I see that the Minneapolis Police Department has awarded medals to the officers who raided the wrong house, under the justification that they "performed very bravely under gunfire and made smart decisions."

Those same criteria apply to the man whose home they raided, Vang Khang, who "thought he was being robbed. Khang shot through his bedroom door at the officers until he understood who they were."

Why is his bravery and intelligence under fire any less worthy of recognition? Minneapolis Police Department Policy 2-306.01 states: "The Citizen's Award of Valor may be awarded to citizens for exemplary and heroic acts that expose them to considerable danger."

I'd say Mr. Khang qualifies just as much -- if not more so -- than his assailants. If there is any fairness, he would also be recognized.

Since it needs to be initiated by an MPD employee, I call on Chief Tim Dolan to nominate and approve Mr. Khang for the award without delay.

DAVID CODREA, HUDSON, OHIO

David Codrea's LTE got <a href=http://www.startribune.com/opinion/letters/26192089.html target=new>published</a> (second letter):

And when Chief Dolan says that officers shot in the line of duty always and automatically get an award, I hope he can tell the news media whether any medal, decoration or honor was given to the undercover officer who was machine-gunned a couple of years ago -- by another cop!

OLIVER STEINBERG, ST. PAUL

Minneapolis to pay $600,000 over botched raid
The City Council approved the settlement with a family whose home in north Minneapolis was mistakenly raided last year.

By STEVE BRANDT, Star Tribune

Last update: December 12, 2008 - 1:59 PM

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The Minneapolis City Council today approved a settlement of more than $600,000 for a family whose house was accidentally raided by a SWAT team last year.

The biggest chunk of the settlement is a $600,000 payment. The city will also pay nearly $18,000 for the cost of the family's medical care.

Acting on information from an informant, a SWAT team broke into Khang Vang's north Minneapolis house last December, expecting to find gang members and illegal activity. But Vang thought the SWAT team members were criminal intruders and shot through his bedroom door to protect his wife and six children. Three officers were hit, but were not injured because they were wearing protective gear. The family also escaped injury even though police fired at least 22 rounds.

Police later admitted that the raid was a mistake and apologized to the family.

After the incident, the family said it could no longer live in the home and that at least one child needed therapy. Under part of the settlement, the city will also purchase the home, which is part of the $600,000, and will work to improve its relationship with the Hmong community.

Minneapolis police were criticized this summer when they awarded medals of bravery to the eight officers who took part in the raid. Mayor R.T. Rybak later said that it sent a wrong message to give the medals.

$600K to Khang family: not quite priceless.

Cripes. Where's the outrage over this?

Cripes. Where's the outrage over this?

I am so glad this man had the foresight to arm himself.

Furthermore, I fear this settlement was from city insurance and no-one has learned anything (except perhaps the victim and perhaps his neighbors).

The city insures itself.