Minneapolis council rejects mayor's police chief nominee

The big picture: The city's police department has been without a permanent chief since Brian O'Hara's resignation in May. It comes amid a court-ordered reform process and increasing pressure within City Hall over MPD's past budgeting missteps.

Between the lines: Two council members who often side with Frey broke with the mayor to reject Peterson; both represent the historically Black North Side.

• Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw voted against Peterson because she preferred another candidate: Deputy Chief Charlie Adams, a former leader of the North Side's Fourth Precinct.
• Council Member Pearll Warren also voted no after saying it was "difficult to believe" Peterson was completely honest when he testified he hadn't personally heard officers use racist and discriminatory language.

The other side: Peterson had told the council that while he handled discipline cases involving derogatory language as a supervisor, he couldn't recall witnessing it himself. The response became one ongoing thread of his wide-ranging confirmation hearings.

Context: A U.S. Department of Justice investigation in 2023 concluded MPD routinely used unlawful excessive force against Black and Native American people.

What they're saying: Frey made an extraordinary plea from the dais to salvage Peterson's nomination, saying a rejection would leave MPD in "limbo" and a "no man's land."

• Frey warned the rejection could make it hard to lure external candidates.

What's next: Before the final vote, Peterson told council members he would remain as interim chief even if his nomination fell short.