UMVA has learned that Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey faced intense backlash on Monday after a social media post paying tribute to George Floyd, whose death six years ago sparked widespread protests and calls to reform law enforcement.
Frey's post on X read: "Today, we remember George Floyd, who was murdered by a former Minneapolis police officer six years ago. That moment changed our city forever." He went on to acknowledge that Floyd's death forced the city to confront difficult truths about race, policing, and trust, and to have tough conversations about accountability.
The mayor's message, however, was met with swift criticism, particularly since Monday was also Memorial Day. Many saw Frey's post as insensitive and attention-seeking, especially on a day dedicated to honoring fallen heroes.
State Rep. Randy Fine was among those who expressed outrage, writing: "Newsflash: Today is Memorial Day, not George Floyd Day. Show our fallen heroes and their families some freaking respect. You're a complete disgrace to America, @MayorFrey."
Others chimed in, pointing out that Floyd's death had led to destructive riots and economic damage across the country. Reporter Andy Ngo commented: "It changed your city, state and my country for the worse. Rioters on your side killed people and did billions in economic damage. And for what? Defunding police policies that have led to more people being killed."
The controversy surrounding Floyd's death is still complex and contentious. While the official autopsy ruled his death a homicide caused by police restraint, the medical examiner's report also noted that Floyd had high levels of fentanyl in his system and had recently used methamphetamine.
Tomi Lahren and Dustin Grage were among those who criticized Frey's post, with Lahren expressing shock and Grage saying: "Today we remember the veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. Not drug addicts who overdosed."
In a separate post, Frey did eventually honor veterans who had made the ultimate sacrifice, saying: "We owe them — and the families who carry their memory forward — our deepest gratitude."
