Madison Lake Police Chief faces backlash after controversial Facebook post

MADISON LAKE, Minn. (KMSP) - A southern Minnesota police chief is facing backlash after posting a controversial Facebook video that appears to criticize foreigners.

In a video that has since been deleted from his Facebook page, Madison Lake Police Chief Dan Bunde complains about the many non-English speakers he encountered during a visit to Yellowstone National Park.

The video was sent anonymously to Mankato TV station KEYC yesterday and since then City Administrator Curt Kephart said they've received around a dozen complaints.

"We’re concerned, but it’s not time for snap judgment," Kephart said.

Bunde's comments are being called "racist" and "xenophobic," but the city has yet to launch an internal investigation.

"This man has been chief for 20 years,” said Kephart. “Does somebody all of a sudden turn into a racist? I can tell you personal things that would tell me this guy is not a racist, but people are reading this as a racist comment and I’m not going to argue with that."

While Bunde couldn't be reached for comment, the city says he is still fully employed.

“Anything that reflects badly on the city would be of concern to the city,” said Kephart. “But we make a very strong distinction of things that are represented as a city and people what they do off the city clock." 

When asked if a city official always represents the city, Kephart remained vague.

"It’s an important distinction to say it can become a reflection of the city and let’s just leave it at that," said Kephart.

Kephart says that shouldn't be construed as an endorsement of the chief's comments, as they are in no way reflective of the small southern Minnesota town.

"The community itself is a caring community, and I don’t think the community would like that to be a reflection of the community," said Kephart.

The mayor and city council members were contacted for this story. None returned Fox 9’s phone calls or emails.