Two Minneapolis Police Officers Placed on Leave After Racist Christmas Tree Display

Two Minneapolis police officers have been placed on leave pending an internal affairs investigation into what Mayor Jacob Frey called a “racist display” in the form of Christmas tree decorations in the North Side precinct.

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Longtime civil rights activist Ron Edwards called the Fourth Precinct tree decorations — a Newport cigarette pack, a can of Steel Reserve malt liquor, police tape, a bag of Takis and a cup from Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen — a “wink wink” to racist stereotypes.

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The photo, which first hit social media this week, created a hectic Friday at City Hall, with Frey condemning the decorations as “racist” and “despicable.” The mayor vowed that those responsible “will be fired before the day is over.”

Police Chief Medario Arrodondo

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The photo comes at a time when Minneapolis officials are working to repair community perceptions of police. The tension is particularly acute in the Fourth Precinct, where activists recently mourned the third anniversary of a police officer’s shooting of Clark, an unarmed black man. That 2015 shooting revived longstanding tension between some north Minneapolis residents and the police tasked with protecting them, and launched an 18-day activist demonstration at the police station.

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In a statement Friday, Arradondo said he was “ashamed and appalled by the behavior of those who would feel comfortable to act in such a manner that goes against our core department values of Trust, Accountability and Professional Service.” The chief said he has “initiated a full investigation and will make information public when possible in accordance with Minnesota State Statute.”

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Demand for reparations

As darkness fell Friday, a dozen community activists stood in front of the dimly lit precinct headquarters to condemn the tree display and demand reparations, including a healing event for residents.

“We are tired of being the city’s punching bag,” said former City Council candidate Raeisha Williams, adding that the incident has lent a sour note to Christmas for many North Siders.

“Here we’ve had our holiday taken away from us. Destroyed. Manipulated. By hate, bigotry and racism,” Williams said.

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BLM and other groups demanded the immediate firing of the officers involved, cultural competency training for Police Department employees and the addition of North Side community liaisons.

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