safety
Minneapolis police officer with history of discipline fired after liking comment about lynching Black man
By Emily Baude at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 3, 2026
· 3 min read
A Minneapolis police officer with a history of discipline was fired from the department in February after liking a social media comment referring to lynching, according to a memo from former Police Chief Brian O’Hara to the Internal Affairs Division.
An internal investigation into former Offic...
Key takeaway During an internal review, Klimmek admitted to liking the comment, adding that he had “assumed” the shooter’s race was “African American.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The firing of Officer Joseph Klimmek raises concerns about the Minneapolis Police Department's ability to root out officers who hold biases that can impact their interactions with the community. Klimmek's history of discipline, including at least three suspensions, suggests a pattern of behavior that is troubling. The fact that he liked a comment referencing lynching, a horrific act with a long and painful history in the United States, particularly for Black people, is a stark example of the kind of bias that can erode trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Former Police Chief Brian O'Hara's memo highlights the need for officers to understand the historical context of such actions and to be aware of the impact their words and actions can have on the community. This incident will likely be watched closely by community leaders and residents who are seeking greater accountability from the MPD.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Minneapolis police officer with a history of discipline was fired from the department in February after liking a social media comment referring to lynching, according to a memo from former Police Chief Brian O’Hara to the Internal Affairs Division.
An internal investigation into former Offic...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Emily Baude at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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