November 12, 2026 Mayor Frey responds to Council vote on MPD Chief confirmation press conference

Mayor Frey held a press conference on November 12, 2026, responding to the City Council’s vote against confirming interim Chief Billy Peterson as Minneapolis police chief. Frey defended Peterson’s qualifications and the selection process, and said Peterson would remain interim chief for the foreseeable future, subject to his own decision about whether to continue in the role or remain a candidate. Frey said he was considering whether to veto the council’s decision, with a decision legally due by Wednesday or Thursday of the following week, and that the city would also explore other candidates if needed.

Frey criticized the council’s decision and discussed the operational and morale effects of not having a permanent police chief, while acknowledging council members’ authority to make their own choices. He described community engagement and candidate interviews conducted during the selection process. No procurement, contract, spending, or budget actions were identified.