Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey responding to some direct questions about the resignation of former Chief Brian O'Hara, the same day he named a new interim police chief.
CHAD HARTMAN: "Did you misjudge the character of Brian O'Hara considering what he did?"
MAYOR JACOB FREY: "Well, we - what we do is we operate off of evidence and facts."
Frey fielding a number of difficult questions from WCCO Radio's Chad Hartman about O'Hara. Facing discipline, or even termination, O'Hara chose to resign last week.
HARTMAN: "Are you questioning how strongly you backed him during the time he was here?"
"I think in any circumstance Chad, you operate with the facts that you've got," Frey answered Hartman.
O'Hara resigned after it was revealed that he interfered with an investigation into his alleged misconduct.
"You have to maintain trust both with the city, with the department, and frankly with me," Frey continues.
The mayor has appointed an interim police chief following the resignation. First Precinct Inspector Bill Peterson will take over as the city conducts a nationwide search for the next permanent chief.
Frey telling WCCO's Chad Hartman that they will open it up to current officers as well, and he will work with the City Council after claims from members they've been left out of the process entirely.
"Obviously they are part of the confirmation process for a new chief," Frey added. "I appoint, they confirm. And we're going to look for ways to partner to get a chief across the line to lead the department."
