Minneapolis Officer Fired After Liking Pro-Lynching Comment

Overview

• An internal probe found Officer Joseph Klimmek liked a March 2024 Facebook comment reading “Get a [r]ope and find a tree” and he admitted the like during investigative interviews.
• The department terminated Klimmek for violating its social media policy on Feb. 20 after then-Chief Brian O’Hara concluded Klimmek’s claimed unfamiliarity with lynching’s racial history made him unfit to serve.
• MPD records show Klimmek had prior discipline and at least 20 complaints going back to 2012, including multiple suspensions for separate incidents.
• Screenshots from an unofficial Facebook group of current and former Minneapolis police staff prompted the Internal Affairs review, highlighting challenges in policing officers’ private social media conduct and evidence gathering.
• The public memo and files arrive against wider oversight of MPD after state and federal findings of discriminatory practices, a context that could shape future discipline, training and public trust in the department.