In a PBS interview, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara explained that one problem he believes Minneapolis is facing is the presence of legal firearms.

“The bottom line is we have to acknowledge that guns are designed to kill people. That’s what they’re for,” O’Hara said.

O’Hara, originally from New Jersey, took over as police chief in November 2022 following the retirement of Medaria Arradondo. In a January interview with Mpls.-St. Paul Magazine, O’Hara said there is evidence that “even just legal sales have an effect on the supply of guns available to be used in crimes.”