Crime & Safety
'Racist' Christmas Tree Condemned By Minneapolis Mayor
The tree was reportedly seen in the police precinct office in north Minneapolis.
MINNEAPOLIS — Mayor Jacob Frey has condemned what he's calling a "racist display" reportedly found in a Minneapolis police precinct. An image surfaced on social media this week showing a Christmas tree apparently decorated with beer cans, Takis and Funyuns bags, a cigarette box, and a Popeyes cup.
“This behavior is racist, despicable, and is well beneath the standards of any person who serves the city of Minneapolis," Frey said in a statement Friday.
"The offending party will be fired before the day is over."
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From my inbox: @Jacob_Frey says the police officer who made a racist display out of a Christmas tree at the North Side precinct will be "fired before the day is over." The tree included ornaments such as a Newport cigarette pack & Popeye's Chicken. pic.twitter.com/RqQjPWeBs6
— Jessica Lee (@byjessielee) November 30, 2018
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
Phillipe Cunningham, who represents north Minneapolis in the City Council, spoke out about the tree as well, calling it "inappropriate."
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"I spoke to Inspector Biard this morning. Every year an officer is assigned to decorate the tree," Cunningham wrote on Facebook.
"As a prank, another officer hung some inappropriate ornaments after it was decorated."
Inspector Aaron Biard, who commands the 4th precinct, had the decorations removed.
The officer responsible "was both disciplined and coached," according to Cunningham, who says there will be cultural sensitivity training and a community outreach event planned.
Chief Medaria Arradondo said he's "ashamed and appalled" by the incident and has initiated a full investigation.
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