The Upper Midwest Law Center (UMLC) presented its case before the Becker County District Court Monday, June 9, requesting the release of police body and dash camera footage related to the April 22, 2024, arrest of Senator Nicole Mitchell.

Representing Alpha News, UMLC filed the lawsuit seeking transparency about the events surrounding Mitchell’s arrest in Detroit Lakes. The release of the body and dash cam footage is critical to clarifying discrepancies between Senator Mitchell’s public statements and the allegations in the criminal complaint, which have sparked public controversy. This case was back before the District Court after UMLC’s victory at the Minnesota Court of Appeals.

“This footage would give Minnesotans the information they need to hold elected officials accountable in the wake of Senator Mitchell’s arrest, no matter what happens at Senator Mitchell’s upcoming criminal trial,” said Alexandra Howell, UMLC Trial & Appellate Counsel. “As we explained to the Becker County Court in today’s hearing, Alpha News seeks to provide a great public service to the people of Minnesota by giving them access to footage from the arrest. We remain committed to this fight for transparency and look forward to a decision from the District Court soon.”

The complaint, filed under Minnesota Statutes, section 13.82, subdivision 7, sought to release the footage, arguing that the public benefit of disclosure outweighs any harm to Senator Mitchell. Several public figures, including Governor Tim Walz, have called for more details about the incident.