Union chief says they'll appeal officers' firing over tree decorations

Minneapolis police 4th precinct
Photo credit Entercom

Minneapolis Police Federation president Bob Kroll says they will appeal the firing of two MPD officers who were involved with controversial decorations on a Christmas tree.

The tree was displayed last November in the lobby of the Fourth Precinct headquarters, and the decorations were items invoked racial stereotypes about African Americans.

The decorations included a can of malt liquor, police crime tape, and a cup from a fried chicken restaurant.

This is a photo of a racist and derogatory Christmas tree at the Minneapolis 4th precinct. @jeremiah4north @CunninghamMPLS @Jacob_Frey We must demand an apology and commitment to build better community relations. This is unacceptable. pic.twitter.com/xNq4CUZUu5

— North by Northside (@northxnorthside) November 30, 2018

Officials with the Minneapolis police department say Mark Bohnsack's last day was August 1st, with Brandy Steberg let go four days later.

The two were placed on leave after a photo of the tree turned up on social media.

The tree was removed that same day.

RELATED: Tree decorations called racist

Mayor Jacob Frey was among the city leaders who condemned the decorations. The precinct's commander was demoted.

The Fourth Precinct of Minneapolis is in a predominantly black neighbhorhood, and not far from where Jamar Clark, an unarmed black man, was fatally shot after a fight with two police officers, who were not charged.