Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has resigned following an investigation into allegations that he interfered with an internal inquiry related to his conduct while serving as police chief. Mayor Jacob Frey confirmed the resignation Tuesday evening during a press conference.
According to city officials and investigative findings, allegations involving inappropriate relationships with city employees were investigated but were reportedly not substantiated. However, investigators determined that O’Hara interfered with the investigation by deleting contact information from his city-issued phone and discussing the investigation despite instructions not to do so.
Mayor Frey stated that the issue ultimately became one of public trust and accountability, saying leadership within the Minneapolis Police Department requires integrity and transparency. Rather than face potential disciplinary action, O’Hara submitted his resignation.
O’Hara had served as Minneapolis police chief since 2022 and was the first chief appointed after the 2020 murder of George Floyd and the subsequent police reform efforts that reshaped the department. During his tenure, he became known for emphasizing police reform, rebuilding staffing levels, and addressing violent crime concerns across Minneapolis.
Following O’Hara’s resignation, Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell will serve as acting chief while city leaders search for a permanent replacement.
The resignation has also sparked criticism and debate among Minneapolis City Council members regarding oversight, transparency, and the handling of the investigations by city leadership.
