Minneapolis police chief apologizes for deeply offensive comments made by activist at training

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara apologized for activist Harry "Spike" Moss's comments during a police training session that were deemed offensive and inappropriate. Moss's remarks included references to Nazi uniforms in police lockers and claims that nine out of ten police shootings involved suspects being shot in the back. O'Hara expressed disappointment particularly regarding Moss's assertion about Officer Jerry Haaf, who was killed by gang members in 1992, and he subsequently reached out to Haaf's daughter to express his sorrow. The Minneapolis police union also condemned Moss's statements, describing them as inflammatory and disrespectful to police officers. O'Hara emphasized that the seminar aimed to foster honest conversation about the department's past and future.

The Minneapolis Police Department has faced ongoing scrutiny and calls for reform, especially following high-profile incidents involving police violence. Moss is a prominent activist known for his contributions to civil rights in Minneapolis, including efforts to desegregate city services. The incident underscores the complexities of community-police relations and the challenges in addressing historical grievances.