MINNEAPOLIS – Two Minneapolis police officers involved in a 2018 controversy surrounding Christmas tree decorations city leaders called racist and insulting to 4th precinct residents have been fired.
Images of the Christmas tree in north Minneapolis’ 4th Precinct station went viral in November 2018. Some of the decorations included Newport cigarettes, malt liquor, Funyuns, Popeye’s cup, and crime scene tape.
Following the incident, leaders condemned the Christmas tree decorations, saying they were offensive to the neighborhood, which is predominantly black, WCCO reported.
Video released in December 2018 showed Minneapolis police officers decorating the Christmas tree.
“This behavior is racist, despicable, and is well beneath the standards of any person who serves the city of Minneapolis,” Minneapolis Mayor Frey said when the pictures appeared on social media. “Racism and intolerance is absolutely unacceptable, and that should especially be the case amongst our city employees.”
A community listening session with Minneapolis police was held in February, when the officers were still on leave, to help them hire the next inspector in the 4th Precinct.
Minneapolis Police Federation President Lt. Bob Kroll said the terminations will be appealed.
Law Officer
Latest posts by Law Officer (see all)
- Oklahoma men accused of cannibalism perform castration on willing participant, police say - October 22, 2020
- Miami Attorney arrested for series of bank robberies - October 22, 2020
- FBI took possession of purported Hunter Biden laptop in 2019 - October 22, 2020
- Murder suspect pulls gun, gets critically wounded as deputies take him into custody - October 22, 2020
- K9 Sarge ends career with plenty of finds and apprehensions - October 21, 2020
