Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara resigned on May 26, 2026. The departure follows an investigation that confirmed he deleted evidence related to allegations of sexual relationships with city employees.
Mayor Jacob Frey announced the resignation during an evening press conference. He explained that O’Hara chose to step down prior to the imposition of disciplinary measures.
“Today, I have an extremely difficult announcement to make regarding police chief Brian O’Hara... I informed the chief that I would be disciplining him up to and including discharge and he resigned. I have accepted his resignation,” Frey stated.
The mayor further addressed the findings in his remarks. “Your behavior, as substantiated by the investigation, demonstrates poor judgment, is inconsistent with the level of integrity this role requires,” he said.
O’Hara assumed the position of police chief in November 2022. His tenure lasted just over three years before the substantiated misconduct led to his exit.
The probe focused on claims of personal conduct violations. Investigators determined that O’Hara had removed materials from the case file during the review process.
Frey noted that resignation occurred to avoid formal termination proceedings. This decision came after the investigation reached its conclusions on the evidence tampering.
Media outlets including MPR News first reported the development Tuesday evening. The Minnesota Star Tribune and The New York Times provided additional details on the personnel investigation outcomes.
The Minneapolis Police Department now faces a leadership transition. Law enforcement agencies across the region will monitor how the city addresses the vacancy in command.
City officials have not named an interim chief at this time. The department continues its operations under existing command structure pending further appointments.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in upholding ethical standards at senior levels of law enforcement. Further review of departmental policies may follow as the city seeks a successor capable of rebuilding public confidence in police leadership.
