well as some other recent incidents.