Minneapolis Mayor Announces Departure of Police Chief Brian O’Hara
Brian O’Hara has resigned as chief of the Minneapolis Police Department after an internal investigation found he interfered with a probe into his conduct, according to Jacob Frey.
Frey said O’Hara chose to step down rather than face disciplinary action that could have included termination.
Investigation Findings
The investigation centered on allegations that O’Hara had inappropriate relationships with city employees. While those claims were not substantiated, investigators concluded he interfered with the inquiry.
According to reports, O’Hara allegedly deleted a contact card from his city-issued phone and informed another employee about the confidential investigation despite being told not to discuss it.
“Trust is not secondary to the job. It is the job,” Frey said while announcing the resignation.
Leadership During Reform Era
O’Hara became police chief in 2022 following the national outcry over the 2020 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. His hiring came as the city faced pressure to reform policing practices and rebuild public trust.
During his tenure, O’Hara also oversaw law enforcement responses to immigration-related protests and major public safety incidents, including the Annunciation Catholic School shooting last year.
The mayor’s office confirmed there are still 17 open complaints involving O’Hara that remain under investigation.
Interim Police Leadership
Katie Blackwell will serve as interim chief while city officials search for a permanent replacement.
For more on this story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.