Bob Kroll, the polarizing former Minneapolis police union head, is making headlines once again with his pursuit of becoming Minnesota’s next U.S. Marshal under Donald Trump’s second administration. Known for his incendiary rhetoric and controversial actions during his tenure with the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), Kroll’s candidacy has reignited debates about race, justice, and the future of law enforcement in Minnesota.
A Career Marked by Controversy
Kroll’s three-decade career in law enforcement was a cocktail of commendation and condemnation. On the one hand, he collected medals of valor and commendation. On the other, his record was marred by disciplinary issues, lawsuits, and public outrage over his defense of officers accused of misconduct.
From referring to Black Lives Matter as a “terrorist organization” to his divisive comments following the police killing of Jamar Clark, Kroll consistently found himself at odds with community leaders and activists. His fiery support for the officers convicted in George Floyd’s murder further cemented his role as a defender of the status quo in a system many believe needs drastic reform.
Barred but Unbowed
A federal settlement last year barred Kroll from serving in law enforcement roles in Hennepin, Ramsey, and Anoka counties for a decade. The agreement also restricted him from holding leadership positions with the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Despite these limitations, Kroll’s legal team insists the restrictions don’t apply to federal roles, setting the stage for his latest controversial pursuit.
Endorsements and Opposition
Kroll’s bid is backed by prominent law enforcement organizations, including the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association (MPPOA) and the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, which he once led. His supporters describe him as a “blue-collar champion” for rank-and-file officers, emphasizing his negotiation skills and loyalty to patrol officers.
Critics, however, see his candidacy as a slap in the face to communities that have long called for police accountability. Mayor Jacob Frey’s “good riddance” comment following Kroll’s retirement still echoes in the halls of public opinion, and many Minnesotans remain skeptical of his suitability for a role requiring impartiality and justice.
What’s at Stake?
The role of U.S. Marshal is more than a title—it’s a position of power and influence in a state still grappling with the scars of racial injustice. If appointed, Kroll would oversee federal fugitive operations, courthouse security, and prisoner transportation. For many, the idea of Kroll in such a role feels like a regression to a darker chapter of Minnesota’s history.
The Bigger Picture
Kroll’s candidacy underscores the deep divisions in America’s approach to policing and justice. To his supporters, he represents the unapologetic voice of law enforcement, unyielding in the face of criticism. To his detractors, he’s the embodiment of a system resistant to change, accountability, and equity.
Minnesota’s U.S. Marshal Service has only recently begun to reflect the diversity and inclusion demanded by its citizens, with Eddie Frizell becoming the state’s first Black marshal under President Biden. Kroll’s potential appointment threatens to unravel that progress, sparking fears of renewed tension between law enforcement and marginalized communities.
As the process unfolds, one thing is clear: Kroll’s bid is not just about a job—it’s about the soul of law enforcement in Minnesota and the nation.
Credit: Stephen Montemayor and Liz Sawyer – The Minnesota Star Tribune