Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floyd

Upon the fifth anniversary of the murder of George Floyd comes an account of leadership, justice, and race by Medaria "Rondo" Arradondo, the first Black police chief of Minnesota.

On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police. Soon, the city and the entire nation erupted with the most destructive and costly civil unrest since the Los Angeles riots twenty-eight years earlier. Standing steadfast in the middle was Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo, a man who understood from an early age that while police could be heroes, they could also be threats, especially to Black men like himself.

Chief Rondo is Rondo’s firsthand account of the events before, during, and after the killing of George Floyd, offering insights into his leadership and the impact on American policing. He reveals the challenges of working against the “blue wall,” which shielded police from accountability, and inspires all leaders pursuing justice within flawed systems.

In 2020, when Chief Rondo led a troubled department facing a national crisis, he put accountability first. Instead of walking the line between Black and Blue, he drew a line between right and wrong, leading to the convictions of officers Derek Chauvin, Thomas Lane, J. Alexander Kueng, and Tou Thao.

Chief Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo was appointed as Minneapolis’ first Black Chief of Police in 2017. He has gained national recognition for his role in leading Black and Blue through the George Floyd crisis, securing justice and implementing reforms while enhancing transparency. National awareness of Rondo’s role in bringing justice for George Floyd led to his appearances on 60 Minutes, Real Time with Bill Maher, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, NBC and NPR. Rondo retired in 2022 after 32 years of service and now serves as President and CEO of Optimus Sui Consulting, LLC. He remains active as a Minneapolis Public Housing Commissioner and Executive Board Member of Fentanyl Free Communities. Through his consulting firm, Rondo advises a range of clients, including major corporations and organizations, on leadership and social justice. His upcoming film documentary, RONDO, will expand on his leadership through the George Floyd crisis and his time as police chief. 

Jennifer Amie is a born-and-raised South Minneapolis native. A writer with deep roots as both a magazine journalist and a staff writer for educational institutions, she specializes in the worlds of art, culture, nature, science, and people who are catalysts of change. She received a BA from Reed College and an MA in journalism from the University of Minnesota, and currently resides in Portland, Oregon.