Chairman of Iowa City’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission arrested following meeting, city officials say “situation could have been addressed in a more private manner”

Lang
11/6/21

A member of Iowa City’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been arrested.

That’s according to a news release from city officials. It says shortly after the conclusion of Thursday’s Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission meeting, an Iowa City Police officer noticed Commission chairman Mohamed Traore in the lobby of City Hall on East Washington St. The officer knew Traore had an active warrant for his arrest related to a 2019 second offense operating while intoxicated charge.

After speaking with Traore and confirming the validity of the warrant, Traore was taken to the Johnson County Jail.

The news release says that while the officers acted in accordance with the law, city officials acknowledge the situation could have been addressed in a more private manner removed from the context of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission meeting.

Iowa City Police Chief Dustin Liston released the following quote: “While I believe our officers were acting with the best intentions, I am keenly aware of the message the timing of this arrest sends to our community. We support the mission of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and will continue to work to build trust with members of the community.”

Online records show Traore will begin serving a seven-day sentence on January 1st.