Democratic Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey sent a Memorial Day message honoring George Floyd hours before commemorating U.S. troops who died while serving.
“Today, we remember George Floyd, who was murdered by a former Minneapolis police officer six years ago,” Frey posted on X shortly after 10 a.m. eastern time. “That moment changed our city forever.”
Today, we remember George Floyd, who was murdered by a former Minneapolis police officer six years ago.
That moment changed our city forever.
— Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) May 25, 2026
He followed up with four additional tweets, arguing that Minneapolis was forced to “confront painful truths about race, policing, inequity, and trust” and celebrating his administration’s work on police reform.
Frey’s replies were filled with X users pointing out that he had not yet said anything about the true purpose of Memorial Day. (RELATED: INGERSOLL: Let’s Remember George Floyd This Memorial Day, For Good Reason)
“That’s your message on the day we memorialize those who gave their lives fighting for our freedom? THIS is your post? Disgusting,” radio host Joe Pagliarulo said.
“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,” sports commentator Jon Root replied.
It wasn’t until over two hours later that Frey made a post honoring troops who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave service members who gave their lives for our country and the freedoms we enjoy today. We owe them — and the families who carry their memory forward — our deepest gratitude,” Frey wrote.
Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave service members who gave their lives for our country and the freedoms we enjoy today.
We owe them — and the families who carry their memory forward — our deepest gratitude. pic.twitter.com/v8I2tuzr77
— Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) May 25, 2026
The Michael Knowles Show pointed out that Frey made five posts for Floyd and just one for fallen service members. (RELATED: George Floyd Protesters To Get $10 Million From Seattle In Lawsuit Settlement)
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s autopsy report ruled Floyd’s death on May 25, 2020, a homicide due to police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck, but cited preexisting heart problems and drug abuse as contributing factors.
Nationwide protests broke out following Floyd’s death, causing dozens of deaths and costing nearly $1 billion in damage.