COLUMBUS, Ohio — The mayor of Columbus has forced out the police chief amid cries of racial injustice and continued anger over the killing of Andre Hill.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, a Democrat, announced the removal Thursday of Police Chief Thomas Quinlan.
It became clear to me that Chief Quinlan could not successfully implement the reform and change I expect and that the community demands. Columbus residents have lost faith in him and in Division’s ability to change on its own. Chief Quinlan understood. He agreed to step back, so the city can move forward. I appreciate Chief Quinlan’s service to the community and the changes he was able to implement in his time as chief.
Ginther said it had become clear to him that Quinlan could not implement the changes that Ginther wanted.
Ginther said Columbus residents have lost faith in Quinlan and the police department's ability to change by itself.
Quinlan said while he hoped to remain in the position, he respects the decision.
Quinlan released the following statement Thursday afternoon:
The opportunity to serve as your Chief of Police has been the honor of my career. While I very much hoped to continue in that role, I respect the Safety Director’s decision, and the community’s need to go in a different direction. We accomplished a lot in my time as Chief. We implemented dozens of reforms geared toward accountability, transparency, and strengthening public trust. Someone else will now carry those priorities forward, and I will help and support them in any way I can. In my three decades of service to Columbus, my commitment has never been to any title or position. It has been to this Division and this community I love. That will not change.
