In a video that has now been widely circulated on social media, Frey can be seen — while wearing a protective mask against Covid-19 — on his knee beside the casket sobbing during the Thursday ceremony that was attended by high-profile politicians and activists, along with people who actually knew Floyd.

While politicians showing tears in public can be a welcome sight for voters, Frey’s heaving and crying has been seen as little more than crocodile tears on social media, with some calling it a “theatrical performance.” 

“Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey weeping uncontrollably at George Floyd’s funeral is one of the weirdest performative things I’ve ever seen a politician do,” one Twitter user wrote.