Fargo, N.D. – The mayor of Fargo is confirming an elected leader was recently told to avoid speaking directly to officers about policing matters, and is only permitted to go through the police chief.
Appearing on The Flag on Wednesday, Mayor Tim Mahoney was presented with a listener email that claimed the directive was given to City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg.
“We’re trying to get Michelle to talk to whoever’s in charge and that’s the police chief,” Mahoney confirmed, adding Police Chief David Zibolski himself made the request.
As far as the reason why, Mahoney claimed that Turnberg “has come up with ideas sometimes that are not true.”
Listen: Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney on The Flag
“We were having some talks about chokeholds,” said Mahoney. “We don’t have chokeholds in our department. She claimed we did after talking to some officers.”
Mahoney claims the chief has given his phone number to Turnberg and has tried “numerous times to set up meetings and she has not made those meetings.”
“You have to get the right story out there and the chief doesn’t want misinformation.”
Flag Family News reached out for comment from Turnberg, who responded by email with a sense of dismay and didn’t mince words about the chief and the mayor.
“To say I’m disgusted is an understatement,” Turnberg said in part in a written response. “This is very disappointing.”
On The Flag the following morning on Thursday, Turnberg said she would not comply with the directive.
Listen: Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg on The Flag
“I am not here to make friends,” said Turnberg. “I’m not here to pump someone’s ego up. I’m here to find out what’s going on and to do the best for residents of Fargo.”
Disputing the accusations about chokehold discussions, Turnberg clarified by saying she was talking about a tactic used by Minneapolis police officers in the George Floyd case, in which officers use knees to control suspects who are detained.
“The chief has stated things that are untrue and many in the department are extremely unhappy with leadership,” said Turnberg in her written statement.
Turnberg, who said during the Thursday radio interview she has met once with the chief and assistant chief, also told Flag Family News by email she has since reached out to Zibolski “with no reply” accusing the chief of being “difficult to work with.”
“I stand by all I have said and am very concerned about our officers.”
Flag Family News reached out for a response from the police department on Wednesday.
The public safety information office was provided quotes from Turnberg, who sent written responses to Flag Family News for comment about Mahoney’s initial interview.
Turnberg’s statements included comments about both Mahoney and Zibolski. Flag Family News shared the statements made about Zibolski with the city.
The following day on Thursday, the public safety public information team requested a “copy of the full interview” between the news department and Turnberg.
Flag Family News responded by saying the full email communication would not be shared, but instead provided additional information which included an audio file of the Thursday interview with Turnberg on The Flag.
The public safety PIO then provided the following statement below from Chief Zibolski:
“I was recently made aware that Commissioner Turnberg shared concerns during an email exchange with WDAY Radio. In an effort to provide a fair and informed response, I requested access to the full conversation. That request was not granted. Without the full context, there’s a risk of misinterpretation that can unintentionally affect transparency and trust.
As Chief of Police, I take my responsibilities seriously. I lead this department with integrity and a commitment to transparency, accountability and public safety. I have always welcomed — and will continue to welcome — communication from elected officials, responding appropriately through the established channels. These conversations provide important opportunities to discuss concerns, verify facts and clarify information. I have addressed many such concerns from commissioners in the past and worked collaboratively to reach resolutions.
I will not engage in political disputes or personal attacks. My focus remains on supporting our officers, protecting the public and maintaining the trust of the Fargo community. That focus will not waiver — no matter the political pressure or personal agendas involved. I stand by the integrity of my leadership, shaped by 41 years of policing experience and supported by the consistent professionalism of this department.
We will continue doing the important work the public expects from us: serving professionally, responding with integrity and remaining committed to the people of Fargo.”
