Former Police Oversight Board Member Addresses Fatal Rochester Shooting

Justin Terrell calls for transparency and community conversations to address trauma after police kill Cleavon White.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police officer's holster, the leather texture and metal hardware sharply illuminated by a harsh flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the gritty, investigative nature of the police shooting incident.The trauma of another police shooting of a Black man in his home weighs heavily on the Rochester community, raising urgent calls for transparency and accountability.Rochester Today

Justin Terrell, a former member of the Minnesota Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) board, has addressed the fatal police shooting of Cleavon White in Rochester, Minnesota. Terrell described the incident as one of the 'scariest' scenarios for law enforcement, with officers responding to a domestic call where five children and White's partner were present. While the investigation is ongoing, Terrell said transparency and community-led conversations will be key to addressing the trauma in the community.

Why it matters

The shooting of Cleavon White, a Black man, by Rochester police has raised concerns about use of force and the need for accountability. As a former POST board member who helped rewrite use-of-force standards, Terrell's perspective provides important insight into the incident and the community's response.

The details

According to the report, police responded to a 'domestic-related' call at a Rochester apartment building on March 11, 2026. During the encounter, Cleavon White, 47, grabbed one of the officer's firearms, and a round was fired, striking a kitchen cabinet. Officer Josiah Duit then shot and killed White. Five children and White's partner were present at the time. Terrell, who served on the POST board that sets standards for Minnesota law enforcement, said the video footage released so far lacks context about what led to the decision to detain White on a 72-hour medical hold.

  • On March 11, 2026, Rochester police responded to a domestic-related call at an apartment building.
  • Cleavon White, 47, was shot and killed by police during the incident.

The players

Justin Terrell

The executive director of the Minnesota Justice Research Center and a former member of the Minnesota Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) board, which sets standards of conduct and use of force for law enforcement agencies in the state.

Cleavon White

A 47-year-old man who was shot and killed by Rochester police during the incident.

Josiah Duit

The Rochester police officer who shot and killed Cleavon White.

Levi Wilkin

A Rochester police officer who was on crisis leave pending the investigation into the incident.

Emily Dunford

A Rochester police officer who was on crisis leave pending the investigation into the incident.

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What they’re saying

“I can't imagine there's many other scenarios scarier than that, especially when there are children in the home.”

— Justin Terrell, Former POST Board Member

“Already, the community is missing context. We need to know what led up to that.”

— Justin Terrell, Former POST Board Member

“Watching another Black man being gunned down in his home, the community is going to have to deal with the trauma that brings.”

— Justin Terrell, Former POST Board Member

What’s next

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is conducting an independent investigation into the use of force, which Terrell said should conclude with transparency. Terrell also said the community should call for overall accountability, which could include a review or affirmation of the local crisis response team's actions.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for open, honest, and community-led conversations to address the trauma and build agency in the aftermath of such a tragic event. Terrell's perspective as a former police oversight board member provides valuable insight into the importance of transparency and accountability in these situations.