Minneapolis Police Chief Resigns Amid Investigation Findings
Brian O’Hara, the Minneapolis Police Chief who assumed his role following the death of George Floyd, resigned on Tuesday after an investigation revealed he obstructed inquiries into his conduct.
Mayor Accepts Resignation, Emphasizes Trust in Leadership
Mayor Jacob Frey confirmed that he accepted O’Hara’s resignation. During a news conference that evening, Frey emphasized the importance of trust in leadership. “This doesn’t mean we don’t tolerate mistakes—everyone makes them, including me. What I won’t tolerate is a violation of trust,” he stated. He further asserted that trust is integral to the role of Minneapolis Police Chief and that once broken, it poses challenges for effective leadership.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation was initiated last year after the mayor’s office received an anonymous complaint suggesting that O’Hara had engaged in a sexual relationship with a city employee. Though an external inquiry ultimately deemed the allegations unfounded, further scrutiny revealed issues surrounding O’Hara’s behavior during the investigation process.
Interference with Investigative Processes
According to Frey, subsequent findings indicated that O’Hara had interfered with the investigative process. Evidence obtained by NBC News showed that O’Hara deliberately deleted contact cards from his city-issued cellphone—specifically to conceal connections with a city employee from investigators. These contact cards were present and accounted for as of May 1, 2025, only to disappear by May 7—an action for which no logical explanation was found. O’Hara consistently denied in interviews that he deleted any contacts.
Violation of Instructions Highlighted
The report further outlined that O’Hara had discussed the ongoing investigation despite clear directives not to do so. He reportedly informed a staff member that his cellphone had been confiscated as part of the investigative process, an act of communication deemed inappropriate by investigators.
Consequences of the Investigation
Although Frey stated that O’Hara’s actions did not alter the results of the original investigation, they constituted a serious “breach of trust.” The mayor indicated to O’Hara that disciplinary measures, including potential termination, were forthcoming, leading to O’Hara’s decision to resign.
Future Actions and Ongoing Complaints
In a formal letter, Frey noted that O’Hara would receive a written reprimand for “grave misconduct.” Jennifer Roe, a spokesperson for the mayor’s office, revealed that there are 17 other unresolved complaints against O’Hara, though specific details regarding these cases were not disclosed.
Department Leadership Transition
In the wake of O’Hara’s resignation, Todd Barnett, Director of the Minneapolis Department of Community Safety, acknowledged O’Hara’s contributions, saying he had played a significant role in advancing police reform and managing the department during challenging times. “We will continue to move forward, building trust through transparency, accountability, and collaboration with our communities,” Barnett affirmed. Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell will serve as acting chief immediately, as stated by Mayor Frey.
