Miami decides to fire Police Chief Art Acevedo and end a short but tumultuous tenure

City Manager Art Noriega moved to fire embattled Police Chief Art Acevedo Monday night, ending weeks of speculation following two circus-like public hearings where city commissioners slammed the chief for everything from a tone-deaf statement about “Cuban Mafia” running the department to a tight jumpsuit he wore years ago during a fundraiser in another city.

Technically, the manager suspended Acevedo pending termination — forcing an almost-sure-to-lose hearing before a five-member commission with three vocal critics who appear likely to support his ouster after his tumultuous six months in charge.

The suspension came three weeks after Acevedo inflamed a trio of the Cuban-American commissioner by accusing them of interfering with police investigations and comparing their actions to Communist Cuba. His short tenure has been filled with controversial decisions and gaffes like posing for a picture with one of the South Florida leaders of the white nationalist group the Proud Boys.

Noriega released a statement early Monday evening saying the situation between Acevedo, 57, and the city had become “untenable.”

Read more: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article254651372.html