Minneapolis Police Chief Resigns After Internal Probe

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara resigned Tuesday after an internal investigation found he interfered with a probe into his conduct, Mayor Jacob Frey said. Frey told reporters the chief chose to step down rather than accept disciplinary action that could have included termination.

The investigation determined O’Hara deleted a contact card from his city-issued phone and disclosed details of the inquiry to another employee after being instructed to keep it confidential.

Background on the investigation The original allegations centered on claims that O’Hara had engaged in intimate relationships with city employees. Investigators did not substantiate those claims, but concluded that O’Hara’s actions during the probe constituted a breach of trust.

Frey issued a written reprimand stating the interference risked the integrity of the investigation. The mayor said the decision to accept the resignation was necessary to maintain public confidence in the department.

Next steps for the department Assistant Police Chief Katie Blackwell has assumed leadership of the department on an acting basis while a search for a permanent replacement begins. The city still has 17 open complaints against O’Hara that are separate from the matter that led to his resignation. Officials said those complaints will continue to be investigated.

“Trust is not secondary to the job. It is the job.”

O’Hara was appointed chief in 2022 after the department faced national scrutiny following the killing of George Floyd. He led the force through subsequent federal negotiations over training and use-of-force policies that were later canceled.