Nicole Mitchell body cam case raises continued concerns over public access and government transparency
The Minnesota Court of Appeals today ruled against Alpha News in its case seeking access to body and dash camera footage related to the arrest of former Minnesota State Senator Nicole Mitchell in Detroit Lakes.
The case, brought with representation from the Upper Midwest Law Center, raised important questions about public access to law enforcement footage involving the arrest of an elected official.
UMLC filed the lawsuit after Mitchell’s April 2024 arrest drew widespread public attention and conflicting public accounts. Mitchell was later convicted of felony first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools after unlawfully entering her stepmother’s home.
“We are disappointed in the Court’s decision, but the public interest in this footage remains clear,” said Doug Seaton, President and Founder of the Upper Midwest Law Center. “When an elected official is arrested and later convicted of serious criminal charges, Minnesotans deserve access to the facts. Transparency builds trust, and without access to the footage, important questions remain unanswered.”
UMLC is reviewing the opinion with client Alpha News and evaluating next steps.
Click here to read the opinion.