The governor of Minnesota, Mark Dayton, said Thursday there was "every indication" that police conduct in the fatal shooting of a black motorist was "way in excess" of what the situation warranted.

"I can't say how shocked I am and how deeply, deeply offended that this would occur in Minnesota to somebody who got pulled over for a tail light being out of order," Dayton told reporters, calling the situation "absolutely appalling" on all levels.