In 2020, as the police chief of Minneapolis, I found myself at the center of a significant moral upheaval that resonated worldwide following George Floyd’s murder. His life was tragically cut short beneath the knee of an officer, while three others stood by without intervening.
During this tumultuous time, the entire law enforcement profession was under scrutiny. I was caught in the clash between the blue of the police and the black of my identity as a Black man, feeling the weight of both worlds.
Despite this, I never felt my loyalty was divided. My role remained unchanged: to serve all citizens of the city and uphold the laws and constitution I had sworn to protect for over three decades.
As police chief, my duty was to seek justice. I didn’t have to take a side. Yes, the infamous blue wall of silence has shielded officers from accountability for too long. It was painful to be perceived as an adversary by my community, but I took action. The officers involved were swiftly dismissed, and I became the first police chief in U.S. history to openly condemn one of my own. I testified during the landmark trial that followed.
My allegiance was to the 430,000 citizens of Minneapolis.
Public servants must remain vigilant against potential conflicts of interest. Leaders in the public sector have obligations to all constituents—not just those who support them or work with them politically—but also to those who challenge or protest against us.
Even though the mayor had the power to fire me, my loyalty was not to him or the city council. We were partners in seeking justice, and I was prepared to resign if the situation demanded it. My career path was not the primary concern; what mattered far more was the larger stakes involved. I could find another job, but I couldn’t rewrite history or ease my conscience about what transpired.
Leaders regularly face circumstances outside their control, and often their options are limited to bad or worse. Nonetheless, they must make those tough decisions and stand by them.
In the summer of 2020, I encountered a decision as a police chief that I had never anticipated. Should I capitulate to an enraged crowd or use force to maintain order? Thousands surrounded the police precinct, and amidst the chaos, we faced violence, including thrown rocks and Molotov cocktails. Gunfire echoed in the distance, and it became obvious we didn’t have the resources to safeguard our precincts.
Inside, my officers were making emergency calls as the crowd attempted to breach the door. I informed the mayor of the dire situation and chose to evacuate the precinct. Within moments of their withdrawal, that building was engulfed in flames. Few realized just how close we were to an armed confrontation between our officers and the enraged public.
I faced backlash from both sides of the political spectrum for my actions. I experienced public humiliation and media condemnation. Yet, I still stand by my choice. In that crisis, my focus wasn’t on asserting authority or protecting property; it was about preserving lives—considering everyone’s existence mattered that day, especially when it came to both officers and civilians.
When history calls upon you, it’s easy to mutter, “I didn’t sign up for this.” It’s a massive responsibility, especially in times of unprecedented pressure.
Not everyone rises to the occasion, but for those who step forward, we know that history will remember those who stood up and spoke the truth—even if they did so in solitude.
Today, countless institutions—from schools to governmental agencies and businesses—are navigating monumental changes. Their leaders and frontline workers are confronted with challenging choices that test their loyalties and sense of purpose. Core values must be central, particularly in times like these. Values can’t be toggled on and off; if they are compromised, the integrity of an organization erodes, making recovery difficult.
Many organizations view crises merely as fires to extinguish, rather than as signals for necessary transformation. The summer of 2020 revealed how crises can expose character and spur change. The actions leaders take during such moments define their identities.
The worst misstep for a leader is silence when action is imperative. Throughout my career, I’ve maintained that “integrity is not situational.” This belief guided me through one of the most heart-wrenching chapters in our nation’s history, empowering me to speak out for those in power and to stand firm against internal resistance, national outrage, and political pressure. I didn’t carve out my legacy with mere words; it was built on action.
History has always been filled with uncertainty and chaos, and we find ourselves in such a time now. To those feeling disillusioned by the system or unsure about their influence, I say: Change is possible when we show up in crucial moments, honor our shared humanity, and act with valor.
Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo served as the chief of the Minneapolis Police Department from 2017 to 2022. His new memoir discusses his experiences surrounding George Floyd’s death.
