Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Police Chief Resigns After Threat, Mayor Appoints Acting Chief

5/27/2026

46 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Police Chief Brian O’Hara resigned after Mayor Jacob Frey warned him that disciplinary action up to discharge would be taken.
An investigative report found Police Chief Brian O’Hara deleted a phone contact to conceal a link to a witness in the probe of alleged sexual relationships with city employees.
Mayor Jacob Frey appointed Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell as acting chief, praised O’Hara’s reforms, and urged preservation of public trust.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 Mollen Commission, appointed by Mayor David Dinkins, documented widespread NYPD abuse in the late 1980s and early 1990s, building on the 1970 Knapp Commission’s earlier revelations. Its call for a permanent oversight agency set a precedent that resurfaced when Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey warned Police Chief Brian O’Hara, leading to O’Hara’s resignation.

1 of 2

Story summary

Police Chief Brian O’Hara resigned after Mayor Jacob Frey warned him that disciplinary action up to discharge would be taken.
An investigative report found Police Chief Brian O’Hara deleted a phone contact to conceal a link to a witness in the probe of alleged sexual relationships with city employees.
Mayor Jacob Frey appointed Assistant Chief Katie Blackwell as acting chief, praised O’Hara’s reforms, and urged preservation of public trust.

1 / 2