<br /> <p>Twin Cities Pride officials on Friday, June 23, reversed its decision</a> on not allowing uniformed, off-duty police officers to participate in its annual parade and also issued an apology</a>.</p><p>The group had asked the department to sit out the parade in light of the recent acquittal of a former St. Anthony Police officer in the shooting death of Philando Castile. The shooting and acquittal has sparked protests by activists.</p><p>The decision to reverse course came hours after Twin Cities Pride officials met with Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau.</p><p>Harteau, the city’s first lesbian chief, issued a short video response in which she said she wanted to recognize and acknowledge everyone’s viewpoints. She also said police and pride officials had a “thoughtful conversation.”</p><p>“I look forward to future discussions. I look forward to seeing everyone out at the parade on Sunday,” she said.</p><p>Harteau had sent a letter</a> on Thursday expressing her disappointment in the organization’s decision to exclude officers from the parade. Credit: Minneapolis Police Department via Storyful</p><br />
