Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau stepped down from her role Friday after multiple city council members called for her resignation.
Harteau’s resignation comes just days after MPD Officer Mohamed Noor shot and killed Justine Damond, an Australia native, in south Minneapolis July 15. The incident sparked international outrage, with the Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull calling the shooting “shocking” and “inexplicable.” Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges said she was “heartsick and deeply disturbed” by the shooting.
“Last Saturday’s tragedy, as well as some other recent incidents, have caused me to engage in deep reflection,” Harteau said in a statement. “The recent incidents do not reflect the training and procedures we’ve developed as a Department. … I’ve decided I am willing to step aside to let a fresh set of leadership eyes see what more can be done for the MPD to be the very best it can be.”
In a statement, Hodges said she asked Harteau for her resignation today.
“As far as we have come, I’ve lost confidence in the Chief’s ability to lead us further,” Hodges said in a statement. “For us to continue to transform policing — and community trust in policing — we need new leadership at MPD.”
Harteau had been the Chief since 2012 and was the first female to assume the role. She had been with the MPD for over 30 years.
Update: Protesters interrupt Hodges’ press conference on Harteau resignation