This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
On June 7, 2020, a tense scene unfolded at a rally in Minneapolis, where Mayor Jacob Frey faced intense backlash from demonstrators.
As reported by eyewitnesses, the crowd grew restless when Mayor Frey declined to commit to defunding the Minneapolis Police Department, with chants of 'Shame' and 'Go home, Jacob, go home' echoing through the air.
At one point, a protester asked Mayor Frey directly, 'Will you commit to defunding Minneapolis Police Department? Yes or no?' The mayor's hesitation sparked a chorus of boos and demands for him to leave the rally.
As the situation escalated, protesters shouted 'Go home, Jacob!' and 'Shame, shame, shame!' until the mayor eventually departed.
Mayor Frey's decision not to commit to defunding the police came amidst a wave of protests and calls for police reform in the wake of George Floyd's death.
