Minneapolis police commander out over 'despicable' tree
Source: Associated Press
Updated 10:47 pm CST, Monday, December 3, 2018
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The commander of a Minneapolis police precinct has been replaced following the uproar over Christmas tree decorations that the mayor said amounted to a "racist display."
Minneapolis Police spokesman John Elder confirmed Monday that inspector Aaron Biard had been removed as commander of the Fourth Precinct on the city's north side. Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said in a statement that Assistant Chief Mike Kjos will be responsible for the precinct's day-to-day operations until a replacement is found.
Kjos previously served as the precinct's commander, the Star Tribune reported.
Two Minneapolis officers were placed on paid leave Friday for their apparent involvement in the decorations. The Christmas tree at the precinct station was decorated with items such as Newport cigarettes, police crime tape, a can of malt liquor and a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen cup.
Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Minneapolis-police-commander-out-over-13440888.php
Aaron Biard
Change of leadership at 4th Precinct after 'racist' Christmas tree incident
A new interim inspector has been appointed to run the precinct.
ADAM UREN 7 HOURS AGO
. . .
Biard initially told Minneapolis City Council member Phillipe Cunningham that the ornaments had been placed on the tree by an unnamed officer as a "prank."
Mayor Jacob Frey, who vowed on Friday that the officer responsible would be fired, issued the following statement in response to Arradondo's move: "I support Chief Arradondo’s decision, and it reflects his resolve to make meaningful change."
It's not clear what will happen to Biard, who took over as the 4th Precinct inspector in summer 2017.
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/change-of-leadership-at-4th-precinct-after-racist-christmas-tree-incident
= new reply since forum marked as read
pretty much everywhere. 
Thanks for this follow-up on the story Judi Lynn! 