The man who led the Minneapolis Police Department’s (MPD) press office during the murder of George Floyd in 2020 has been elected mayor of New Hope.
John Elder, who served as MPD’s public information officer from 2013 until his resignation in 2021, wrote the now-controversial press release published in the immediate aftermath of Floyd’s death.
Elder, who has been a member of New Hope’s City Council since 2008, was declared the winner Tuesday after beating fellow councilor Jonathan London by over 1,600 votes, per CCX Media.
The publication notes that a special election will now be required to fill his council seat. Elder will replace current mayor Kathi Hemken.
The George Floyd news release
Released in the hours after Floyd’s death, MPD’s statement, posted below, later came under criticism for omitting key details about the incident:
May 25, 2020 (MINNEAPOLIS) On Monday evening, shortly after 8:00 pm, officers from the Minneapolis Police Department responded to the 3700 block of Chicago Avenue South on a report of a forgery in progress. Officers were advised that the suspect was sitting on top of a blue car and appeared to be under the influence.
Two officers arrived and located the suspect, a male believed to be in his 40s, in his car. He was ordered to step from his car. After he got out, he physically resisted officers. Officers were able to get the suspect into handcuffs and noted he appeared to be suffering medical distress. Officers called for an ambulance. He was transported to Hennepin County Medical Center by ambulance where he died a short time later.
At no time were weapons of any type used by anyone involved in this incident.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has been called in to investigate this incident at the request of the Minneapolis Police Department.
No officers were injured in the incident.
Body worn cameras were on and activated during this incident.