The decision to charge a Boston Police officer with manslaughter in an on-duty shooting has ignited a political firestorm in Suffolk County, prompting speculation about a potential challenge to District Attorney Kevin Hayden. The unusual move, which officials say is the first of its kind in the city in roughly 30 years, has drawn sharp criticism from the police union and is now fueling conversations about Hayden’s vulnerability as he approaches reelection.
Several prominent figures are reportedly considering a run against Hayden, including former Boston City Councilor Michael Flaherty, ex-Suffolk District Attorney and U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins and Kevin Mullen, who previously served as Hayden’s first assistant district attorney. The potential for a contested primary is growing as the fallout from the manslaughter charge continues to reverberate through the city’s political landscape.
Former DA’s Aide Weighs a Challenge
Kevin Mullen, who resigned from Hayden’s office in early 2023 following disagreements with the DA, confirmed he is weighing a bid to unseat his former boss. While acknowledging the race would be difficult, Mullen said he’s been encouraged by supporters. “I worked in there. I was the first assistant for a while. I’ve been doing this stuff for 31 years and I live in Boston so it would interest me,” he told the Herald. However, he expressed reservations, citing the potential for a bruising campaign and his commitment to his family. “I just don’t think it would work. I’m pretty happy in my practice. I still have two young kids… 18 and 19. But this type of campaign would be ugly, I think, so I would probably not be getting in.”
Mullen was particularly critical of Hayden’s decision to bring charges against Officer Nicholas O’Malley without first presenting the evidence to a grand jury. “Nobody knows what’s on that video except the DA’s office and the police,” Mullen said, referring to body camera footage from the shooting. “That type of case needs to be position in front of a grand jury. Any case like that, when you have an on-duty police shooting, if it’s going to be investigated, it always goes to a grand jury. This was clearly a snap decision. It looks like politics played a part.”
Rollins and Flaherty Remain Silent, But Interest is Reported
Rachael Rollins, who resigned as U.S. Attorney in May 2023 following scrutiny over ethical breaches, is as well being discussed as a potential challenger. Her former campaign manager, Ann Chinchilla DeGeorge, signaled Rollins’ interest in a Facebook post responding to calls for transparency in the shooting investigation. DeGeorge wrote that Hayden’s decision to charge O’Malley was “very weird” and suggested it was motivated by fear of a challenge from Rollins. Rollins’ departure from the U.S. Attorney’s office followed reports detailing abuses of power, including leaking information to influence the previous Suffolk DA race.
Michael Flaherty, a former Boston City Councilor who unsuccessfully ran for mayor in 2009, is also reportedly exploring a run. Sources say his interest increased following the backlash against Hayden from the police community. Flaherty was fired from his position at the Boston Water and Sewer Commission in January 2025 after a brief tenure, receiving a $253,670 severance package.
Neither Rollins nor Flaherty responded to requests for comment.
Police Union Shifts Support
The Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association has publicly signaled its discontent with Hayden’s decision, posting a “Help Wanted” ad on X (formerly Twitter) encouraging candidates to run against him. This marks a significant shift for the union, which had endorsed Hayden four years ago. Larry Calderone, president of the BPPA, has been vocal in his outrage over the manslaughter charge, stating it was the first time in “approximately 30 years” a city police officer has faced criminal charges for an on-duty death.
The Shooting and the Charges
The case centers around the fatal shooting of Stephenson King, 39, following a reported carjacking on March 12, 2026. Officer Nicholas O’Malley, 33, shot King during an encounter in Roxbury. Hayden announced manslaughter charges against O’Malley last Thursday, a decision that immediately sparked controversy. Hayden has maintained that the charges were brought after a “thorough investigation” and were not politically motivated.
Hayden was initially appointed interim Suffolk DA by Gov. Charlie Baker in January 2022, replacing Rollins. He subsequently won a full term, defeating Ricardo Arroyo in the September 2022 primary.
The coming months are likely to see increased activity as potential candidates weigh their options and assess the political landscape. The outcome of this race could significantly shape the future of criminal justice in Suffolk County. The next key date will be the filing deadline for candidates, which is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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