KARE 11 Sees Backlash After Firing Sven Sundgaard

TWIN CITIES, MN — KARE 11 shocked many viewers Friday afternoon when it announced it had fired longtime and popular meteorologist Sven Sundgaard.

"Due to continued violations of KARE 11's news and ethics and other policies, we have made the decision to part ways with Sven Sundgaard," the TV station said in a post on its Facebook page.

"We hope you continue to turn to KARE 11 for your news, traffic, weather, and more."

The news station did not say what the "violations" were.

RELATED: Sven Sundgaard Discusses Firing: 'I Disagree With' KARE 11 Claims

According to the Star Tribune, Sundgaard recently reposted comments from Minneapolis Rabbi Michael Adam Latz. The newspaper said Latz had described anti-coronavirus shutdown protesters as "white nationalist Nazi sympathizer gun fetishist miscreants."

Many viewers were upset with the TV station's decision. "I am on the side of science and Sven. Due to the poor ethics of KARE 11, I have decided to part ways with KARE 11," commented Leah Ganzer Yoemans.

"Glad He Didn't support The Mayhem! God Bless Him and His Family!" wrote L.B. Riser Lopez.

One viewer, Stephanie Hawkins, commented that while she understood why the decision was made, she will no longer be watching KARE 11:

"I understand why it was done — every network has standards on-air talent are expected to abide by. However, Sven was part of the reason I watched Kare11, so I'll just choose another network for my news."

Other viewers voiced their support for the station's decision.

Katie Bondhus commented: "Wow, kudos to you KARE11. I was shocked when I heard that a media figure would say what he said, I thought it must have been untrue. I'm still shocked that he said those things, but I am impressed that you, as a station, chose to keep some integrity in your affiliations. Whether we agree with what Sven said or not, he has some responsibility to be neutral in public statements. I'm proud of you, KARE11."

Sundgaard had worked at KARE 11 since 2006.