A US flag burns in South Minneapolis. Photo:StarTribune/Getty
George Floyd’s death and the Minneapolis riots
By Patryk Krych | The World Daily | MAY 30th 2020
A string of protests have broken out across many U.S. states, following the tragic death of George Floyd, killed at the hands of a police officer during his time in custody. In Atlanta, the protests have turned particularly violent
Outrage over African-American relations had been rekindled on Monday, following footage released of a police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on the neck of an unarmed George Floyd as he pleaded “I can’t breathe.”
Floyd's arrest was instigated as police officers were responding to a call from a grocery store, which claimed Mr Floyd had used a forged 20$ note to purachase cigarettes.
Chauvin had recently been arrested as a result of his riot-inspiring actions, after having been fired alongside three other officers. Chauvin was also charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, said the Hennepin County Prosecutor, Mike Freeman. He also added that we can "anticipate charges" for the three other officers who were present at the scene during the time of the murder, but no further details have been disclosed just yet.
Prosecutor Freeman went on to further state for the record that his office had “charged this case as quickly as evidence has been presented to us,” whilst also adding that “this is by far the fastest that we've ever charged a police officer.”
Thousands took to the streets in Minneapolis to protest against the death of George Floyd, killed by a white cop (Picture:Getty/AP)
Days of looting and arson in the Minnesota city erupted soon after the incident, sparked by nationwide outrage that soon spread into other American states in the form of protests. Some more peaceful, like those in Los Angeles to New York where protestors marched along the streets. Others became far more violent, such as in Atlanta, where police cars were set ablaze, and windows were broken and smashed in CNN News’ Headquarters building.
Pepper spray was used against protestors in Phoenix, Arizona, after hundreds had gathered and chanted Floyd’s dying words – “I can’t breathe.” Seven people ended up hospitalised in Louisville, Kentucky, with gunshot wounds, following heavy destruction of property and chaos. Over 50 arrests were made in Manhattan, New York, and many police officers had been hospitalised with concussions ranging from mild to severe.
“We risk our lives going to the grocery store, going to get gas,” said protestor Kaity Brackett, 27, who expressed her belief that the justice systems in America were in need of harsh overview, starting with policing. “This is more important than all of that.”
The White House had to be placed into lockdown, after a protest had stirred up outside of its gates on Friday evening. People chanting “I can’t breathe” had gathered. US President Donald Trump spoke out on the incident, referring to it as “a terrible, terrible thing.” He also expressed that he had spoken to Mr Floyd's family with apologies, referring to them as “terrific people”.
Mr Floyd’s family, along with their lawyer, had also spoken out on the issue, calling for the prompt arrest of the other three officers present at the scene during the incident, as well as a more serious first-degree murder charge.
Their lawyer, Benjamin Crump, said in his statement that “Today, George Floyd's family is having to explain to his children why their father was executed by police on video,” and also added that “If we want our children to grow up in a nation that lives up to its highest ideals, we can and must be better.”
By Patryk Krych | © The World Daily 2020
