St. Paul police release body cam footage of Rep. John Thompson traffic stop

In a July 4 traffic stop Rep. John Thompson presented a valid Wisconsin driver's license, even though he has lived in Minnesota many years by his own account.


Welcome to the official YouTube channel of KARE 11 News. Subscribe to our channel for compelling and dramatic storytelling, award winning investigations, breaking news and information you can use.


Text your photos, videos and news tips to 763-797-7215.

[TheKingmanthe]

How can you profile someone at night and from the back in a car that is tinted ? He was missing a plate as well…crying fake racism overshadows actually victims of racism’s

[MrWilky]

Wow…this movement of everything is racist has played itself out and wasn’t very impressive.

[jimbrown]

Oh boy, another man not paying child support. Then driving while his driving privileges had been suspended. Read that again "driving PRIVILEGE". So is it safe to say that John Thompson thinks that he should get special black privileges? That he can drive illegally and not pay child support?

[The.Nasty.]

Black man cries racism as he is driving on a suspended license for failing to pay child support.

Way to be another walking stereotype, brother.

[francisnoel]

Lol, a lawmaker breaking multiple laws going around bringing out the race card sounds perfect to me. You have forever played yourself

[cmaxmillion]

So he is a state rep In Minnesota and was behind in child support? Wow. Good job Minnesota.

[andykaufman]

I wonder what his excuse is for not feeding and clothing his children, racism? It's Minnesota folks, move along.

[FREEDOM-qbdb]

Thompson was driving with a suspended Wisconsin drivers liscence.
Thompson has never held a Minnesota license.
His license was suspended in 2019 for failure to pay child support.
Thompson was driving with no front plate.
The Democratic state representative is also facing controversy over his residency, as the address listed on his July 4 ticket is for a St. Paul address that is not in his district.

[lonwoock]

This is what happens when people tell you everything is about race. The guy was driving without a front plate and on a suspended DL. He demanded special treatment due to his race.

[thereisnoother]

so a cop can't pull over a black person now?

[l-ringer]

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the world we live in. Thanks Joe.

[Arnt]

How can a man like that be trusted as a politician? Lying, not paying child support, breaking laws... He should be suspended!

[MrAlittle]

No wonder why our younger generation doesn't like police. He sets a great example on how to act when you get pulled over by the police. Kind of curious on how this case is going to end up. Being that he's a state representative politician this whole thing will probably get swept under the rug and it will probably be forgotten. Then when it comes up for re-election the people will forget all about this and vote him in again.

[blogovich]

Let me just start off by saying that right out of the gate the Represntative is disrespectful and condescending to the law enforcement officer. He does not address him as Sir or Officer. He calls him Bro. and is not cooperative or calm in his tone not to mention accusatory at the end, when the officer provides two reasons for pulling him over. He knows that he does not have a front plate which he knows is against the law and then the representateive makes himself look guilty of speeding. There are only a few seconds of audio missng after the officer approaches the window. Clearly the officer has not stated any specific accusations at this point. As the audio starts, the officer simply asks "Why are you in such a hurry?" to which the Rep responds "I don't think I took off like a bat out of hell (....inaudible)" The fact of the matter is he is incrminating himself in any reasonable persn's eyes becasue in his defensive denial and responsem he is adding specific information and context that has not been alleged.
His license is supended and he is a starte represntative.
Then there is the issue that he has not paid child support and he is an elected state representative.
The initial response ha been to question whether he committed perjury when he renewed hsi wisconsin license. His residency should be investigated. He has never held a minnesota license but he is required to live in the district where he is a representative. His license must have a Wisconsin address on it. THere is a potential for perjury among other crimes if he does not live in Minneota. I wonder where is he registerd to vote? Where has he voted?

[michaelpunziano]

Not paying child support? Imagine that!

[jpdominator]

So, I’m assuming his car was towed and he had a friend come pick him up, since he was not allowed to be driving. Right? Right??

[samboy]

Same O same O. Breaking the law and blame it on the damn police again!

[bigtuna]

If I was that cop the FIRST thing I’d say to him is “I’m not your bro!” Second thing would be “sign here, It’s not an admission of guilt it’s a promise to appear in court, if you show up you can tell it to the judge”

[kitdinker]

Idiot state rep - "They suspended my Minnesota drivers license?? Well I'll just go get a Wisconsin license."

[bills]

When caught doing something wrong, throw out the race card. Yawn. So typical.