Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey faced widespread backlash on Memorial Day after beginning the holiday with a series of posts honoring George Floyd hours before acknowledging American service members who died in combat.
Frey first posted about Floyd shortly after 10 a.m. eastern time Monday morning, marking the six-year anniversary of Floyd’s death in Minneapolis police custody.
“Today, we remember George Floyd, who was murdered by a former Minneapolis police officer six years ago,” Frey wrote on X. “That moment changed our city forever.”
The Democratic mayor then followed the initial message with four additional posts discussing Floyd’s death, racial “inequities,” policing reforms and changes implemented by his administration since the 2020 riots and the unrest that followed Floyd’s death.
Frey wrote that Minneapolis had been forced to “confront painful truths about race, policing, inequity, and trust.”
Critics accused the mayor of ignoring the actual purpose of Memorial Day — honoring American military personnel who died serving the country — while prioritizing divisive political messaging.
Radio host Joe Pagliarulo condemned Frey’s initial posts.
“That’s your message on the day we memorialize those who gave their lives fighting for our freedom? THIS is your post? Disgusting,” Pagliarulo wrote.
Sports commentator Jon Root similarly criticized the mayor for focusing on Floyd before fallen troops.
“Today is Memorial Day for the brave men & women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, not memorial day for criminal drug addicts who sparked some of the most destructive race riots and racist policy decisions of our lifetime,” Root posted.
More than two hours after his original Floyd message, Frey eventually posted a separate statement honoring the military.
“Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave service members who gave their lives for our country and the freedoms we enjoy today,” Frey wrote. “We owe them — and the families who carry their memory forward — our deepest gratitude.”
Critics nevertheless pointed out the contrast in emphasis.
Conservative commentator Michael Knowles noted that Frey made five separate posts about Floyd compared to only one honoring fallen American troops.
Floyd died on May 25, 2020, after then-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck during an arrest. Chauvin was later convicted of murder and sentenced to prison, though the outcome is still highly disputed.
Floyd’s death triggered massive nationwide protests, riots and unrest throughout 2020, leading to widespread property destruction, violent clashes and renewed political battles over policing, race and criminal consequences.
Insurance industry estimates later placed riot-related damages from the 2020 unrest at nearly $1 billion, making it one of the most destructive periods of civil unrest in modern American history.
Minneapolis itself became a central symbol of the national debate after large portions of the city were damaged during riots that followed Floyd’s death, including the destruction of a Minneapolis police precinct.
Frey has remained closely associated with the city’s response to the riots and subsequent policing reforms, often defending efforts to reshape law enforcement while drawing criticism from both the left and right.
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