Philando Castile’s Killer Placed Back on Admin Leave Following Outcry

By Kenrya Rankin Aug 26, 2016

Last week, Jeronimo Yanez—the St. Anthony Police Department officer who killed Philando Castile—was removed from administrative leave and placed on office duty. Yanez was suspended immediately following the shooting, the aftermath of which was livestreamed on Facebook.

Local activists were not happy with the decision, and, as Mic.com reports, they redoubled their protest efforts outside the department headquarters and Ramsey County Attorney John Chois office. Now, it appears their voices have been heard.

On Wednesday (August 24), the department reversed the decision in response to the outcry. The department posted a statement on its website:

The City of St. Anthony has changed Officer Jeronimo Yanez’s status with the city’s police department. He will now return to administrative leave. The decision to change Officer Yanez’s status was made after reviewing concerns and other feedback from the community. Out of respect to the sensitive nature of the tragic incident and the concerns from the community, the mayor, city council and city manager have decided to make this change. Officer Yanez’s status with the department will be reviewed when the investigation process related to the incident is complete.

Yanez, who is Latinx, shot Castile, who is Black, during a traffic stop on July 6.