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Minnesota Governor Calls for Federal Investigation Into Philando Castile’s Death as ‘Black Lives Matter’ Protests Erupt
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton speaks outside the Governor's Mansion following the police shooting death of a black man on July 7, 2016 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Philando Castile was shot and killed last night, July 6, 2016, by a police officer in Falcon Heights, MN. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Minnesota Governor Calls for Federal Investigation Into Philando Castile’s Death as ‘Black Lives Matter’ Protests Erupt

Here's what Diamond Reynolds - Castile's fiancee - had to say.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (D) officially called for a federal investigation into the death of Philando Castile, a Minnesota man killed by police during a traffic stop Wednesday, as “Black Lives Matter” protests erupted outside the governor’s mansion.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (D) speaks outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul Thursday following the police shooting death of a black man. Philando Castile was shot and killed Wednesday night by a police officer in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

“I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community of Philando Castile. Our state today grieves with them,” Dayton said in a statement Thursday:

This morning, I spoke by phone with White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough to request that the U.S. Department of Justice begin an immediate independent federal investigation into this matter. Overnight, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension began an independent investigation at the state level. They are currently collecting all necessary evidence, and interviewing witnesses, to determine what happened, and to assure that justice in this case is served. I will do everything in my power to help protect the integrity of that investigation, to ensure a proper and just outcome for all involved.

According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Dayton, "flanked by black activists," also "briefly addressed" those in attendance, telling them, he would "do everything in [his] power to protect the integrity of" the state-level investigation.

Castlie’s fiancee, Diamond Reynolds, filmed the aftermath of the shooting and posted it on Facebook Live. Their child was in the car at the time of the incident.

In a video captured by Leila Navidi, a visual journalist for the Star-Tribune, Reynolds told protesters she posted the video “so that the world knows these police are not here to protect and serve us.”

“They are here to assassinate us ... because we are black,” Reynolds said.

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