Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara resigned from his position after Mayor Jacob Frey confirmed he interfered with an investigation into his conduct. The announcement came Tuesday following revelations that O’Hara deliberately deleted evidence from his city-issued cell phone during the probe. He had led the department since November 2022, overseeing operations during several high-profile incidents in the city.
The investigation stemmed from an anonymous complaint filed last year alleging O’Hara engaged in sexually intimate relationships with city employees. An extensive outside investigation was conducted, with numerous staff members participating in interviews. Several months ago, investigators concluded the allegations were not substantiated, a finding that remains unchanged.
Evidence tampering discovered during investigation process
Mayor Frey received a second report Tuesday revealing that O’Hara had interfered with the original investigation. Investigators discovered he intentionally deleted a contact card for an individual from his city-issued cell phone during the probe in an apparent attempt to hide his connection to that person. The chief also violated instructions by discussing the investigation with another city employee, informing them his city phone had been confiscated for the probe.
The interference did not change the ultimate conclusion regarding the relationship allegations. However, Frey emphasized the deletion and disclosure represented a fundamental breach of trust. He informed O’Hara he would face disciplinary action up to and including termination. The chief chose to resign, and Frey accepted the resignation immediately.
Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell assumes leadership role
Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell will take over O’Hara’s position as the new leader of the Minneapolis Police Department. The transition comes at a critical time for the department, which has worked extensively to rebuild credibility and trust with both the community and within its own ranks following years of scrutiny.
O’Hara served as chief during several significant events, including the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration crackdown that occurred earlier this year. His tenure also included efforts to overhaul police training and use-of-force policies in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.
Mayor emphasizes trust as essential component of leadership
Frey described the decision as extremely painful but necessary. He stated that everyone makes mistakes, including himself, but he cannot allow a breach of trust from the department’s top leader. The mayor emphasized that trust is not secondary to the job of Minneapolis Police Chief but rather is the job itself.
- Original investigation concluded allegations were not substantiated
- O’Hara deleted contact card from city phone during probe
- Chief discussed investigation with another employee despite instructions
- Interference constituted breach of trust according to mayor
- 17 additional complaints against O’Hara remain under investigation
When trust is broken, continued effective leadership becomes extremely difficult, Frey explained. He noted the department has invested significant effort in rebuilding credibility with residents and officers. Staff and community members need confidence not just in the department as an institution but also in the person leading it.
Additional complaints remain under investigation
The city continues to investigate 17 open complaints against O’Hara that are separate from the investigation that led to his resignation. Mayor’s office spokesperson Jennifer Lor confirmed the ongoing investigations but could not comment on the nature of those complaints. The cases will proceed independently of the interference matter that prompted O’Hara’s departure.
The resignation marks another chapter in the Minneapolis Police Department’s ongoing transformation. The department has faced intense public scrutiny and demands for reform since 2020. While the right decision was clear in this case, Frey acknowledged it was not made lightly, given the challenges facing the department and the need for stable leadership during a period of significant change.