TWIN CITIES, MN — A very public and contentious rift between Twin Cities LGBT leaders and the Minneapolis Police Department has opened up in the last week. The organizers of Twin Cities Pride have asked police officers not to march in the popular Minneapolis parade on Sunday following the verdict in the Philando Castile case. Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau, the first lesbian to lead the department, responded Thursday, calling the move "divisive" in a letter to Dot Belstler, the Executive Director of Twin Cities Pride.

"I am beyond disappointed that you didn't feel you could talk with me before making such a divisive decision that has really hurt so many in our community including the LGBT members of this Department (and their family members), and those who serve and protect throughout our state," Harteau wrote.



"I really struggle to see how this decision helps our community heal and the message of division and not inclusion is hurtful to many of us. Police officers are more than just officers they are human beings with families who are also part of this community," she added.