Brian O’Hara resigns as Minneapolis police chief: 5 things to know as Mayor Jacob Frey speaks

According to KSTP, Frey wrote to council members minutes before publicly announcing O’Hara’s resignation, saying: “Today, I received an investigative report containing substantiated findings regarding Chief O’Hara’s leadership. This evening, I notified the Chief that I would discipline him up to and including termination, and he resigned. I have accepted his resignation. I know this news will come as a surprise to many.”

“Chief O’Hara takes office during one of the most difficult times in Minneapolis history. Under his leadership, the department has made meaningful progress in several important areas – from reform, rebuilding recruiting and retention efforts, to strengthening public safety efforts across the city. I remain grateful for his service to Minneapolis and the work he has done in this position. At the same time, my responsibility as mayor is to maintain the public’s trust in the agencies that serve our residents,” he added.

Frey concluded, “When I announced the reassignment of Chief, the information I had did not guarantee that outcome. The investigative report changed my assessment and ultimately necessitated my action. I knew there would be many questions surrounding this announcement. But during this transition, my focus remains on ensuring stability, continuity and trust in our city’s corporate leadership.”

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An overview of O’Hara’s investigative report reviewed by KSTP showed he deleted contacts from his phone to conceal his contact with witnesses in previous investigations. The previous investigation was looking into allegations that O’Hara had a sexual relationship with one or more city employees. However, the allegations were not substantiated, according to an investigative report conducted by Forsgren Fisher McCalmont DeMarea Tysver LLP.

O’Hara reportedly discussed the ongoing investigation with city staff but was instructed not to do so.

Frey said O’Hara briefed the chief on the results of the second investigation on Tuesday and informed him that disciplinary action would be taken before resigning.