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Damond supporters react to Noor charges

The community reacts to the news that Minneapolis Police Officer Mohamed Noor has been charged in the death of Justine Damond.

MINNEAPOLIS - Even eight months later, a memorial has remained in the south Minneapolis community to remember Justine Damond and to demand justice.

"It seems like the Hennepin County attorney does believe there's cause for a full trial for the homicide and death of Justine Damond,” said Todd Schuman, a spokesperson for a community group called Justice for Justine.

Schuman said it's been a rocky eight months. But Tuesday, he says, the community feels relief to see that Minneapolis Police Officer Mohamed Noor was charged for the death of Justine Damond.

"We're holding Justine's family in our hearts,” said Schuman.

Justice for Justine held a press conference and rally at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at 50th and Washburn, chanting "Justice for All" and "Justice for Justine."

Damond was shot to death in an alley outside her home by Noor. Schuman says she was remembered as a beautiful soul.

"She was a warm individual, cared a lot about the people in her community," said Schuman.

And the community perception, he says, has forever changed.

"I think it shattered the illusion a lot of us had in this neighborhood that these kinds of things can't happen here and we saw that they absolutely can happen here," said Schuman.

Justine Damond's friends and supporters rallied on Tuesday after Officer Mohamed Noor was charged in her death. (Photo: KARE 11)

The Family released a statement Tuesday, stating: "No charges can bring our Justine back. However, justice demands accountability for those responsible for recklessly killing the fellow citizens they are sworn to protect, and today's actions reflect that."

Those at the Tuesday rally called for justice and police department reform.

"Justine has become our teacher. I ask each of you to learn from the injustice in her death," said Katherine Hamberg, Fulton resident. "We need a conviction, we want assurances that will come in a Minneapolis court. This isn't just about getting justice for Justine. This is about getting justice for all."

“We aren’t celebrating the charging, we are celebrating a chance there may be a conviction and we won’t accept no less than a conviction. That is justice for Justine,” said John Thompson, friend of Philando Castile. “What happened to Justine happened to every last one of us, I don’t’ care what color you are.”

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