In open defiance of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, the union that represents the city’s roughly 900 rank-and-file police officers announced that it is partnering with a national police organization to offer free “warrior-style” training for any officer who wants it.

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The warrior-style training most recently came under scrutiny after the fatal police shooting of Philando Castile during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights three summers ago.

Jeronimo Yanez, the former St. Anthony police officer who was later acquitted for shooting Castile, attended a two-day training course called “The Bulletproof Warrior,” which critics said trains officers to consider everyone and everything a potential threat.

Arradondo said at the time that the department doesn’t currently train officers in such techniques. It’s unclear how many officers have undergone the training in the past.

In 2007 Kroll was named in a lawsuit four black police officers — including the current chief — brought against the Minneapolis Police Department for discrimination.

As examples of Kroll's prejudicial treatment, the complaint said Kroll openly wore a "white power" patch sewn into his motorcycle jacket. Kroll is reportedly a member of the City Heat Motorcycle Club, which has been cited by the Anti-Defamation League for its white power connections.

The lawsuit also said Kroll referred to black and Muslim US Rep. Keith Ellison as "a terrorist" in the presence of other officers.

The city eventually settled the lawsuit for $740,000.