Head Of MN AFL-CIO Calls For Cop Union's Bob Kroll To Resign

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bill McCarthy is calling for the "immediate resignation" of Bob Kroll, who leads the Minneapolis police union. "Bob Kroll has a long history of bigoted remarks and complaints of violence made against him,"McCarthy writes.

"Now, instead of seeking meaningful dialogue or reform to make sure what happened to George Floyd never happens again, Bob Kroll is trying to justify this senseless killing and have the officers involved reinstated. Unions exist to protect workers who have been wronged, not to keep violent people in police ranks. All four police officers involved in George Floyd’s murder must be charged."

In a letter to union members, Kroll wrote recently that the "terrorist movement" in Minneapolis was years in the making, starting with the "minimizing" of the police force and the diverting of funds "to community activists with an anti-police agenda." He also said the media was not discussing Floyd's "violent criminal history."

Kroll is currently working to reinstate the four police officers involved in last week's arrest of George Floyd, including Derek Chauvin, who has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

In addition to the Minnesota AFL-CIO, other officials and community leaders have lambasted Kroll's leadership and blamed him for systematic problems in the police force.

Among them was Minneapolis Police Chief Janeé Harteau, who called for Kroll to "turn in" his badge.

Kroll is an outspoken conservative and supporter of President Donald Trump, which puts him in sharp contrast with the progressive city council and mayor in Minneapolis.

Kroll rallied with Trump when he visited Minneapolis last year.

Kroll's union sold "Cops for Trump" shirts for the rally after the police department banned its officers from wearing their uniforms at political events.

The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis is not a member of the Minnesota AFL-CIO.