Minneapolis Police Chief Resigns Amid Allegations of Interfering with Misconduct Probe
The police chief who oversaw reforms in Minneapolis following George Floyd's death has resigned. Mayor Jacob Frey announced that Brian O'Hara resigned rather than face consequences for allegedly deleting evidence and interfering with an investigation into intimate relations with city staff. Frey stated that maintaining public trust was paramount and that O'Hara's actions constituted a breach of that trust. While an independent law firm found insufficient evidence for the sex claims, O'Hara's alleged deletion of a contact and warning a colleague about the investigation led to his resignation. Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell will serve as acting chief. O'Hara had faced prior criticism for his handling of federal operations and police responses to specific incidents, yet Frey had recently nominated him for another term, a decision he stated would not have been made had he known about the allegations.
TL;DR
- Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara resigned following allegations of interfering with an investigation.
- Mayor Jacob Frey announced the resignation, stating O'Hara chose to step down rather than face consequences.
- Allegations include deleting evidence and warning a colleague about the investigation.
- An investigation into sex claims did not find sufficient evidence, but interference allegations led to the resignation.
- Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell will serve as acting chief.
- Frey emphasized the critical role of public trust in the police chief's position.
- O'Hara had faced prior criticism regarding federal operations and response to shootings.
- Mayor Frey indicated he would not have nominated O'Hara for another term had he known about the allegations.